Thanks all, OP again here.

Our agent is excellent and we would not intend to cut him out of the proceedings. He got us "in" before the open house - turned out the house was not for us but in fact they had multiple offers that very day and I believe cancelled the open house as such.

In this market I'd see no harm to the seller for allowing viewings before the open house so I was surprised to see it on the listing at first.

Work with an agent that has good relationships with other agents or can manage a "pocket listing". I just sold a condo and was fine if my agent wanted to show the place before the first open house. However, we were clear that the open house would still happen and gave EVERYONE until the following Tuesday to submit Bids. My agent showed it to a couple of agents and their clients if he knew them and knew they would only bring serious, qualified buyers around. Either way, we still got a ton of interest at the open house and 8 offers over asking. OP go ahead and call, the worst they can do is say no.

Anonymous wrote:If you're going to ask to see in advance, a few suggestions:

1. Make it clear you have no buyer agent, so the seller gets both sides of the commission. Unlikely you will see the house without this.

2. Show you are serious. Have you looked in the neighborhood?

3. Include financial statement and let the agent know your offer will be at ask with no contingencies and large deposit.

But really, #1 is the important one.

If my agent tried to do this I would fire her immediately. I want as
Many people and agents through the house as possible to get the best price terms and conditions. Your agent should look out for your best interest no his or hers. Only fools would fall for this nonsense

MLS rules state a property must be available for showings within 24 hours. Don't throw away your representation by telling an agent that you're not working with a Realtor, especially if you are and have signed a broker retainer agreement. Usually, this is because the sellers are still working on the prepping the house and exceptions will be made simply by requesting one from your agent. As stated before "Calling & Asking". The open house will happen no matter what as the agent tries to get the best offer for their client..

If you're going to ask to see in advance, a few suggestions:

1. Make it clear you have no buyer agent, so the seller gets both sides of the commission. Unlikely you will see the house without this.

2. Show you are serious. Have you looked in the neighborhood?

3. Include financial statement and let the agent know your offer will be at ask with no contingencies and large deposit.

But really, #1 is the important one.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It usually means that the home is not available for showing before the open house, but that doesn't mean for the right incentive an agent won't bend the rule.

OP. Thanks! What kind of "incentive" might allow for rule-bending?

Calling and asking.

Lol thanks.

Anonymous wrote:I means what it says. First time that the home is having an open house.

No it doesn't.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It usually means that the home is not available for showing before the open house, but that doesn't mean for the right incentive an agent won't bend the rule.

OP. Thanks! What kind of "incentive" might allow for rule-bending?

Calling and asking.

Anonymous wrote:It usually means that the home is not available for showing before the open house, but that doesn't mean for the right incentive an agent won't bend the rule.

OP. Thanks! What kind of "incentive" might allow for rule-bending?

Anonymous wrote:I means what it says. First time that the home is having an open house.

Actually it means that the house generally won't be shown for private showings before the open house.

It usually means that the home is not available for showing before the open house, but that doesn't mean for the right incentive an agent won't bend the rule.

I means what it says. First time that the home is having an open house.

What does this mean in RE speak?