Has anyone ever heard of this? Also wondering if it's legal but can't find much online.

My wife is trying to help a client who is in the market to buy an investment property (2-plex/4-plex etc) in Austin. They came across a listing agent of a property that was listed at a surprisingly low price but they were told that he would not show the home or respond to any inquiries unless there was an executed contract.

Most of all, I am trying to find out the rationale behind such an approach. Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks

Well I guess if he will sign a contract with a no cost inspection period you could say no harm-no foul and cancel after inspection or counter with an offer you want.

Otherwise it seems pretty stupid

Absolute waste of time, but to each their own.

I've seen it on occupied investment properties or even being able to show one but not all units without a contract. I don't love it but don't see if being an issue on a high demand property. Outside of that I don't really get it.

I've seen it before. Would stay far away.

They want people to feel "committed" before seeing it. Silly and a red flag.

When we were shopping for a house over the summer, I reached out to listing agents directly. Every listing agent willingly met us to walk through the house except one. He would only show us the house if we signed an agreement. I refused as I didn't want representation in buying a house. We closed on a house in the same neighborhood at the beginning of July. That house is still on the market. I thought about reaching out to the sellers to let them know their agent screwed them of potential buyers.