Short answerYes. You can walk into an open house without an agent or a signed agreement. To tour privately, you can call the listing agent, who represents the seller. If you want an agent of your own to show you homes, current rules require a written buyer agreement before touring.
Your options
| How you see the home | Who represents you |
|---|---|
| Open house | No one, unless you have your own agent |
| Private showing with the listing agent | The listing agent represents the seller |
| Private showing with your own agent | Your agent, under a written buyer agreement |
Tips for open houses
- Look at the water heater, furnace, and panel labels for ages.
- Check ceilings and the basement for water stains.
- Ask for the seller's disclosure.
If you are not working with an agent, ask me for a free Before You Offer review.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to tell the open house agent I have an agent?
Yes, it is good practice to say so right away.
Can a buyer agreement be for one house only?
Often yes. Agreements can be limited to a property or a short time.
Keep reading
Looking at a house and not sure what you are getting into?
Ask for a free Before You Offer review. Send me the listing. I look over the photos, the seller's disclosure, and recent sales, then flag likely condition issues and planning cost ranges before you write an offer.
Request a Before You Offer reviewOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email [email protected].
The Before You Offer review is a REALTOR® and contractor review of the listing, not a home inspection. It is for buyers who are not already working with an agent. If you have an agent, please bring these questions to your agent.
Sources
Written by John Long, REALTOR®, 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate. Working contractor who has priced hundreds of home inspection repair requests. Former labor relations negotiator for a major manufacturer and U.S. Coast Guard veteran.
John Long, REALTOR® · 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate · (812) 525-5489 · yourpropertynegotiator.com
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional home inspection, and not legal, tax, insurance, or lending advice. Ask a real estate attorney about contracts and disclosure, a CPA about taxes, your lender about loan rules, and a licensed inspector or tradesperson about your house. Nothing here guarantees a sale price, net proceeds, repair cost, payment, timeline, appraisal, inspection result, or loan approval. Cost figures are planning estimates, not bids. I own Wardmark Property Operations LLC, a contracting company. You are always free to use any contractor you choose.