Israel R. Varela Realtor

Thinking about stopping by an Open House to check it out? Here are the new rules real estate agents in Texas are required to follow.

If the Agent Is with the Listing Brokerage

When an agent from the listing broker’s office hosts the open house, the process is simpler.

In that situation, the agent does not need to provide the Information About Brokerage Services (IABS) form or enter into a written agreement with prospective buyers attending the open house. The agent must still disclose that they represent the seller, either orally or in writing.

If the Agent Is Outside the Listing Brokerage

Different rules apply when the agent hosting the open house is not part of the listing broker’s office and does not represent the seller.

In this situation, the agent must provide the IABS form and enter into a written agreement with the prospective buyer before showing the property. This requirement applies even if the buyer already has a written representation agreement with another broker.

Because the law requires the agreement before the showing, the agent should ideally handle the paperwork before the buyer enters the home. At minimum, the agreement must be completed before the buyer begins touring the property.

If a Buyer Refuses to Sign

If a prospective buyer declines to sign the required agreement, the agent cannot show the property.

In an open house setting, that means the buyer cannot tour the home with that agent who is hosting it open. Because state law requires the written agreement, skipping this step could create compliance issues for the license holder.

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Ready for the tour? Link in comments to schedule!

What’s Happening in the Forney Real Estate Market Right Now?

Here’s what the latest March 2026 data tells us:

Median home price: $387,000 (up 2.3% year-over-year)
Average days on market: 81 days
Sale-to-list price ratio: 97.8%
Homes sold above list price: 7.7%
Homes with price drops: 39.9%
Months of inventory: 4.9 months
Closed sales: Down 31.3% year-over-year
Active listings: Down 10.1% year-over-year

Active Forney homes for sale in comments!

Thinking of Selling in Forney, TX? Here’s What Your Home Is Really Worth? What’s Happening in the Forney Real Estate Market Right Now?

Click the link in comments for full data analysis on the Forney, TX real estate market.