If I walk into an open house without an agent, am I stuck with the agent hosting it?
No. Walking into an open house creates no relationship and signs you up for nothing. The written-agreement rules apply when an agent starts working for you — touring homes together, advising you, advocating for you. Browsing a public open house isn't that, and it's one of the few ways left to see homes before you've hired anyone.
Two things to know while you're there. The hosting agent works for the seller, so be friendly and be careful — your budget and your eagerness aren't theirs to know. And the sign-in sheet is for the seller's security and the agent's follow-up; signing in is courtesy, not a contract.
If they ask whether you're working with someone, answer honestly — it just tells them who they're allowed to court. And if the answer is "not yet," enjoy the cookies, take your time, and text me when you're ready to compare notes.
I wrote this answer, and I stand behind it. I'm Chris Deutsch, a Minneapolis Realtor (MN #20382264). Twenty-five years of walking these neighborhoods, checking basements, and sitting across kitchen tables from people making exactly this call. I re-check every answer and date it — this one was last verified .
If your situation is more specific than the market, that's the one worth talking through. Email me at chris@lakesarearealty.com.