The short answer: No, Colorado does not legally require you to use a buyer's agent. But if you want a professional who works for your interests, advises you, and negotiates on your behalf, you need a written agreement that establishes that relationship. As of August 12, 2026, Colorado requires a signed written agreement before a broker performs licensed duties for you. The Treasure Davis Team explains the options below so you can choose what fits your purchase.
Your options when buying a home in Colorado
Colorado handles broker relationships differently than most states. Here are the ways you can buy:
1. Buyer agency (single agent for the buyer). Your broker represents you. They can advise you, counsel you on risks and strategy, keep your information confidential, and negotiate to promote your interests.
2. Transaction-brokerage. Colorado is one of the few states that recognizes this relationship. A transaction broker helps both parties complete the deal but does not advocate for either side. As the Colorado Real Estate School explains, a transaction broker functions more like a referee than a coach.
3. Customer (no relationship). You can work directly with a listing broker who represents the seller. In that case, that broker's duties run to the seller, not you.
4. Buy on your own. Some buyers handle the purchase themselves or with a real estate attorney.
One thing Colorado does not allow: dual agency. According to Kentwood Real Estate, Colorado abolished dual agency back in 2003, so a single broker cannot act as the agent for both the buyer and seller in the same deal.
What changed in 2024 and 2026
The 2024 NAR settlement. Since August 2024, buyers who work with an agent sign a written agreement stating how that agent is paid. Offers of buyer-agent compensation no longer appear in the MLS.
Colorado's HB26-1426 (effective August 12, 2026). The Colorado Division of Real Estate announced that a broker must now have a signed written agreement establishing either a single-agency or transaction-broker relationship before performing licensed duties. Previously, a transaction-broker relationship could exist without anything in writing. The Division also clarified that showings, open houses, and comparative market analyses are not licensed duties on their own.
What this means for you as a Colorado Springs buyer: expect to be asked to sign an agreement once a broker begins working on your behalf. That is the law, not a sales tactic. Read it, ask questions, and make sure the terms fit what you want.
This article is general information, not legal advice. For legal questions about a specific contract, consult a Colorado real estate attorney.
What a buyer's agent actually does
A buyer's agent's value shows up in the parts of the process that carry the most risk and money. The Treasure Davis Team's buyer agents typically help with:
Pricing and offer strategy. Reviewing recent comparable sales so you do not overpay, and structuring an offer that is competitive in Colorado Springs, Monument, or Castle Rock.
Negotiation. On price, inspection items, seller concessions, and closing costs.
Contract deadlines. Colorado's purchase contract has many dates for inspection, appraisal, title, and financing. Missing one can cost you your earnest money or your leverage.
Local knowledge. HOAs, metro districts, water and utility questions, wildfire and insurance considerations, new construction versus resale, and commute patterns across El Paso County.
Coordination. Lenders, inspectors, appraisers, and title companies.
When buyers might go without an agent
To be fair, some buyers are comfortable without representation, such as:
Buying from a family member or friend with agreed terms
Experienced investors who know local contracts well
Buyers working closely with a real estate attorney
If you buy new construction, keep in mind that the builder's on-site sales team represents the builder. Many buyers bring their own agent to new-build purchases for that reason.
What does a buyer's agent cost in Colorado Springs?
Buyer-agent compensation is negotiable and is written into your buyer agreement. National agent surveys in 2026, including Clever Real Estate's February survey, put the average buyer-side commission at around 2.7% to 2.8%. Considering that to be the national average, you can expect it to vary based on many factors from city to city. In many Colorado Springs transactions, part or all of that fee is covered by a seller concession negotiated in the offer. Your agent should explain up front what happens if the seller covers less than your agreement states.
Questions to ask before you sign a buyer agreement
The Treasure Davis Team encourages every buyer to ask:
Is this a buyer agency or transaction-broker relationship?
How long does the agreement last, and how can it be ended?
How is the agent paid, and what if the seller offers less?
Does it cover all homes, a specific area, or a specific property?
What services are included from search to closing?
A good agent welcomes these questions.
Frequently asked questions
Is a buyer's agent required in Colorado? No. Colorado does not require buyers to use an agent. If you want a broker to represent and advocate for you, you need a written buyer agency agreement.
Do I have to sign an agreement to tour a home in Colorado? According to the Colorado Division of Real Estate, showings and open houses are not licensed duties on their own. Once a broker begins performing licensed duties for you, Colorado law requires a signed written agreement.
Who pays the buyer's agent in Colorado Springs? The buyer agreement states how the agent is paid. Sellers often agree to cover some or all of it through a concession negotiated in the offer, but it varies by transaction.
Is dual agency allowed in Colorado? No. Colorado abolished dual agency in 2003. A broker can work with both parties only as a transaction broker, without advocating for either side.
What is a transaction broker in Colorado? A transaction broker assists both parties in completing the sale but does not advocate or negotiate for either one. Colorado is one of the few states that recognizes this relationship.
How the Treasure Davis Team works with buyers
The Treasure Davis Team has helped buyers in Colorado Springs for 20 years, with more than 3,500 homes sold. Before you sign anything, we walk you through your options, explain the agreement in plain English, and answer every question.
Start your search on the Treasure Davis Team home search, explore Colorado Springs communities, or check out our relocation guide if you are moving to the area.
