Consumer Guide: Open Houses and Written Agreements

I am attending an open house without an agent. Do I need a written buyer agreement in order to tour the home?

No. If you are simply visiting an open house on your own or asking a real estate professional about their services, you do not need to sign a written buyer agreement.

Is an agent who is hosting an open house required to enter into written agreements with the potential buyers who attend the open house?

No. In this case, since the agent is only there at the direction of the listing broker or seller, the agent is not required to have a written agreement with the buyers touring the home.

When will I be asked to sign an agreement with an agent?

After you begin “working with” an agent and at any point before you tour your first house together.

What does “working with” an agent mean?

A buyer is “working with” an agent as soon as the agent begins to provide services, such as identifying potential properties and arranging tours. Agents who are simply marketing their services or speaking to a buyer—at an open house or by providing a buyer access to a house they have listed—are not considered to be working with the buyer.

What does it mean to “tour” a home?

Under the terms of the settlement, a “tour” is when a buyer who is working with an agent enters a home that is for sale or directs their agent to enter the home on their behalf. This includes when the buyer’s agent provides a live, virtual tour to a buyer not physically present.

What is the purpose of written buyer agreements?

Clarity and transparency. Written buyer agreements lay out the services your real estate professional will provide and what they will be paid. Buyers should not sign anything that includes terms they do not agree with or do not understand. You are in the driver's seat with these agreements, which are fully negotiable.

Practices may vary based on state and local law. Consult your real estate professional and/or an attorney for details about state law where you are purchasing a home.

Shared with permission from the National Association of REALTORS®.