Buying a house is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. Along the way, one common question comes up: do you need a realtor to buy a house? The answer isn’t always simple. Some buyers choose to work with a real estate agent, while others go through the process on their own.
In this guide, we’ll explain what realtors do, why many homebuyers rely on them, the pros and cons of using one, and situations where you might consider buying without one. By the end, you’ll know what’s best for your own home search.
What Does a Realtor Do?
A realtor, or real estate agent, is a licensed professional who helps people buy and sell homes. Their job goes far beyond just unlocking doors and showing houses. A good realtor guides you through the entire process of purchasing a home, which can be confusing if you’ve never done it before.
Here are some of the main things a realtor does for buyers:
- Helps find homes that fit your budget and needs
- Schedules showings and gives you access to properties
- Provides market knowledge about neighborhoods, schools, and pricing trends
- Negotiates with sellers and their agents to get you the best deal
- Prepares and reviews contracts to make sure you don’t miss important details
- Coordinates with lenders, inspectors, and title companies so the process moves smoothly
For first-time homebuyers, these services can make the difference between a stressful experience and a manageable one.
Do You Legally Need a Realtor?
The simple answer is no, you do not legally need a realtor to buy a house. In most states, anyone can purchase a home directly from a seller without an agent. You can make an offer, negotiate, and hire your own attorney or title company to handle paperwork.
However, just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s easy. Real estate transactions involve many steps, including inspections, appraisals, loan approvals, and legal paperwork. If you don’t have experience, handling it on your own can be overwhelming.
Pros of Using a Realtor
Most people choose to hire a realtor because the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks. Let’s take a look at the advantages:
1. Professional Expertise
Realtors understand the housing market and know how to spot red flags in a property. Their expertise can help you avoid costly mistakes.
2. Access to Listings
While many homes are listed online, some properties are only shared within professional networks. A realtor can give you access to these listings.
3. Strong Negotiation Skills
Negotiating is one of the hardest parts of buying a home. Realtors are trained to negotiate on your behalf, which could save you thousands of dollars.
4. Guidance With Paperwork
Buying a house involves contracts, disclosures, and deadlines. Realtors make sure you don’t miss anything important.
5. The Seller Usually Pays the Commission
In most cases, the seller—not the buyer—pays both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent commissions. That means you get the benefit of professional help without paying out of pocket.
Cons of Using a Realtor
Of course, working with a realtor isn’t the right choice for everyone. Here are a few downsides to consider:
- Less Control – You may feel like you’re relying on someone else’s schedule or preferences.
- Pressure to Close – Some agents may push you toward making an offer quickly.
- Potential Conflicts of Interest – If an agent represents both you and the seller (dual agency), their loyalty can be split.
- Commission Costs in Certain Cases – In rare situations, a buyer may agree to pay part of an agent’s commission.
While these issues don’t come up for every buyer, they’re worth thinking about.
When You Might Not Need a Realtor
There are situations where skipping a realtor could make sense:
- Buying a Home From a Family Member or Friend: If you already know and trust the seller, you may not need full representation.
- Purchasing a For Sale by Owner (FSBO) Home: Some sellers prefer to avoid real estate agents, so they sell their homes themselves. You can work directly with them.
- If You Have Real Estate Experience: If you’ve bought or sold property before, or if you work in the housing or legal field, you may feel comfortable handling things on your own.
- To Save on Commission Costs: In some cases, you may be able to negotiate a lower purchase price if no agents are involved.
However, even in these cases, it’s wise to hire a real estate attorney or closing company to help with contracts and legal steps.
How to Buy a House Without a Realtor
If you decide not to use a realtor, you’ll need to take on their responsibilities yourself. That means becoming your own researcher, negotiator, and coordinator throughout the process. Here’s what that might look like:
- Search for homes online through real estate websites: Without a realtor’s access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), you’ll rely on popular real estate websites and apps like Zillow, Realtor.com, or Redfin. These platforms let you filter homes by price, location, and features, but keep in mind that listings may not always be up to date. You’ll need to regularly check for new properties so you don’t miss opportunities.
