What must an agent do before conducting open houses?

An agent must obtain permission from the property owner before conducting open houses because it is essential to respect the property rights of the owner. The owner has the authority to decide who can show their property and under what conditions. Having explicit permission not only builds trust between the agent and the owner but also ensures that the agent is acting within the legal framework and ethical guidelines set forth by real estate laws. This permission also protects the agent from potential liabilities and misunderstandings regarding the conduct of the open house.

The other options do not address the fundamental requirement of securing the owner's consent, which is a critical step in the open house process.