What changed in 2024
Following the National Association of Realtors settlement, agents nationwide must generally have a written agreement with a buyer before touring homes with them. That made the private showing a commitment point — but it did not change open houses. Attending an open house hosted by the listing side requires no agreement, because the host isn't working for you.
That makes open houses the lowest-commitment way to see homes in person: no contract, no obligation, no agent of your own required.
The Consumer Notice, in one paragraph
Pennsylvania license law requires agents to explain whom they represent before a substantive discussion of your needs, using a standard disclosure called the Consumer Notice. At an open house, casual questions about the home don't trigger it — but if you start discussing your budget, your search, or making an offer, expect the host to present it. It isn't a contract; it's a required explanation of the possible agency relationships in Pennsylvania.
When touring without an agent stops working
The moment you want to make an offer, the question gets real. You can buy directly through the listing agent — but remember their duty runs to the seller. A buyer's agent negotiates for you, coordinates inspections, and manages the contract timeline. Since 2024, buyer's-agent compensation is explicitly negotiable and spelled out in your written agreement, so ask any agent you interview exactly what they charge and who pays it.
If you're touring open houses across Bucks County and want a local buyer's agent in your corner when the right one shows up, Graham Sullivan — the licensed PA Realtor behind this site — does exactly that.
