Greater Austin · Relocation
The short answer
Before relocating, ask Barrett Raven of Raven Residential Group at eXp Realty, (512) 855-2713, for a written buyer agreement spelling out services, representation, exclusivity, termination date and compensation. Read how payment is determined and how you can exit. Texas requires an agreement before a showing by an agent working for you, and broker compensation is negotiable. Barrett helps relocating buyers organize their Greater Austin search and the questions to settle before a tour.
Three things to settle first
- 1 Services and representation. Write down what help you expect and whether the agent represents you. A showing-only agreement provides no advice and must be non-exclusive and end within 14 days.
- 2 Term and exclusivity. Find the end date and whether you are committing exclusively. TREC's guidance sets a 14-day limit only for showing-only agreements and does not set a maximum term or an early-exit rule for representation agreements, so your agreement's own dates and exit terms control.
- 3 Compensation and exit. Identify the amount or rate, how it is determined, and the terms for ending the agreement. Broker compensation is fully negotiable.
When do I need a written agreement with an Austin agent?
A written agreement is required before your agent shows you a residential property, or before presenting an offer if no property is shown. That Texas requirement took effect January 1, 2026, under Occupations Code 1101.563. TREC explains the buyer agreement requirement and says an agent cannot show the property if the buyer refuses to sign.
You're going to want the agreement in hand before the appointment. If your agent will run a live video tour for you, ask in writing how it is handled under your agreement, and get the agreement settled first. Discuss the terms before you sign.
The agreement should state services, termination date, exclusivity, whether the license holder represents you, and the compensation amount or rate and how it is determined. It must conspicuously disclose that broker compensation is not set by law and is fully negotiable. Ask about anything you don't understand before signing.
Does a showing-only agreement give me an advisor?
A showing-only agreement lets an agent show property without representing you, but it does not give you advice. Under the Texas analysis of the buyer agreement law, that agreement must be non-exclusive and end within 14 days. The agent may confirm size, price and terms, but may not give opinions or advice or perform other brokerage acts under that arrangement.
That can be useful if you only want to see a property and understand the limited role. Here's the deal: if you're choosing an area from a distance and want someone to discuss neighborhood fit, an offer or inspection questions with you, a showing-only arrangement does not provide that representation. Ask about a representation agreement and read what services it actually includes before you count on that help.
Decide whether you want someone to open a door or advise you as you make decisions. The questions for choosing an Austin relocation agent can help you interview someone. Ask which agreement provides the help you want.
What should the agreement say about compensation and ending it?
Your agreement spells out the compensation amount or rate and how it is determined, along with its termination date. Ask whether you would owe compensation, when that obligation could arise, and how the agreement treats a seller's or another party's contribution. The answer depends on the written terms.
Here's the deal: the required disclosure says broker compensation is not set by law and is fully negotiable. You can ask to change the proposed amount or rate and discuss how it is determined before signing. Get the agreed terms in writing.
Read the exit terms as carefully as the end date. TREC's guidance sets a 14-day limit only for showing-only agreements and does not set a maximum term or an early-exit rule for representation agreements, so your agreement's own dates and exit terms control. Ask what notice is required, who can release you and whether obligations survive cancellation. If you need legal advice, ask a Texas real estate attorney before signing.
What should my agent put in writing for a remote home search?
A remote search needs a written working plan covering who will preview homes, who will show them and how you will receive updates. An agreement defines the relationship, while a practical plan makes the day-to-day work easier to discuss. Ask whether the person you interview will be your main contact and who steps in if that person is unavailable.
A video tour can help you eliminate a home without traveling, but the camera only shows what it captures. Tell your agent what you need to see, from the layout to the surroundings, and ask how unanswered questions will be reported.
Put communication expectations in writing: response time, how you prefer updates and what happens when you're unavailable. Our guide to buying an Austin home without visiting helps frame those questions. Ask how your remote preview fits the services in that agreement.
What is the Information About Brokerage Services notice?
The Information About Brokerage Services notice explains brokerage relationships and is a separate document to read alongside your agreement. TREC's notice page says a license holder must provide it at the first substantive communication about a proposed transaction involving specific real property, subject to limited exceptions. The current version, IABS 1-2, took effect January 1, 2026.
The notice explains possible brokerage relationships. Your agreement spells out the services, compensation and end date, so read the documents together.
A conversation from outside the area can move quickly from introductions to a specific property. Ask the agent to explain any unfamiliar language, and mention any existing representation.
How can I check an Austin agent's license?
