Can I Ask Another Agent to Show Me a Home If I Have a Realtor? Understanding the EBBA Form and Buyer Etiquette

When you’re working with a Realtor, you’ve established a professional relationship—often formalized by agreements like the EBBA (Exclusive Buyer-Broker Agreement) form, which is now required to view homes. This form means you’ve chosen one agent to represent you and advocate for your interests.

If you ask another agent to open doors or show you homes, it puts them in a tricky spot. Real estate agents spend time, effort, and sometimes money to help buyers, with the expectation that if you purchase a home, they’ll be compensated for their work. By asking an agent you’re not working with to show you a property, you’re essentially asking them to do work for free—since your signed agreement means your chosen Realtor will get the commission, not the agent opening the door.

It’s a bit like going to one hairstylist for a consultation and then asking someone else to cut your hair, but still expecting the first person to be paid. It’s awkward for everyone and not fair to the professionals involved. Respecting these boundaries ensures everyone’s time and efforts are valued, and it keeps your home search running smoothly.

Here’s a more detailed explanation of a Buyer Broker Agreement… it isn’t always a sweeping, long-term contract:

The Buyer Broker Agreement (like the EBBA now required to view homes) is designed to clarify the relationship between you and your Realtor. It's a common misconception that signing this agreement means you’re locked into working with one agent for months or for every property you ever want to see. In reality, these agreements are flexible and can be tailored to your comfort level and needs.

For example, your Buyer Broker Agreement can be:

• For just one property. If you’re interested in viewing a specific home, you can sign an agreement that covers only that address.

• For a particular neighborhood, city, or county. Maybe you want to explore homes only in a certain area—your agreement can be limited to that geographic region.

• For a set time period. If you’re not sure how long you’ll be searching, you can agree on a short commitment.

This flexibility is meant to protect both you and the agent. It ensures you get dedicated, professional service while making sure the agent’s time is respected and, if you make a purchase, compensated.

But once you’ve signed an agreement—even if it’s just for one home or a single area—it’s important to work with that agent for all showings within the scope of your agreement. Asking another agent to open doors for you, even just to peek inside, can put everyone in an uncomfortable and unfair position.

So, before you ask any agent to show you a home, be upfront about any agreements you’ve signed. If you only want to see a single house or a narrow area, your Realtor can write the agreement to match. This way, everyone’s on the same page, and you’re respecting the time and professionalism of all the agents involved.