We don't have to agree
...but I feel if a broker isn't securing a contract in writing (a handshake or verbal agreement can be binding but you are setting yourself up for complications) then there is no commitment by the buyer. The deals that go down can be larger than buying a house. Look at the realestate folks and the protections put in place so deals don't go bad. I know car collectors don't want formal rules cast on them making transactions more expensive than they already are. I just think if a broker doesn't cover his butt before placing himself in the middle of a deal it's his fault if the deal goes south.