Open Houses After Buyer Agreement Changes: What Buyers and Agents Should Know
Visiting an open house does not require signing a buyer agreement. What the new rules actually say for buyers and agents.
Mike Douglas
Real Estate Reporter
Mike Douglas is a business and real estate writer based in suburban Chicago, bringing together professional newsroom experience, firsthand brokerage knowledge, and a practical interest in property investing. He earned a BS from Arizona State University and went on to report for multiple newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune, where he covered business and real estate.
Before focusing on real estate journalism, Mike spent five years as a Realtor in Phoenix, giving him direct insight into buyers, sellers, agents, negotiations, and the day-to-day realities of local housing markets. Today, his reporting draws on both his journalism background and his real estate experience to explain market trends, housing developments, and industry changes with clarity and authority. As a novice multifamily real estate investor, Mike also brings a hands-on perspective to coverage of property ownership, investment strategy, and long-term market opportunities.
Articles by Mike Douglas
Mike Douglas
Foreign Buyers in U.S. Real Estate: Where International Demand Is Showing Up
Foreign buyers purchased $56 billion of U.S. homes in the latest NAR data, up 33%. Where international demand is concentrating.
New Construction in 2026: Builder Confidence Slips, Housing Starts Drop, and Incentives Spread
Housing starts fell, builder confidence slipped, and incentives spread. Here’s what new construction buyers and sellers should watch in 2026.
Buyer Agency Agreements in 2026: What Buyers, Sellers and Agents Need to Know After the Commission Changes
Buyer agency agreements are now central to home shopping. Here’s what buyers, sellers and agents should know after commission changes.
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NAR’s Clear Cooperation policy still shapes how homes reach the MLS. Here’s what sellers, buyers and agents should know in 2026.
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How long does it take to sell a home in 2026? The answer depends on days on market, local demand, pricing and closing timeline.
How Long It Takes to Save a Down Payment in 2026
How long does it take to save a down payment in 2026? The answer depends on savings rate, home price and loan type.
How Much House Can You Afford After Taxes and Insurance?
Mortgage calculators often miss taxes and insurance. Here’s how buyers should estimate the full cost of homeownership.
Should Sellers Offer a Rate Buydown to Attract Buyers?
A seller rate buydown can help buyers with monthly payments, but it is not always better than a price cut or closing-cost credit.
Home Staging in 2026: What Still Matters to Buyers
Home staging still matters in 2026, but sellers should focus on the rooms and presentation choices buyers notice most.
Pre-Listing Inspection: Is It Worth It for Sellers?
Is a pre-listing inspection worth it? Learn when sellers should inspect before listing and how it can reduce surprises.
Relistings Are Rising: Why Some Home Sellers Are Trying Again in 2026
Relistings are rising as some sellers return to the market with new prices, new photos or more realistic expectations.
How Much House Can You Afford in 2026? Payments, Down Payments and Where Buyers Have More Room
Home affordability improved from recent lows, but high rates, prices, taxes and insurance still shape what buyers can comfortably afford.
Seller Concessions Are at a Record High in 2026: What Home Sellers Should Do Before Cutting Price
More sellers are offering concessions as buyers gain leverage. Here’s when a credit, repair or rate buydown may work better than a price cut.
Mortgage Rates Today: Why 30-Year Rates Are Still Above 6% and What the Fed Means for Homebuyers
Mortgage rates remain above 6%. Here’s why the Fed does not directly set mortgage rates and what buyers should watch in 2026.
U.S. Housing Market Update June 2026: Existing-Home Sales Rise, New-Home Sales Fall, Inventory Improves
Existing-home sales rose in May, new-home sales fell, and inventory improved. Here’s what buyers and sellers should watch next.