DIY: How to Buy a House Without a Real Estate Agent

Key takeaways:

• Learning how to buy a house without a realtor or real estate agent is possible with diligent research and planning. 
• Redfin’s home search and buying tips can help you make an informed decision when going through the home buying process on your own. 
• Be sure to consider the pros and cons, complexities of the process, and time you’ll need to dedicate to buying a home without an agent before you decide to DIY. 

Buying a home is a huge decision, and something you might want to do on your own. While agents can be invaluable assets, it is possible to buy a house without a realtor or real estate agent. You’ll have full ownership of the process and might even save some money on commission costs, but be aware of the extra research, time, and prep needed.

But how do you buy a house without a realtor, exactly? Whether you’re moving from an apartment in Indianapolis, a rental house in San Diego, or a home in Helena, here’s what you need to know to successfully buy a home without an agent by your side.

Can I buy a house without a real estate agent?

Yes, you can decide to buy a house on your own without the help of a realtor, but it’s not a decision to make lightly. It might make sense in certain situations—like purchasing from a family member or buying a for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) property with a straightforward transaction. It can also work if you’ve bought property before and feel confident handling the process on your own.

Still, going solo means taking on every part of the homebuying journey yourself. Real estate agents and realtors are experts in the housing market and buying process, and they’re committed to helping you find the perfect place to call home. Deciding not to enlist their help could leave you with complex questions and decisions you’ll have to make on your own. 

Real estate agent vs. realtor: What’s the difference? 

Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they mean different things. All realtors are licensed real estate agents, but what makes a real estate agent a realtor comes down to their membership in the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The NAR is associated with a higher level of professionalism, as well as a strict code of ethics. NAR membership is optional, but some brokers may require their agents to join. 

How to buy a house without a real estate agent 

Confident that you’re ready to buy a house without a realtor? Follow these 8 steps to help you go from searching on Redfin.com to closing the deal on your dream home: 

1. Do your research

An agent keeps up to date on market trends. Without one, it’s up to you to research and decide whether or not it’s a good time to buy a house. Consider the current market conditions, whether it’s better for buyers or sellers, and what the long term implications of your investment might mean. 

>>Read more: Is It a Buyer’s or Seller’s Market?

2. Come up with a budget 

Calculate how much house you can afford in the area you want to buy in. Be sure to consider down payments, the cost of living, closing costs, and the potential for unexpected fees once you buy. The more you prepare financially, the easier it will be to navigate the costs of buying and owning a home. 

3. Get pre-approved for a home loan

It’s recommended to get pre-approved for a mortgage before seriously beginning your home search, or at least 90 days prior to buying. A pre-approval will help you understand how much you can pay in monthly mortgage costs and make you look like a serious buyer. 

4. Use Redfin to search for homes 

Redfin’s home search has a myriad of options in thousands of neighborhoods across the U.S. Once you’ve narrowed down your search area, use the filters to tailor the search to your exact needs. Every Redfin listing includes helpful information like Walk Score, school ratings, potential flood risk, and more to help you make an informed decision–whether you’re using an agent or not. 

Once you’ve found a home online, attend an open house or tour in person. Be sure to let the listing agent know that you’re buying without a realtor.

5. Hire a real estate attorney

A real estate attorney may not be required in every state or by every lender, but they are still a great asset to have when buying a home, especially without an agent. Real estate attorneys are legally authorized to prepare and review documents related to your home purchase. It’s a good idea to hire one before you get too far into the home buying process. Their experience and ability to understand complex documents ensures that your interests are represented – and you know what you’re signing off on. 

6. Review the seller’s disclosure

Before making an offer, carefully review the seller’s disclosure. The disclosure lists known issues like water damage, mold, asbestos, or pest infestations. It also includes other important information like flood zones, easements, or past repairs and renovations. 

While some items are federally required to be included in a seller’s disclosure, not all states have the same ones. Check your state’s specific requirements, do your due diligence, and ask the right questions before making any purchase decisions. 

7. Make an offer and negotiate 

When making an offer without a real estate agent, you will need to do some additional research to ensure you’re paying a fair price for the home and making a competitive offer. Look up real estate comps for the area and be aware of the type of market you’re in. 

