Buyer agreements in Ontario: what you sign and what it commits you to

Under Ontario's current rules, a brokerage must have a written agreement with you before it represents you as a client. That agreement sets the term, the area it covers, the commission arrangement, and what services you will receive.

Read three things closely: the length of the term, the geographic scope, and any holdover clause that could apply if you buy a home the brokerage showed you after the agreement ends.

You are entitled to negotiate these terms, including a shorter term. If you prefer not to become a client, ask about the self-represented party option and understand what changes: the brokerage cannot advise you or protect your interests in the negotiation.