Can you buy a property without a realtor? by Candace Thrower.

Can you buy your property without a realtor?

By Candace Thrower

As we go into the spring season, I kow you may be wondering if it is possible to buy a home without a realtor. The short version of my answer is no! Many buyers are hesitant to work with a realtor because they fear the realtor’s fees, but what they do not know is that the fees are covered by the sellers.

What realtors do is guide the buyers through the process and therefore, before ruling the possibility of working with a realtor, this is a fact you need to be well aware of.

A good real estate agent makes the work and the many transactions in a real estate deal flow seamlessly and even before we get to the transaction part of it, realtors will present the best options to you they will set up appointments on your behalf, negotiate the deals all for free! But, it is the experience of the market and the understanding of the complex rules and regulations that help them keep a keen eye on the pitfalls and the possibilities of homebuying.

When you start looking for homes to buy, having an agent by your side will ultimately feel like having a personal assistant. They will inquire about the property that you are interested in and also present a list of other viable options, arrange them all in order, and schedule appointments for every property you are interested in.

That’s not all! You must have known this, the real estate industry is rife with jargon, local phrases, and local rules and sadly experience in one part of the country doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be applied to the next county over. Most agents are well familiar with the industry lingo, and the local regulations. They know exactly what to ask the seller’s agent and the disclosures you should get. Imagine going to the negotiations table all by yourself! That’s suicidal.

What you need to understand is that from the housing hunting phase to closing, real estate agents have been through it a hundred times. They know what to do to expedite the process.

Many agents are expert negotiators. They are the relationship builders who get information from the seller’s agent to help in the negotiation. Since they are familiar with the neighborhood, they already know the prices of comparable properties in the area and what the prices of the recently sold homes were. This information is priceless, and their experience helps them gauge what price a home is likely to sell for. In case you are willing to give the seller contingencies, they know what contingencies are appropriate.

Speaking of contingencies, these are the conditions that need to be met before the sale goes through. Supposing that issues arise during the home inspection, the real estate agents will go back to the negotiation table and get the sellers to repair them or reach a concession with the sellers. Most importantly, real estate agents will keep the numbers in your favor.

Another reason not to buy a house without a realtor is the time factor. You do not have to waste your time driving around. You will be able to get an idea of what houses look like before you visit them so you can make an informed decision. Some real estate agents will even come and show you the houses they are selling. If you do not feel comfortable driving around in a strange neighborhood, then this may be the best option for you.

CONCLUSION

So if you decide that you want to use a realtor to help you buy a house, you need to make sure you find one who is trustworthy and knowledgeable. Look for someone you can trust who can really help you with all of your needs. Make sure they are licensed and bonded. Ask for references and check them out. Then you’ll be ready to make a decision.