First-Time Home Buyers: How Your Realtor Can Help You Win

do you need a realtor to buy a house

In fact, if you’ve already registered with a community, it might be too late. Some builders are even taking this opportunity to strengthen their agent relationships by soliciting feedback about their commissions program. Nearly every construction contract will have a “change of work” clause included. This clause explains the process in which a builder can change construction at any point in the project, and how they must inform the buyer. However, an agent with experience in new builds can help create a fair timeline for the build, including padding for inclement weather or construction delays.

Times To Consider Buying a Home Without a Realtor

In return for these services, the buyer’s agent typically earns a commission between 1% and 3%. As the homebuyer, you may not have to pay this, since home sellers usually pay the buyer’s agent fee. Unless the home is for sale by owner (FSBO), you’ll need to negotiate the house price and terms with the seller’s agent. If the home is for sale by owner, you can submit the offer directly to the seller. The seller may then accept your offer, deny it or return with a counteroffer. A buyer’s agent will help you think through things like your budget and the cost of each upgrade.

The value of a real estate agent in buying new construction

Here’s a closer look at buyer’s agents, what they do and whether you need one. The contract between the seller and the listing agent typically agrees to pay the seller’s agent a commission between 5–7%. The seller will usually pay a portion of this commission to the buyer’s agent (usually split between both agents).

Moving Checklist: Everything You Need to Know for a Smooth Move

If you have the time and knowledge, buying a home on your own is certainly possible, but you may lack the expertise that an experienced REALTOR® can bring. You'll want to identify one that’s a licensed member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Ideally, you’ll also want a local REALTOR® who has knowledge of the market in the area.

Your attorney will help review the closing package with you and advise on what your next steps will be. You’ll most likely need to work with a title company, and maybe an escrow company. Know what to expect and learn about the closing process, how to prepare, and who will be there and you’ll have the keys to your home in no time.

Then, we’ll check your credit report and credit score to give you real interest rate and payment information, so you know your budget. When you don’t have an agent, you must research services and businesses on your own, which can make it harder to find the right help. A REALTOR® can help you manage the mountain of paperwork and draw your attention to important issues. Nichole Talbot is a freelance writer who covers real estate, development, and design. She has created content and copy for home builders, architects, and interior design firms for eight years.

After you find a home that you love in a neighborhood that meets your criteria, it’s time to set up a home tour. You can connect with the seller’s agent (or the seller if it’s a for sale by owner home) to schedule a time to tour the home. There are a few extra steps you’ll have to take when buying a house without a REALTOR®.

In theory, when an agent represents both parties, her task is to merely “facilitate” the transaction. In fact, there is no transaction in which both the buyer’s and seller’s interest can be represented fully and without conflict. If you’re a first-time home buyer, your agent will help you avoid newbie mistakes – such as skipping the home inspection or giving away your bargaining leverage by disclosing too much personal information. Though the Internet makes it easy to find homes in your price range, a good agent usually has access to more properties.

do you need a realtor to buy a house

How to Find the Right Real Estate Agent

If you want more information, go directly to the actual listing agent, or have your own Realtor do it for you. Rocket Homes Real Estate LLC is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for individuals with disabilities. We are continuously working to improve the accessibility of our web experience for everyone, and we welcome feedback and accommodation requests. If you wish to report an issue or seek an accommodation, please contact us at

How a Buyer’s Agent Can Help Your Home Search - NerdWallet

How a Buyer’s Agent Can Help Your Home Search.

Posted: Fri, 12 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Sellers must disclose known issues with a home, remodeling or repairs, and a whole laundry list of items that varies from state to state. Common disclosures include deaths in the home, neighborhood nuisances, hazards (including asbestos), Homeowners Association information, water damage, and items the seller may be taking with them. That said, if the state doesn’t legally require a seller to disclose something, chances are they won’t. If you live in a state that takes this ‘buyer beware’ approach, you may want to ask more direct questions about areas of concern. Once you understand the financial requirements of taking out a home loan and are ready to apply, you’ll need to start shopping for the right lender.

Mike Cetera is the editor in chief for Forbes Marketplace U.S. Mike has written and edited articles about mortgages, savings accounts, CD rates and credit cards for more than a decade. Prior to joining Marketplace, his work appeared on Bankrate, The Points Guy and Fit Small Business. Mike earned a master’s degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois and has been a journalist for more than two decades. He also has offered his expertise in numerous TV, radio and print interviews. Working with the right agent can be the difference between a good or not-so-good home buying experience.

With a real estate agent, you’ll have an experienced advocate and negotiator. For many people, it’s the largest transaction of their life and it’s often done during other major life changes, like an expanding family or a job relocation. Stress and strong emotions can cloud judgment – which can cause you to make a decision you’ll later regret. Finding the right real estate agent to purchase a home doesn’t have to be stressful. Start by asking for recommendations and researching potential candidates to learn more about their experiences with past clients. Also, be sure to interview at least three agents and check references.

Scheduling home tours can be difficult as you’re working around the seller’s and agent’s schedules as well as your own. Oftentimes, especially in a seller’s market, finding a home takes more than setting up notifications on your favorite real estate app. Agents have a network that they can tap into to find off-market properties, or pocket listings, and they use these connections to best serve their clients. You might be better off doing your house hunting yourself if you feel comfortable speaking with sellers and you have time to find listings. To get started, you can come up with a way to keep track of the homes you view and the information you gather while visiting them.

“Forget waiting until the closing to get an attorney,” Linskey says. It’s also worth mentioning that while many use the terms “real estate agent” and “Realtor” interchangeably, they are two separate things. Realtors are agents who are members of the National Association of Realtors. They must abide by rules set by their governing body, but agents are not required to join the NAR to work. The most common problem, however, occurs when an agent (or agency) represents both the buyer and seller.

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