Buyer Due Diligence
Definition
The buyer's right and responsibility to investigate a property's condition, legal status, and suitability before completing a purchase, typically during a specified due diligence period.
Example
During the 10-day due diligence period, the buyer orders a home inspection revealing foundation issues, reviews the HOA rules finding pet restrictions, and discovers a pending rezoning application for the adjacent lot.
Exam Tip
Due diligence is the buyer's RIGHT, not the agent's obligation. The agent must recommend inspections but the buyer decides which to pursue. If the buyer waives inspections, they assume the risk.
Related Buyer Rep Terms
Buyer Broker Duties
The fiduciary obligations a buyer's agent owes to their client, including loyalty, obedience, disclosure, confidentiality, accounting, and reasonable care.
Buyer Representation Disclosure
A form that explains to the buyer the types of agency relationships available and the duties associated with each, required to be provided before substantive discussions begin.
Cooperative Compensation
The practice of a listing broker sharing commission with a buyer's broker, historically offered through the MLS but now prohibited from MLS display under the 2024 NAR settlement.
Buyer Consultation
An initial meeting between a buyer and agent to discuss the buyer's needs, explain agency relationships, review representation agreements, and establish expectations for the home-buying process.
Buyer Loyalty Obligation
The duty of a buyer's agent to act solely in the buyer's best interest, avoiding any conflicts of interest and putting the buyer's needs above the agent's own financial interests.
Termination of Buyer Agency Agreement
The legal ending of a buyer representation agreement, which can occur through expiration, mutual consent, breach, or specific termination provisions outlined in the contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
Test Your Buyer Rep Knowledge
Practice with exam-style questions to make sure you can apply Buyer Due Diligence and other buyer rep concepts.