- Contact sellers directly to schedule showings: Instead of your agent arranging tours, you’ll be responsible for reaching out to sellers or their listing agents. This means managing your schedule, confirming appointments, and making sure you have access to the property. It may take extra effort since some sellers prefer to work through realtors, but persistence can pay off.
- Research neighborhoods and pricing trends so you don’t overpay: One of the biggest risks of buying without a realtor is paying more than a home is worth. To avoid this, you’ll need to dig into recent sales data in the area, look at average price per square foot, and study market trends. Check crime rates, school districts, and future development plans, too—these factors can affect both your quality of life and the property’s long-term value.
- Hire an attorney or title company to review contracts and handle closing: A realtor would normally guide you through contracts and legal documents, but without one, you’ll need a real estate attorney or title company. They’ll make sure the paperwork is legally sound, review contingencies, and handle the closing process. While this adds some cost, it’s a critical step for protecting your investment.
- Negotiate directly with the seller on price, repairs, and closing terms: Realtors are trained negotiators, but if you’re going solo, that responsibility falls to you. Be ready to make offers, counteroffers, and compromises directly with the seller or their agent. You’ll also have to negotiate inspection findings—like whether the seller should make repairs or provide credits at closing. Having clear communication and confidence is key here.
- Coordinate inspections, appraisals, and financing with your lender: Buying a house involves several third parties, including inspectors, appraisers, and mortgage lenders. Without a realtor’s coordination, you’ll be responsible for booking these services, following timelines, and making sure all documents are delivered to your lender on time. Missing a step could delay your closing, so staying organized is essential.
It’s a lot to manage, but some buyers are willing to put in the extra work to save money. Skipping a realtor may reduce commission costs, but it requires time, research, and careful attention to detail to ensure the transaction goes smoothly.
The Role of Technology in Home Buying
Today’s buyers have more tools than ever to shop for homes without an agent. Websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin allow you to see listings, compare prices, and even take virtual tours.
However, these platforms can’t replace the experience and guidance of a professional who knows the market. They’re great for research, but you’ll still need someone—or yourself—to handle the details of contracts, negotiations, and closing.
What If You Start Without a Realtor and Change Your Mind?
The good news is, you’re not locked into your decision. If you begin looking for homes on your own and find the process too complicated, you can hire a realtor at any point before closing.
Just remember that if you’ve already spoken directly with sellers, they may not agree to pay your agent’s commission. In that case, you’d need to discuss payment arrangements with your realtor before moving forward.
Common Misconceptions About Realtors
There are a few myths that often confuse buyers:
- “I’ll save money by not using a realtor.” Not always true. Since sellers usually pay both agents’ commissions, you may not save money by going without one.
- “I can find everything online.” While online listings are helpful, they don’t always show the full picture, such as recent neighborhood sales or hidden home issues.
- “All realtors are the same.” Realtors vary widely in skill and experience. A great realtor can make the buying process much smoother.
Do First-Time Buyers Need a Realtor More?
If this is your first time buying a house, using a realtor is usually a smart choice. First-time buyers often don’t know what to expect with inspections, appraisals, financing, or contract details.
A realtor can walk you through each step, answer questions, and make sure you don’t miss important deadlines. This guidance can reduce stress and give you confidence during the process.
Realtor vs. Real Estate Attorney
Some buyers choose to use a real estate attorney instead of a realtor. An attorney can:
- Review and prepare contracts
- Handle closing documents
- Ensure the legal transfer of property
While attorneys are great for legal protection, they typically don’t help with house hunting or negotiations. Many buyers use both—a realtor for the search and negotiations, and an attorney for the legal side of closing.
The Bottom Line: Do You Need a Realtor to Buy a House?
So, do you need a realtor to buy a house? The answer depends on your comfort level, experience, and situation.
- If you’re a first-time buyer or feel unsure about the process, hiring a realtor is usually the best choice.
- If you’re experienced in real estate or buying from someone you know, you might handle it without one.
- Either way, always make sure you have legal guidance before signing contracts.
At the end of the day, the decision is about balancing cost, convenience, and confidence. Whether you use a realtor or not, the goal is the same: finding a home you love at a price you can afford.
