A couple wishing to purchase their first residence signs an exclusive buyer agency agreement with a real estate licensee in January. The agreement specifies that the buyers will work exclusively with the licensee, who will receive a commission if the couple purchases any property within six months of signing the agreement. The buyer agent devotes a whole week to showing the couple all listed properties in their price range and requested locations. While attending open houses on their own in February, the couple writes an offer on a home with another licensee. After closing, they receive a demand letter for commission payment from their exclusive buyer agent. What is the contractual obligation of the couple to the exclusive buyer agent