Home buyers in Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Central Arkansas are often focused on finding the perfect home before they think about hiring an agent. That makes sense—most buyers start casually browsing homes online months (or even years) before they’re ready to purchase. But once you see a home in West Little Rock, Chenal, or The Heights that you’d like to visit in person, you’ll soon have to take an extra step before scheduling a showing.
Starting August 17, 2024, all home buyers will be required to sign a written agreement with a real estate agent before viewing any home. This is a major shift from how real estate has worked for decades, where most agents would show homes without any formal agreement. If this sounds like a big change, you’re not alone in feeling that way. But rather than seeing this as an inconvenience, let’s look at how this new rule can actually improve your home-buying experience.
You Can Sign a One-Time Showing Agreement, But Here’s Why You Shouldn’t
Many buyers may hesitate to sign a written agreement because they don’t want to commit to an agent before knowing if they’re the right fit. The good news is, you can sign a one-time agreement for a single home showing, meaning you’re only committed to that agent if you decide to purchase that specific home.
However, while this may sound like a flexible option, it’s not the best way to approach buying a home in Little Rock’s competitive market. Here’s why:
Building Trust Takes Time – You might click with an agent immediately, but trust is something that grows over time. A strong relationship with your agent is key when making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.
Your Agent Should Understand Your Needs – The more homes your agent sees with you,
the better they understand your likes, dislikes, and must-haves. This insight allows them to provide better recommendations and negotiation strategies tailored to your goals.
The Right Agent Is Just as Important as the Right Home – Many buyers focus only on
the home itself, but your agent plays a crucial role in helping you navigate the process, spot red flags, and negotiate the best terms.
Find the Right Real Estate Agent in Little Rock Before You Start Shopping
With this new rule in place, it’s more important than ever to choose an agent early in your home-buying journey. A great agent isn’t just someone who unlocks doors—they’re your advisor, advocate, and negotiator.
Here’s how to find the best buyer’s agent for you:
Start early. If you’re casually browsing homes in The Heights, Hillcrest, West Little Rock, or Chenal, start thinking about who you want to work with before you’re ready to buy.
Reach out to an agent you trust. If you already know a great agent, don’t hesitate to reach out—even if you’re months away from buying. They’ll be happy to guide you through the process and answer any questions about the new agreements.
Ask for recommendations. If you don’t have an agent, ask friends and family for referrals.
Read reviews and interview multiple agents to find the right fit.
Review the agreement carefully. Once you’ve chosen your agent, ask for a copy of their agreement, review it, and ask questions before signing. A great agent will make sure you fully understand the terms before moving forward.
The Bottom Line
Starting August 17, 2024, home buyers in Little Rock and surrounding areas must sign a written agreement with a real estate agent before touring homes. While a one-time showing agreement is an option, it’s much smarter to choose an agent early so you can build trust, receive tailored guidance, and navigate the market with confidence.
Buying a home in Central Arkansas is a big deal—don’t just focus on finding the perfect house.
Put just as much thought into finding the perfect real estate agent.
Thinking about buying a home in Little Rock? Let’s chat! I’d love to help you navigate this process and find your dream home. DM me or visit www.LangstonTheRealtor.com to get started!