When does a prospctive client become an assumed client?

[Maria Teo]

Question for Real Estate Agents:  At what point/after how much interaction with a prospective client, do you assume you have an unspoken agreement to work together? 

I'm talking about the open-ended interactions, not situations where you've specifically spent your time for an individual. 

For example:

a) If a prospective client encourages you to send them your listings?

b) If a client shows up to your open house after seeing one of your listings?

Yes, technically you have to have the contract, but really when do you think a commitment can be assumed?

[Russell Brazil]

When you sign a buyer agency or listing agreement with them.

[Bruce Lynn]

No buyer's rep, no commitment.  To me what you have described is very casual and all that probably ends very soon, like August 17th or before.

[Sarita Scherpereel]

@MariaTeo with the new changes coming in Aug from the NAR lawsuits you should ask your managing broker how your state is outlining this. In my market, buyers have to have an agreement signed before we can take them to see any properties. I used to like to meet clients in the field first and see if I'd also like to work with them. We mostly work with investors and we want to make sure this relationship works for both parties. Starting in August, we can't do that. Since some states/areas are not under NAR for the MRED access it is possible you don't have to worry about this. Again, I would check with your managing broker.