🏡 How to View Homes Without a Buyer Agent in Texas (And Still Save Big)

Thinking about buying a home in Texas but not quite ready to commit to a buyer agent? You’re not alone. Many savvy buyers start out by touring homes on their own—whether to get a feel for the market, explore neighborhoods, or just browse casually.

But how do you legally and efficiently view homes without a buyer’s agent? Here are four tried-and-true ways to tour homes solo—and what you need to know before stepping inside.

💸 Pro tip: If you do decide to work with an agent, consider our $3,999 flat-fee buyer agent service. We serve all of Texas, provide outstanding service, and offer big buyer rebates to help you save more on your dream home.

1. Contact the Listing Agent Directly

This is the most common approach when you're viewing properties without a buyer agent.

✅ How it works:

• Find the listing agent’s contact info on sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, or from the yard sign.

• Call, text, or email them to request a showing.

⚠️ What to watch for:

• The listing agent represents the seller, not you.

• In Texas, listing agents typically avoid dual agency (representing both buyer and seller). They may refer you to another agent in their brokerage instead.

• You’ll have no one negotiating on your behalf or guiding you through inspections, paperwork, or contract details.

👎 Bottom line:

Good for early browsing, but if you’re serious about buying, you risk going unrepresented in a high-stakes transaction.

2. Use Showami to Request On-Demand Showings

Showami is a smart tool for buyers who want to tour homes without hiring an agent full-time.

✅ How it works:

• Go to Showami.com and request a showing time.

• A local, licensed agent picks up your request and meets you at the home.

• You are not obligated to work with the agent beyond that showing.

⚠️ What to watch for:

• Only licensed agents can unlock and show homes in Texas.

• A licensed buyer agent must still set up the showing using MLS tools like ShowingTime.

• These agents don’t advise or negotiate unless you formally hire them.

👎 Bottom line:

Ideal for quick access, but you’ll need to take care of everything else yourself.

3. Visit Open Houses on Your Own

If you're just browsing neighborhoods or want to casually look at listings, open houses are your best friend.

✅ How it works:

• Open houses are typically held on weekends.

• Just show up—no appointment or buyer agent required.

• Walk through the home, ask questions, and leave when you’re done.

⚠️ What to watch for:

• The agent at the open house is almost always the listing agent, whose duty is to the seller.

• They may try to recruit you as a client—be cautious if you’re not ready to commit.

👎 Bottom line:

A great way to explore homes, but don’t expect expert advice or negotiation help.

4. Use Zillow or Redfin’s “Schedule Tour” Button

Popular listing sites like Zillow and Redfin make it easy to schedule showings—but you may not realize how this system really works.

✅ How it works:

• Click the “Schedule Tour” or “Request a Tour” button on a listing.

• You’ll get matched with a local buyer agent—usually someone trying to earn your business.

• They’ll reach out to schedule the showing and potentially ask you to sign a buyer agreement.

⚠️ What to watch for:

• These agents may be randomly assigned and may not have deep knowledge of the listing or area.

• Be clear up front if you don’t want to sign an exclusive agreement yet.

👎 Bottom line:

Convenient and fast, but often leads to sales pressure and unsolicited follow-ups.

🚀 Want to Save Thousands AND Get Expert Support?

If you're done browsing and ready to make a move, we offer a flat-fee buyer agent service for just $3,999. That means:

• You get professional representation during showings, negotiations, inspections, and closing.

• You get big buyer rebates that can help cover closing costs or upgrades.

• We serve all of Texas, with outstanding, client-focused service.

Contact us today to tour homes and save big.