Why Alaska Homebuyers Must Sign Two Forms Before Touring Homes

By Marjorie Pellegrini – Owner/Broker of Go North Realty

When you’re excited about buying a home, the last thing you may want to do is sit down and sign paperwork before you even set foot inside a property. But in Alaska real estate, two documents are absolutely essential before any showings take place:

The Buyer Service Agreement
The Alaska Real Estate Consumer Disclosure Form

These aren’t just “nice-to-have” extras. They’re required. If your REALTOR® or licensee isn’t presenting them, that’s a major red flag.

What Is the Buyer Service Agreement?

The Buyer Service Agreement is a written contract between you (the buyer) and your REALTOR®. It spells out the working relationship clearly. There’s no confusion about who your REALTOR® represents. You understand what they owe you and—most importantly—how they are paid.

For years, buyer compensation was often handled quietly on the back end, usually through the seller’s side of the transaction. But with the recent National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) settlement, transparency became the new standard.

Now, buyers must sign agreements that clearly explain:

How the REALTOR® is compensated.
Whether payment comes from the seller, the buyer, or a combination.
What services are included in the relationship.

Flexibility Built In

One of the most common misconceptions is that Buyer Service Agreements “lock” you into a long commitment. That’s not the case. These agreements can be:

Written for a short-term period (for example, a week or two).
Written to apply to just one specific home you want to view.

This flexibility allows you to test the waters with a REALTOR® and make sure you’re comfortable moving forward.

What Happens If My REALTOR® Isn’t Meeting the Terms?

The Buyer Service Agreement is a two-way street. You’re agreeing to work with your REALTOR®. In return, they’re agreeing to provide you with specific services. They will also uphold professional standards.

If your REALTOR® isn’t living up to the agreement:

Start with a conversation to clarify expectations.
If the issues aren’t resolved, you can often terminate the agreement according to the terms outlined in the document.
Remember, you are never required to continue working with someone who isn’t meeting their obligations.

Bottom line: These agreements are designed to protect you, not trap you.

What Is the Alaska Real Estate Consumer Disclosure Form?

This form is also required by Alaska state law. It must be presented at the very first substantial contact between a consumer and a real estate licensee.

The disclosure form clarifies:

Who the licensee represents (buyer, seller, or neutral).
What duties are owed to you by law.
The types of working relationships (Specific Assistance, Representation, & Neutral Licensee) Alaska real estate.

Think of it as your transparency guarantee. It ensures you know exactly what role your REALTOR® plays in the transaction.

Why These Documents Matter More Than Ever

With the NAR settlement shaking up how compensation is handled nationwide, these documents aren’t just paperwork—they’re protection.

For Buyers: They ensure you understand your REALTOR®’s role, loyalty, and how they are paid.
For Transparency: They eliminate guesswork and outline expectations clearly, so there are no misunderstandings.
For Accountability: They guarantee your REALTOR® is following both Alaska law and the updated national standards.

How This Benefits You as a Buyer

Clarity About Costs – You’ll know exactly how your REALTOR® is compensated. You will also know whether that compensation comes from the seller, buyer, or a combination.
Flexibility – Agreements can be short-term or specific, so you’re never forced into a long commitment.
Legal Protection – These forms aren’t optional—they are mandated by Alaska law & AKMLS to protect consumers.
Confidence in Your Agent – By signing these forms, you can trust your REALTOR® completely. They are working fully in your best interests.

A Red Flag to Watch For

If you haven’t been asked to sign a Buyer Service Agreement and a Consumer Disclosure Form before being shown homes… run away quickly.

If a REALTOR® isn’t following the law & rules here, you have to ask yourself: What else are they skipping or ignoring?

When it comes to one of the biggest purchases of your life, you deserve professionalism, transparency, and compliance—EVERY SINGLE TIME.

✅ At Go North Realty, we don’t just check the boxes. We take the time to explain these documents in plain language. You’ll know how we’re paid, what services we provide, and exactly how we’re representing you. Because real estate done right starts with trust.

Ready to start your home search the right way? At Go North Realty, we make sure you’re protected, informed, and confident from day one. Let’s sit down and review your Buyer Service Agreement. We’ll get you started on the path to finding your Alaska home.

📲 Call/text me today at 907.299.8271 or visit Go North Realty to get started.

Marjorie's Real Estate Confessions… Spilling the (Real Estate) tea, one confession at a time!