Open houses are a great way to explore homes, understand neighborhoods, and start imagining where you might live next. But many buyers don’t realize how representation works when they walk into an open house.

Understanding this process helps you protect your interests and make smarter decisions as you begin your home search.

Here’s what every buyer should know.

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Who Does the Open House Agent Represent?

In most situations, the agent hosting the open house represents the seller, not the visitor.

Unless you have signed a written agreement with that agent, they are not representing you as a buyer. Their responsibility is to help the seller market and sell the home.

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Are Conversations at an Open House Confidential?

No. Conversations with the open house agent are not confidential.

Information you share — such as your budget, motivation, timeline, or how much you love the home — may be shared with the seller because the agent’s duty is to serve the seller’s interests.

For this reason, buyers should be thoughtful about what they discuss during property tours.

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What Happens If You Want to Make an Offer?

If you decide to submit an offer through the agent hosting the open house, the agent will then explain their role and disclose whether they:

• Continue to represent the seller only, or
• Represent both parties in a dual agency situation (where permitted by law).

This disclosure occurs at the time you decide to move forward with an offer.

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Should Buyers Have Their Own Agent?

Many buyers choose to work with their own agent so they have professional guidance focused on their best interests.

A buyer’s agent can help with:

• Pricing strategy and negotiations
• Understanding disclosures and inspections
• Contract timelines and contingencies
• Navigating escrow and closing

If you want the open house agent to represent you going forward, you would need to sign a buyer representation agreement.

And if you already have an agent, attending open houses does not change that relationship.

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The Smart Buyer Approach

Open houses are a wonderful way to explore homes and learn about the market. But knowing how representation works ensures you’re making informed decisions along the way.

If you’re actively looking to buy, speaking with an agent about buyer representation early in the process can help make your home purchase smoother and less stressful.

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Thinking about buying a home and want guidance on the process? Reach out anytime to discuss your options and next steps.