Is it possible to buy a house without using an agent?

Anonymous
What do I need to do? Anyone who knows or had done it before, could you give me some insights regarding the whole process?

Thx!
Anonymous
Of course, but the fee for both agents comes out of the seller's net proceeds, so why would you? I mean, yeah in theory it seems like you could negotiate a lower price since the 3% for your agent isn't involved. But if you are asking such a basic question re: purchasing, I don't think this is the league you are in. Get an agent you like working with. Things will probably turn out better.
Anonymous
Unless you are only going to open houses, how would you go see properties? Would you contact each listing agent yourself? Seems like a lot of trouble when you could just hire a buyer's agent to do this for you.
Anonymous
Of course. It can be tricky asking the selling agent though as they might see $$ and want the whole commission. I think it's best to contact the owner directly. It's most ideal if the house isn't even on the market.
Anonymous
Just use redfin
Anonymous
Find title company and use their attorney. S/he'll help with purchase agreement bids, rest of process, rebate you the buyside fee and keep your HUD on point, no fat fees.
Anonymous
Ditto what the previous poster said.
Anonymous
We just bought a house without an agent. Had friends who ARE agents give us advice. Process worked just fine.
VArealtor
Member Offline
You sure can, OP. But just remember that some agents will simply "represent" you too in the transaction and collect a full 6% commission. No savings to you. It's usually best to just get an agent on your own to represent you and possibly catch some things you otherwise might not. You might be able to get an agent to rebate part of his/her commission from the seller back to you (buyers never pay commission) since you've already found a property on your own and only need assistance in the transaction part. I've done that before.

That's if the seller has an agent. If a property is FSBO then it's less of an issue; neither has professional representation so the playing field is level again.. unless one party is an attorney of course which I've seen happen. In this case I'd recommend you either get an agent or get everything reviewed by your own attorney.
VArealtor
Member Offline
Whoops. Sorry for the double post.
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