skip to main content

Buying and Selling Homes

Buying a house without a real estate agent

4 months ago

My wife and I were going to open houses and just found something we really like. Getting a real estate agent at this point seems unnecessary but as first time home buyers don't know what to do next? We already have a mortgage pre approval, house inspector and attorney. Can an attorney or other professional guide us from this point forward or should we still get a realtor?

Featured Answer

midcenturymodernlove

4 months ago

If you are in a Title Company state, call a Title Company and ask the rates, and then compare a few. If you are in an attorney-closing state, contact a real estate attorney and get a protective Purchase Agreement and make an offer, if you think you have enough information. Read about the process in your state.

IF the house is FSBO, move quickly, and make an offer.

If the house is listed, a Realtor is going to get X% of the cost of the sale anyway (to be split with Buyer Realtor and Broker, if there is one) so you can bring one in or go straight to the listing Realtor, though the latter is preferable only for the experienced and knowledgeable buyer.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

Jim Mat
4 months ago
I live in CA, seller pays the buyer’s realtor.
sushipup1
4 months ago
Is the seller represented by an agent? If so, yes, get an agent to look after your interests. If it's a For Sale By Owner, maybe not so much, but buyer beware. A good agent is a great asset in hand-holding thru many possible problems that can arise, especially if you've never done this before.
Related Discussions
FSBO or Real Estate Agent
Q
Comments (2)
If you want this on MLS you should be able to find a brokerage that charges a flat rate on the "listing side" and they will place it on MLS. But as much as people sometimes despise Realtors, there is a lot of research that shows the right one can get people more money for their houses than FSBO and still cover the commissions. Also you will need to consider your month to month carrying costs. Go ahead and try it for yourself but give yourself a time frame; If you don't sell it by a specific date, then hire a professional. (If it were really that easy everyone who ever has gotten a license would still be doing it.) 10% of the agents do 90% of the selling, find that top 10% agent, that will save you much more money than doing it yourself. I would like to leave you with one more thought, a buyer on a FSBO is also thinking they are going to save money because your not paying a Realtor. I am a Realtor in Florida and I buy and sell using Realtors. Good luck and have a great move.
...See More
Real Estate Agents
Q
Comments (6)
Hi Guys, Now that you have an official category, I hope that you will share your wealth of knowledge about local home professionals that you work with on your listings by writing reviews for them. You can do that here: houzz.com/writeReview/cmd=s Also, be sure to ask your own clients to review you by going to your profile and clicking Request Reviews to send them a request.
...See More
Real Estate Agents
Q
Comments (16)
Listing services and pros can't be over done only the interested click on the list anyway. How does real estate not have anything to do with home decorating and remodeling? This is a service some would like to see. Other services are on here and they don't post adds why would this be any different? Honestly, Architectural Digest has always had a real estate section in its' magazine and I always find it interesting. Apart from the local pro list if Houzz decided to offer listings in a separate category or even a sister site, but with the same great style I would be just as addicted as I am to the design site. Why shouldn't they compete in the real estate biz too? I say pull an all out Google style take over of the House Websites and tell Trulia to move over you can do it better! LOL Before I found Houzz I would pick a new location randomly on Trulia and look at all the million plus properties just to see the beautiful homes and get ideas!
...See More
Choosing the right real estate agent
Q
Comments (2)
I don't think this behavior has anything to do with being a husband/wife team. It is unprofessional under any situation. Interview a couple of other agents and narrow it down to someone with whom you feel comfortable.
...See More
homechef59
4 months ago
Not a realtor.

The seller pays the real estate commission. Do not use the seller's realtor. Ask your friends for a referral to an effective realtor to represent your interests.

Sure, you can hire an attorney to complete the transaction. A real estate attorney does this all the time. They may not necessarily provide the hand holding that a first time buyer may need. As a first time buyer there is value by having your own realtor handle the transaction. There is a lot that you don't know about the process. I would advise you to get a realtor to represent you.
Garden Music
Original Author
4 months ago
Thanks for the response.
patriceny
4 months ago
As a first time home buyer, I'd strongly suggest a realtor. There is a LOT of running around that has to be done to close/settle on a home, and that's really where they prove their value (IMO).

As a buyer, if the seller pays for the realtor I can't think of a reason to not have one.

As a seller, I've done FSBO and it turned out well for me - but again, there is a lot of running around to do. My attorney is a good friend and she helped me out a fair bit too.

Related Stories

SELLING YOUR HOUSE 15 Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Real Estate Agent

By Laura Gaskill

Here’s what you should find out before selecting an agent to sell your home

MOVING 8 Things to Learn From Open Houses (Whether or Not You’re Buying)

By Laura Gaskill

You can gather ideas, get a handle on the market, find an agent and more

PRO TIPS How the Real Estate Market Can Shape Your Business

Buying and selling trends influence the type of remodeling jobs homeowners ask for. Learn more in this story and webinar

0

LIFE How to Make Your House a Haven Without Changing a Thing

By Alison Hodgson

Hung up on 'perfect' aesthetics? You may be missing out on what gives a home real meaning

MOST POPULAR 9 Real Ways You Can Help After a House Fire

By Alison Hodgson

Suggestions from someone who lost her home to fire — and experienced the staggering generosity of community

DECORATING GUIDES 10 Easy Fixes for That Nearly Perfect House You Want to Buy

By Laura Gaskill

Find out the common flaws that shouldn’t be deal-breakers — and a few that should give you pause

SELLING YOUR HOUSE The Real Scents That Will Help Sell Your House

Ditch the potpourri and baked cookies. Follow these guidelines on scents to use and avoid to help sell your home

LIFE The Polite House: On Dogs at House Parties and Working With Relatives

Emily Post’s great-great-granddaughter gives advice on having dogs at parties and handling a family member’s offer to help with projects

ARCHITECTURE Stilt Houses: 10 Reasons to Get Your House Off the Ground

By Rebecca Gross

Here are 10 homes that raise the stakes, plus advice on when you might want to do the same

EXTERIORS Help! What Color Should I Paint My House Exterior?

By Jennifer Ott Design

Real homeowners get real help in choosing paint palettes. Bonus: 3 tips for everyone on picking exterior colors

More Discussions

Where to sell unused 48” AGA range

19

Is it risky to buy a pre-owned house?

6

Tips on Buying with an Attorney instead of a Realtor?

14

Master Bath Reno, Light Reno v. Total redo? Moving 3-5 years.

9

Can I get credits from builder?

4