You can search a Texas agent by name or license number using TREC's License Holder Search. Barrett's identifying information is TX Real Estate License #639278. Check the current result for status, expiration and sponsoring broker instead of relying on a screenshot or a marketing profile.
TREC's license search guidance explains the disciplinary search line: if disciplinary actions exist, a link appears on the result; if it does not appear, none have been taken. The license search won't tell you whether an agent's services fit your move, so discuss those too.
Compare the name on the agreement with the people you expect to work with. Ask who will answer your questions and conduct your showings.
How do I protect inspection time when I am out of town?
A written deadline plan gives you time to arrange an inspection and decide during the negotiated option period. TREC explains that, after the agreed option fee is paid, you may terminate for any reason by written notice during that period. There's no two ways about it: the option fee is not refunded if you terminate in time, while the earnest money is refunded under the resale form.
In TREC's resale contract effective July 1, 2026, earnest money and the option fee are delivered to the escrow agent within 3 days after the effective date, with an extension if the last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. Option-period termination notice must be given by 5:00 p.m. local time. If no option fee is stated or it is paid late, the unrestricted termination right is lost. Check the actual contract and its dates with your agent; other forms can differ.
Before an offer, ask who will schedule inspector access and how you'll receive the report. Put the effective date, payment delivery and decision deadline on a shared calendar. Confirm the dates and notice method with your agent.
Can I sign closing documents without traveling to Austin?
Remote signing may be possible, but ask your title company and lender whether you can sign remotely for your particular closing. Texas law recognizes online notarization using video and audio technology, as described in the Texas Government Code provisions. That does not establish that every document or closing can be completed remotely.
Ask the title company what signing methods it supports, what identification and technology you need, and when it needs an answer. Ask your lender about its documents too. Make a travel plan if they cannot confirm a remote arrangement.
Keep closing separate from your property tour and inspection plan. A remote preview, an electronic document and an online notarization are different steps. Share your location and availability, then ask the title company and lender for their requirements in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I tour a home before signing a buyer agreement?
Not with an agent working for you. An agent from the listing brokerage hosting an open house does not need one, but any agent who shows you homes on your behalf does. Since January 1, 2026, a Texas license holder working with a residential buyer needs a written agreement before showing a property, or before presenting an offer if no property is shown. Ask to review the proposed terms before the appointment, including whether the agreement provides representation or only a showing.
Is a showing-only agreement exclusive?
No. A showing-only agreement must be non-exclusive and end within 14 days. It does not make the agent your representative or provide opinions and advice. If you want help evaluating neighborhoods, offers or inspections, ask about a representation agreement and read its services and terms before signing.
Is the agent's compensation fixed by Texas law?
No. Broker compensation is not set by law and is fully negotiable. The agreement must state the amount or rate and how it is determined, and conspicuously disclose that compensation is negotiable. Ask how the proposed language applies to your transaction and what you could owe under the agreement.
Can I cancel my buyer representation agreement early?
That depends on the agreement. TREC does not set a maximum term for a representation agreement or address early termination. Read the termination date and the actual cancellation language, including notice and any continuing obligations. Ask for clarification before signing and consult a Texas real estate attorney if you need legal advice.
Does a video tour replace an inspection?
No. A video tour can help you see a property from a distance, but it captures only what is shown and does not answer every property question. Ask how an inspector will get access, when the report will be available and how you will review it within your contract's negotiated deadlines.
What deadlines should I track for the option period?
Track the effective date, delivery of earnest money and the option fee, and the deadline for written termination notice. In TREC's resale contract effective July 1, 2026, both payments are due within 3 days after the effective date, subject to the specified weekend and holiday extension. Check your own form and dates with your agent.
Can I close from another location?
Possibly. Ask your title company and lender whether you can sign remotely for your particular closing and what documents, identification and technology they require. Texas recognizes online notarization, but that alone does not mean every closing can use it. Make travel arrangements if the parties cannot confirm a remote option.
About Barrett Raven
Local context for your decision
Raven Residential Group at eXp Realty
TX Real Estate License #639278
Barrett Raven is the founder and team lead of Raven Residential Group with eXp Realty, TX Real Estate License #639278, serving Greater Austin. He helps relocating buyers organize their search and questions about representation and property decisions. This article is general information, not legal, tax or lending advice.
Sources and further reading
- TREC buyer and tenant representation changes
- Texas Senate analysis of buyer agreement law
- TREC Information About Brokerage Services
- TREC license holder record
- TREC frequently asked questions
- TREC resale contract form
- Texas Government Code online notarization provisions
- 11 Things Your Realtor Won’t Tell You Before Moving to Austin TX!(Barrett Raven, YouTube)
