---

Buying with Stacy The Home Girl: The Buyer Brokerage Agreement (BBA) Simplified 🏠✨

Hey there! I’m so excited to help you find your next home. You might have noticed a new piece of paperwork in the mix lately—the Buyer Brokerage Agreement (BBA).

Since the rules of real estate changed nationwide in 2024, this form is now a must-have before we start touring homes. Here is everything you need to know in plain English!

1. What exactly is a BBA?

Think of it as a "Partnership Agreement." It’s a simple contract that outlines the services I’ll provide for you and how I get compensated for my work. It’s all about being transparent so there are no surprises at the finish line.

2. Why do I have to sign this now?

New industry regulations require that we have a written agreement in place before I show you any properties. It ensures that every buyer has a clear understanding of their relationship with their agent from day one.

3. Does this mean I have to pay you out of pocket?

Not necessarily! While the agreement defines my fee, we have several ways to cover it:

• The Seller: We can ask the seller to pay my commission as part of our offer.
• The Listing Broker: Sometimes the seller’s agent is already offering to share their fee.
• Negotiated Concessions: We can get creative with credits to make sure the math works for you.
  Our goal is always to make your move as stress-free as possible!

4. What’s in it for YOU?

Signing this makes it official: I am your advocate.

• Full Loyalty: I’m legally bound to put your interests above everyone else’s.
• Confidentiality: Your budget and motivations stay between us.
• Expert Guidance: From vetting neighborhoods in Pasco and Hernando to spotting potential "fixer-upper" traps (with a little help from my handyman husband’s perspective!), I’ve got your back.

5. Is this a "forever" commitment?

Nope! We can tailor the agreement to fit your needs. It can be for:

• One specific house you want to see today.
• A specific weekend of house hunting.
• A few months while we find "the one."

Bottom Line: This agreement is here to protect you and make sure you have professional representation in one of the biggest purchases of your life.

Let’s go find your dream home! 🏡🐾

---

1. Purpose of the Buyer Brokerage Agreement

The Buyer Brokerage Agreement (BBA) is a formal contract that establishes a professional relationship between you (the "Buyer") and EPIQUE Realty (the "Brokerage"). This document outlines the scope of services provided, the duties of the agent, and the terms of compensation. Under the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) settlement effective August 2024, a written agreement must be executed before a real estate professional can facilitate property tours or provide specific brokerage services.

2. Why This Agreement is Required

To ensure transparency and consumer protection in the Florida real estate market, industry regulations now mandate that compensation and representation terms be clearly defined in writing. This protects the Buyer by ensuring there are no hidden fees and that the agent’s role is legally defined prior to the commencement of any property showings or negotiations.

3. The Stacy Gervais Representation Standard

Choosing Stacy as your representative means more than just finding a house. Our brokerage specializes in a stress-free transition, offering unique value-added services specifically for move-up and downsizing clients in Pasco and Hernando Counties and surrounding areas:

• Property Preparation: Assistance with coordinating home cleaning and prep work.
• Handyman Coordination: Access to professional handyman services for minor repairs or staging needs.
• Market Expertise: Over 8 years of specialized experience in the $400k+ local market.
• Fiduciary Commitment: A dedicated focus on your interests throughout the entire lifecycle of the transaction.

4. Understanding Brokerage Compensation

The BBA clarifies how the brokerage is compensated for its professional services.

• Negotiable Rates: Real estate commissions are not set by law; they are fully negotiable between the Buyer and the Brokerage.
• Sources of Payment: While the BBA defines the agreed-upon fee, this amount can often be covered by the Seller (through a commission offer or a seller concession) or the Listing Broker.
• Buyer Obligation: If the Seller or Listing Broker does not cover the full agreed-upon amount, the Buyer is responsible for the difference as stated in the agreement. Stacy Gervais Real Estate will always disclose the compensation offered on a property before you submit an offer.

5. Types of Agreements

We offer flexibility based on your specific needs:

• Exclusive Representation: Covers all properties you view within a specific timeframe and geographic area.
• Property-Specific Agreement: Covers representation only for a single, specific property address.

6. Duration and Termination

Every BBA has a defined start and end date. My goal is to make your move stress-free; therefore, we include clear terms regarding how the agreement can be terminated if your needs change or if you are not satisfied with the services provided.

7. Agency Relationships in Florida

In the state of Florida, Real Estate agents typically operates as a Transaction Broker, providing limited representation to a buyer, a seller, or both in a real estate transaction, but without representing either in a fiduciary capacity or as a single agent unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. This allows for a smooth, fair, and professional closing process.

---

Contact Information
Stacy Gervais

EPIQUE Realty
Website: https://stacythehomegirl.com/
Email: stacythehomegirl.comhomegirl@gmail.com
Phone: 813-842-3077

Disclaimer: This fact sheet is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a legally binding contract until a formal Buyer Brokerage Agreement is signed by all parties.