Be sure to include contingencies, like a home inspection contingency, to protect yourself and your earnest money if the terms are not met to continue the transaction. Have your real estate attorney review your written offers with contingencies before sending them. 

8. Get a home inspection and appraisal

Home inspections are an essential part of the home buying process to evaluate the home’s current condition. Even if you do work with an agent to buy a home, it’s still good practice to attend the home inspection as the buyer. Ask questions and see any issues the inspector finds firsthand. Don’t forget to request a copy of the finalized report. 

A home appraisal determines the value of the home. This is an important step for a buyer to ensure you’re not overpaying on a home that’s worth less than your offer. Including appraisal contingencies in your offer allows you to back out of the sale if the report comes back low. 

9. Close on the home 

Once all the inspections and reports are reviewed, closing day is not far off. Your real estate attorney will help you review the closing documents, ensure everything is correct, and get you ready for closing day. As soon as all the paperwork is signed, the house is yours, and you’ve successfully bought a house without a realtor. 

Pros and cons to buying without an agent 

Before we get into the how, you’ll need to decide whether buying a house without a real estate agent is the right move for you. Below, we’ll discuss some of the major advantages and drawbacks to going through the home buying process on your own. 

Pros

• Direct communication: You communicate with the seller or seller’s agent directly, avoiding any telephone games between agents in the middle. Information and questions you ask are more streamlined. 
• Full ownership of the process: While choosing the right agent can help, forgoing one altogether gives you full control of the home buying process. You get to decide everything from where to search for homes to how you want to negotiate offers. 
• Potential savings: The 2024 NAR settlement changed the standard for who pays real estate agent fees. Both buyers and sellers can negotiate who pays the real estate agent fees. Previously, sellers typically made the decision.

Cons

• Limited market knowledge: Agents know their way around the housing market. Figuring out how to buy a house without a realtor means doing your own research to understand the current market trends. 
• Potential for mistakes: There are many closing documents, legal terms, and financial obligations to understand throughout the home buying process. The potential for mistakes increases if you’re not well versed in these areas, which could cause delays in the closing process. 
• Difficulty negotiating: With little experience, it can be difficult to tell if you’re making a strong offer on a home – or if you’re getting a good deal. You can lose opportunities on homes by making offers that are too weak to stand up to competition. You might even end up making some common homebuyer mistakes that could have been avoided. 
• No access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS): The MLS is a tool for agents that centralizes home data from across multiple databases. It is only for licensed agents, so without one, your home search may not be as efficient or thorough. 

Should you buy a house without a real estate agent?

If you want total control over the homebuying process, and you’re prepared to take on the challenge, learning how to buy a house without a realtor might be the right move for you. It takes extra knowledge, time, and careful planning. Agents already have the experience and skill to help you navigate, but you can make more of your own decisions and even save a bit of money by doing it all yourself. Deciding whether it’s right for you is a personal choice, but one you can make confidently by taking the proper steps. 

FAQs about how to buy a house without a real estate agent

Do I have to have a realtor to buy a house? 

While a realtor or real estate agent is a helpful asset, you’re not required to have one to buy a house. If you want to do it alone, you’ll need to carefully research the home buying process, market, and how to buy a house without a realtor. 

Can the seller’s agent help me?

The seller’s agent may be able to help you with some things, but they represent the seller’s interests and will put them first. Be careful about leaning on them too much, especially during negotiations. 

Does an agent have to be present for inspections and appraisals?

A licensed agent should ideally be present for home inspections and appraisals, but if you’re buying a house without a realtor, you can attend on your own. The listing agent may be willing to attend as well in order to help the sale close, but some may require a commission for this.

Do I still need a real estate attorney?

In some states, a real estate attorney is required to oversee a real estate transaction. However, even if it’s not required, it is highly recommended. A real estate attorney will help ensure you understand your documents and that they are completed correctly, avoiding chances that the sale could be delayed – or fall through altogether. 

What kinds of homes can I buy without an agent?

You can usually buy any type of home without an agent or realtor. As stated above, just make sure to do your research and due diligence before jumping into any major decisions. 

Will I still be considered a serious buyer without a real estate agent?

Some sellers may be reluctant to work with self-represented buyers. However, proper research, organized paperwork, and getting pre-approved will all help you look like a serious buyer.