Do You Need a Buyer Agreement? A Guide for Open House Visitors

Attending an open house is an exciting part of the home-buying journey. Whether you’re just browsing or seriously searching for your next home, understanding how written buyer agreements work can help you navigate the process with confidence. Let’s break it down so you know what to expect when touring homes and working with an agent.

Can I Attend an Open House Without a Buyer Agreement?

Absolutely. If you’re visiting an open house on your own, there’s no requirement to sign a written buyer agreement just to walk through the home. Think of an open house as a casual opportunity to explore a property and gather information—no strings attached.

Does the Agent Hosting the Open House Need an Agreement With Me?

No. The agent at the open house is representing the seller and is there to showcase the home. They are not required to enter into a written agreement with you unless you decide to work with them as your buyer’s agent.

When Will I Be Asked to Sign a Buyer Agreement?

Once you start actively “working with” an agent, they may ask you to sign a written buyer agreement before touring homes together. But what does “working with” an agent really mean?

What Counts as "Working With" an Agent?

You’re officially “working with” an agent when they begin providing real estate services specifically for you. This could include:

• Identifying properties that match your needs
• Scheduling and arranging home tours
• Providing market insights and guidance

Simply chatting with an agent at an open house or requesting general information doesn’t mean you’re working with them, so no agreement is needed in those situations.

What Qualifies as a "Home Tour"?

A home tour isn’t just a quick walkthrough of an open house. Under real estate guidelines, a “tour” happens when:

• You enter a home for sale with an agent representing you
• Your agent provides a live virtual tour on your behalf

If you’re casually browsing an open house, that doesn’t count as an official tour requiring an agreement.

Why Do Buyer Agreements Matter?

Written buyer agreements offer clarity and transparency for both you and your agent. They outline:

• The services your agent will provide
• How they will be compensated
• The terms of your working relationship

These agreements are fully negotiable, so never sign anything you don’t understand or agree with.

Want to Learn More?

For additional details on written buyer agreements and how they benefit you, check out the dedicated resource from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

Thinking about buying a home? Let’s chat. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process.