*Please note: Any questions regarding Legal Hotline Spotlights should be submitted via the Virginia REALTORS^® Legal Hotline. Our attorneys are unable to respond to questions through our comments section.

Q: “I had a prospective buyer contact me. She has an exclusive Buyer Brokerage Agreement with another firm, but the house she wants is listed by another agent in that firm and she is not comfortable with designated agency. They asked me for help, but I want to make sure I’m not violating any laws or ethical provisions.” 

A: Most buyer brokerage agreements don’t have a specific termination clause, so she would need to negotiate a release with her current brokerage. You can suggest that she talk with her current agent and an attorney to draft a release, but you should refrain from any other communication with her while she is still under the current agreement. 

Have a question about this article? Submit it to the Legal Hotline!

The Legal Hotline is a member benefit that has been supporting members for over 25 years. Our team of lawyers answers your important questions about real estate transactions quickly and accurately (usually within three business hours!).

Here are some tips to help make the Legal Hotline work for you!