Did you know that if you are working with the real estate broker of your choice, who knows you, has prequalified you, may have shown you 10, 20, 30 houses already, knows the intimate details of your finances and family concerns, has spent long hours searching for the right house for you, and you go through an Open House without him/her (or Heaven forbid, you see that perfect house with another broker for any reason whatsoever), your preferred agent is locked out of the transaction on that property and cannot assist you in its' purchase (and of course, will not be paid for any of his/her time spent working with you).

What's the answer? Get a stack of business cards from your preferred agent and present this card as a pass into the Open House, explaining at the door that you are working with another agent. Do NOT give your last name, phone number or address. It's pretty hard for an agent to claim you are his/her customer if he/she doesn't even know your name or how to reach you.

We have never yet seen an agent forbid entry into an Open House to someone who presented another agent's business card. Usually the listing agent wants the house sold as quickly as possible. A side benefit is that you probably will not be subjected to a high-pressure sales pitch and can examine the property in a more relaxed atmosphere.