Touring a house without a realtor

[Chris D]

This is probably a really dumb question, but its been bugging me all the same:

Why can't I tour the inside of a house that is for sale without a realtor?

From what I understand, the combinations to lock boxes are not listed on MLS. So why not just call the listing agent, get the lock box code, and tour the house?

[Barry O.]

Touring a house with a realtor verses without. Great question!
I walked through an open house that had Jewelry sitting out in the open. Told the Realtor and I have had clients tour houses with money left out!
As a realtor you are(or at least should be) responsible for the actions of your clients. So while theft is not really a big deal. As a house seeker imaging walking out of a house without the realtor that gave you a lockbox code, only to have the seller say you:
1. Stole something
2. made indecent passes
3. molested children.
I shudder to think of the mess if you are just looking and on the hook because its a he said she said scenario. How likely is that, not very! But I would rather play it safe than have the possibility of it happening.