FAQs: The Permission Slip
What is it?
Nathan Haefer likes to call the Exclusive Right to Represent form his permission slip from you, because it’s now a legal requirement that documents you give Haefer Homes the right to “conduct substantial real estate activities,” like searching for you and texting you properties. The form has always been used by Haefer Homes as an industry “best practice” and recommended by the National Association of REALTORS®. As of August 2024, the Department of Justice requires a representation form be signed prior to showing a real estate in the United States of America.
Go here for official information: www.nar.realtor/the-facts/nar-settlement-faqs#consumer
Keep in mind that we have a unique easy exit policy that puts the pressure on us to preform for you without question. We call this our Exceptional Service Policy, which is provided on this page.
What does the form say in common English?
1. What you’re hiring your Haefer Homes REALTOR® to help you buy.
2. Term: The date you start working and the date of expiration. Legally, this can only be 12 months, but can be renewed at any time with a new form. We typically assign them to expire at midnight on January 1st to stay within federal compliance.
3. Broker’s Duties: The REALTOR® agrees to help you find a suitable property and act in your best interest. The REALTOR® must keep your personal and financial information confidential unless you give written permission to share it. They must avoid any conflict of interest with the seller. The REALTOR® doesn’t have to search beyond what they normally find in the course of business and may also work with other buyers looking at the same property.
4. Buyer’s Duties: You agree to work exclusively with your REALTOR® for the buying experience, provide necessary information, and inform sellers or other agents that your REALTOR® represents you.
5. Broker Compensation: How your REALTOR® earns a paycheck and how much it will be. This is typically covered by the seller at closing. All commissions are negotiable and must be agreeable by all parties. Your REALTOR® may accept less from the seller than what is in the form, but cannot be paid more without your permission. If you buy a property within 90 days after this agreement ends—and it was shown or described to you by the Haefer Homes REALTOR® during the agreement—the broker is still due their compensation, unless you’ve signed with another brokerage.
6. Dual vs. Designated Agency: Your Haefer Homes REALTOR® does not typically engage in Dual Agency, where the same REALTOR® represents both the seller and the buyer simultaneously. In most circumstances, another agent will be designated to help one of the parties so that confidential negotiations can commence. You will be notified in writing if a Dual Agency or a Designated Agency situation arises.
7. Additional Disclosures About Dual Agency: If dual agency occurs, the REALTOR® can’t advise either party on things like what to offer, property condition, or how to handle disputes. If no deal is made, dual agency ends. The buyer understands the REALTOR® can’t fully represent both sides. The buyer can hire their own attorney or agent if needed. If the buyer hires one, they can choose to let the REALTOR® stay involved as a dual agent (with consent) or limit the agent’s role to just that property. The broker still gets paid either way.
8. Recording in a Property: Assume you’re always being recorded — don’t talk good or bad about a property, and don’t talk about negotiation tactics while you’re at the property.
9. Miscellaneous: Your REALTOR® is a REALTOR® — not a lawyer, tax advisor, inspector, or any other profession. If they do have inspector credentials, they are acting only as your REALTOR® and cannot act as your inspector.
10. E-signatures: Both parties agree that modern technology to sign is just as valid as old technology to sign.
What is the Exceptional Service Policy?
At Haefer Homes, we believe your experience should be so exceptional that you’d never dream of working with anyone else. But just in case it’s not a perfect match, we offer our easy exit policy—no fees, no penalties, no pressure. It’s a unilateral agreement for your benefit. This policy exists to keep your interests first and foremost. We’re committed to serving with integrity, clarity, and professionalism—every step of the way.
- If, at any time before we help you secure your dream home or successfully negotiate a deal in your favor, you feel we’re not the right fit, you may terminate the employment. Just notify your Haefer Homes REALTOR® and we will promptly issue a Termination of Representation.
- There are no fees or penalties for ending the agreement early under this policy.
- The agreement is valid for a specific period (usually through January 1st for federal compliance) but can be renewed at any time with a new signature.
- Compensation is typically paid by the seller at closing, but is always negotiable and must be agreed upon by all parties. Your REALTOR® may accept less than the amount listed in the agreement, but cannot receive more without your written consent.
- If we showed or discussed a property with you during the term of our agreement, and you purchase that property within 90 days after the agreement ends, we are still entitled to compensation—unless you have signed with another brokerage.
- As a thank-you, Haefer Homes provides a free 1-Year Home Warranty when the full commission listed in the Exclusive Right to Represent Agreement is earned, unless otherwise agreed.
Why do I need this form now?
Buying real estate is one of the largest investments you’ll ever make, and the Exclusive Right to Represent form is designed to protect your interests. It outlines your agent’s fiduciary responsibility to you, ensuring professionalism, confidentiality, and a commitment to act in your best interest at every step of the home-buying process
When do I need to sign this?
Before your REALTOR® can engage in any “substantial real-estate related activities.” including showings, professional searches, and negotiations.
What can my REALTOR® do before I sign this?
Your REALTOR® can answer basic questions and provide general information, but cannot perform substantial real estate services—like scheduling showings, writing offers, or negotiating—until you’ve signed him an official permission slip
Where can I get more information?
More information is available through the National Association of REALTORS® website at www.nar.realtor/the-facts/nar-settlement-faqs#consumer
I lost the link to the Docusign?
Call Nathan Haefer at 434-944-6982 or email him directly at nathan@haeferhomes.com.