Buyer representation Agreement.... Is it needed?

[Vamshi Ananth]

Being a buyer is it mandatory to sign a Buyer representation Agreement with your Real Estate Agent?  My agent suggests I sign it in order to work with him and for him to put an offer on a property.  Is this a common practice? 

 My concern is am I locking myself with a just one Real estate Agent to represent me for a set period of time... where I don't have the freedom to pursue other properties with other Agents? 

Has anyone signed such a document before? What are your suggestions on whether to sign it or not?

[Russell Brazil]

Assume a scenario where an agent values their time and wants to be compensated for that time like most people running businesses do.  If you dont want to work exclusively with an agent, then consider paying an agent per offer.  $300 per offer in the scenario you mentioned will probably get it done. BTW, 99% of buyers identify properties on their own these days.