What document legally requires the buyer to pay the broker's fee?

The Broker Protection Clause is a provision included in real estate agreements that ensures the broker is compensated for their services in the event that a buyer purchases a property after being introduced to the property by the broker. This clause is typically used to protect the broker’s commission for a certain period, even if the buyer decides to negotiate directly with the seller after an initial introduction.

When the Broker Protection Clause is included in a contract, it creates a legal obligation for the buyer to pay the broker's fee if they complete a transaction for the property within the specified timeframe, reinforcing the broker's entitlement to commission for their work in facilitating the sale.

Other options like the Purchase Agreement and Buyer Representation Agreement may include terms that involve a broker's fee, but they are not specifically designed to establish the buyer’s obligation to pay the broker in the same way that a Broker Protection Clause is. An Exclusive Agency Agreement defines the relationship between the seller and broker but does not directly address the buyer's obligation concerning payment of the broker's fee.