Again, NOT B, but A and/or C. Basically, assume NO confidentiality at all. Because the open house agent works for the seller, ANYTHING you say to them can be taken back to the seller and used against you. Even what seems like innocent small talk may actually be telling the open house a LOT about your motivation and means: how long you’ve been looking, why you’re looking, etc., may all lead to giving away thousands in negotiating leverage.
Answer C only applies if you don’t have your own agent and decide to let the listing agent be a dual agent (legal in Ohio) and that’s ONLY if you act immediately. Otherwise, everything you said before may have already been given to the seller.
So while there’s no real estate officer reading you and actual Miranda Rights before you step into an Open House, you might want to consider that everything you say can and will be used against you during negotiations if that home works out to be THE ONE for you.
Your best advice we have for you to protect your own interests? Avoid the open house, hire your OWN dedicated buyer’s agent and tour the home without risk of the listing agent gaining inside information about you. You’ll gain personalized expertise and the best possible protection for your own interests.
Have more questions about the home buying process in Ohio? Call 513-520-5305 or email Liz@LizSpear.com.