Buyer-Agent Agreements in California
California also codified the NAR settlement into state law and added protections beyond the national baseline — including expanding the requirement to off-MLS properties and setting a firm outer deadline tied to when an offer is submitted.
Assembly Bill 2992 — effective January 1, 2026
Requirements
- Written buyer-broker agreement required before an agent can show a buyer any property
- Applies to all properties, whether listed on the MLS or not — broader than the national NAR settlement baseline
- Listing agents can no longer offer buyer-agent compensation through the MLS; it must be negotiated separately and disclosed in writing before touring begins
- Agreement must be signed "as soon as practicable," and no later than when the buyer submits an offer
- Must specify compensation terms, scope of services, when compensation is due, and termination provisions
- Violations are treated as violations of the agent's real estate license law, risking discipline from the California DRE
Facts on this page reflect research current as of 2026-07-05. Programs, rates, and laws change — confirm current figures with the relevant state agency before relying on them.