Exclusive Representation Contracts?

[Benj Ecker]

I'm new to real estate investing and looking to buy my first property. I connected with an agent who knows my area, understands my goals, and has some experience as an investor as well. He sounds knowledgable and trustworthy. I've been sent an exclusive representation contract to sign, which expires at the end of 2020 (roughly 130 days). I get that agents often invest a ton of time into representing a buyer, who could easily choose to walk without an agreement in place. So this makes sense to me--but I haven't experienced this with either of the primary residences I've bought previously. 

- Is this common practice for someone representing a real estate investor? 

- Does the time frame seem overly long to anyone else? 

I don't want to begrudge an agent their due; neither do I want to paint myself into a corner for the year if things don't work out.