Client or Customer?
If you come to an "open house," you are a customer. We do not owe you any fiduciary duties, and we can give you all the infomration you require. When you begin asking for advice, we need to have a discussion about representation and all of the duties required of an agent. Representing a client in a real estate transaction is a commitment by both parties. It's a commitment to discuss, disclose, obey, and represent the best interest of our client. Think of it as working hand in glove to either get the property sold or to find a property that meets the needs of the buyer
Buyer Representation or Unrepresented Buyer
Kathy Howe has been representing buyers years before there was a name for it. Mainly because she never understood subagency. Building a rapport is paramount to working with a buyer! Or a seller! Signing a buyer broker agreement after the rapport is established is akin to signing a listing agreement to sell your house. Faith. Trust. Rapport.
But, just maybe a buyer wants to represent themselves...? The licensee can, with seller/client permission, scribe an offer from a buyer, along with full disclosure that the licensee does not represent the buyer and that the buyer should find legal advice about any terms or conditions of the transaction.