Can You Attend an Open House Without Your Agent?

Open houses can be a great way to casually search for homes when you are running errands or driving through the area. If you happen to pass an interesting home holding an open house and you don’t have your real estate agent with you, there’s nothing wrong with stopping in to take a look.

In this Redfin article, we’ll highlight some of the best practices and tips to keep in mind if you’re going to an open house without your agent. Whether you’re planning on buying a home in Dallas, TX, or in Detroit, MI, here’s what to know if you’re attending an open house without your real estate agent.

1. Share your agent’s information with the agent hosting the open house

The seller will have an agent hosting the open house and guiding attendees throughout the property. Introduce yourself and let them know you’re already represented, and share your agent’s information with them. Doing so will allow the agent hosting the open house to follow up with your agent later to see whether or not you will be making an offer or would like a private showing with just you and your agent.

2. Avoid sharing information with the agent that could affect future negotiations

It’s okay for the seller’s agent to know you’re interested in the property, but you don’t want to give them the impression that you will be making an offer. Also avoid sharing other details like how much you can afford, why you’re moving, how quickly you wish to buy, or any other information that may affect your leverage negotiating.

3. Ask questions about the property

Your agent can always ask the seller questions later, but if you have a question at the time, there’s no reason you can’t ask it of the seller’s agent. For example, you might want to know how old the roof is, or the last time the floors were refinished. There are countless questions to ask when buying a house, so it’s a good idea to come back with your agent to make sure you find out the answers. But if there are questions you want answered during the tour, feel free to ask the listing agent then.

4. Take notes on what you like about the home and why

What to look for when buying a home is going to depend on what features you’re looking for, among other things. Taking notes on things you like about the home – and why is important as you tour more homes. It will help you identify what features and aspects you want to see in future homes going forward, and it will also help you recall what you loved about the home later. Also take notes on questions you’ll want to ask your agent later.

5. Ask to take photos or a video while you’re in the home

This will help you jog your memory even more in the future, and will be helpful to show your agent when explaining what you liked or didn’t like about the house. It can also help if you have any concerns about the home’s condition, like possible foundational problems or pest issues.

Final thoughts

If you see a house that you want to know more about, don’t let the fact that your agent isn’t with you stop you. Make it clear from the start you’re working with an agent, ask questions about the property, and figure out what you liked or didn’t like. Once you connect with your agent again, you’ll have lots of valuable feedback to share with them that will improve your searching process going forward.