The short version: The Unlock MLS 410 asks both brokers to sign an addendum between buyer and seller, then amends each broker’s representation agreement with their own client. TREC’s resale contract already states broker compensation in Paragraph 12B, so the 410 adds a second place for the same numbers. Unlock says it’s optional: put compensation in 12B and decline the 410.
Heads up: if you’re still using Unlock MLS form 410, the Addendum Confirming Broker Compensation, please stop. Please.
What the 410 does
It’s an addendum between the buyer and the seller that also asks both brokers to sign. It lists what the seller and the buyer will each pay each broker. Then, near the bottom, it says the parties “hereby amend the compensation payments to Seller’s Broker and Buyer’s Broker in their respective representation agreements” to match.
Read that again. A form attached to the sales contract rewrites each broker’s representation agreement with their own client. The buyer signs something that changes the seller’s listing agreement, and the seller signs something that changes the buyer’s buyer agreement. In my opinion, that’s a ridiculous and inappropriate overreach.
The TREC contract already covers it
Since TREC’s most recent contract change (the 20-19 resale contract, mandatory July 1, 2026), Paragraph 12B is its own “Brokerage Compensation” section. It states what the seller will pay toward the buyer’s broker and, new this year, what the buyer will pay toward the seller’s broker. Put the same numbers in two places, and if they ever disagree, even by a little, you’ve built a fight into the file. Two documents saying the same thing isn’t more transparency. It’s just more redundancy, and more risk.
Texas REALTORS® seems to agree. When it updated its forms this year, it retired its own Compensation Agreement Between Broker and Owner (TXR 2401), saying the change would help reduce confusion and encourage the parties to use Paragraph 12 of the contract.
It’s optional, so you can say no
I asked Unlock about it. They said it’s still available and optional. Optional is the key word: you don’t have to sign it when the other side sends it over. Put the numbers in 12B and move on.
If you agree it should be retired, send a note to support@abor.com and let them know.
Sources
- Unlock MLS 410, Addendum Confirming Broker Compensation (Sale Transaction), v 09-15-25 (Unlock MLS subscribers only)
- TREC One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale) 20-19
- Unlock MLS, optional and proprietary forms released with the August 2024 MLS changes
- Texas REALTOR magazine, “Latest forms changes” (May/June 2026), retiring TXR 2401 and 2402
General information, not legal advice. TREC says I can’t practice law, and I like my license. Run your specific situation past your broker or a real estate attorney.
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