While you can have an agency relationship with a buyer or tenant without a written agreement, the Residential Buyer/Tenant Representation Agreement (TAR 1501) puts the rights and obligations of the broker and client in writing, which helps avoid disputes. Also, having a written agreement allows you to enforce your right to collect commission from a buyer in accordance with the Texas Real Estate License Act.


Paragraph E of the Addendum for Property Subject to Mandatory Membership in a Property Owners Association (TAR 1922, TREC 36-8) does two things. It authorizes the property owners association to release subdivision information or an updated resale certificate to the buyer, title company, or another broker. And, if the buyer doesn’t require these documents but the title company does, it states who—buyer or seller—will pay the title company the cost of obtaining that information, depending on which box is checked.