Do You Need a Real Estate Agent?

Determine if you should use a Buyer's Real Estate Agent

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Once you make the decision to purchase a home, you will quickly have to decide whether you need a buyer’s real estate agent or not. While most aspiring home buyers understand the role of the real estate agent in the purchase process, most people are unaware of what the experience would be like without a real estate agent’s aid.

Many wonder whether it is even possible to purchase your chosen home without a real estate agent. From a legal standpoint, there are no laws that necessitate the use of a real estate agent. You most certainly may purchase without an agent’s aid and may complete the entire home buying process without ever soliciting the help of a real estate professional. You must, however, evaluate whether this is really the best course of action for you.

First, it helps to understand how real estate agents make their money. You are not responsible for paying a real estate’s commission. Much like when you purchase a car, the real estate agent receives commission but from the seller, not the home buyer.

Another major factor to consider is that if you choose to purchase a home without a buyer’s real estate agent, you won’t have as many homes to choose from. You will be forced to choose from houses being sold by owner without a real estate agent. This leaves a relatively small percentage of homes to evaluate.

Another possibility for home buyers without a real estate agent is to search the listed markets through newspapers and magazines. This approach has its dangers however, since many of the sellers will still have real estate agents while you will not. You will have to be quite strong-willed and careful if this is your choice, as you will have no professional ensuring you receive a fair sale.

There are a number of benefits that a buyer’s real estate agent can offer you. First, your selection of homes grows exponentially, and your agent can search all of the home listings for a real estate agency. They also have more experience in not only locating the homes but negotiating the offer in your favor as well.

That being said, however, there are also benefits to purchasing your home without the help of a buyer’s real estate agent. Negotiating with the seller of a for sale by owner home may be easier because the seller doesn’t have to worry about paying an agent’s commission. You and the seller can control the situation entirely.

In the end, it is your choice whether you would like to use a buyer’s real estate agent. Be sure to take your comfort level with the whole process into account; if you are apprehensive about the process of purchasing real estate, an agent might help make the process easier and more comfortable. Either alternative can result in a successful home purchase. Simply decide which alternative would be the best for you and your home buying situation.

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