Do I Need a Realtor to Buy a House?
No — you are not required to use a buyer's agent. Here's how to buy a home on your own, step by step, and where it makes sense to bring in a professional.
There is no law requiring a buyer to hire a real estate agent. Plenty of buyers search, negotiate, and close on their own — especially when buying a For Sale By Ownerhome, where you work with the owner directly. Here's the process, and the professionals worth using along the way.
- 1
Get your financing ready
Before you shop, talk to a lender about a pre-approval (or confirm your funds if paying cash). Knowing your budget makes offers credible and keeps your search focused.
- 2
Search listings yourself
Browse homes for sale by city, price, beds, and baths on ListMyHomes.com™. You'll see For Sale By Owner listings and, in East Tennessee, local MLS listings — all in one place, free to search.
- 3
Contact the owner or listing broker directly
Reach out through the listing to ask questions and schedule a showing. On a For Sale By Owner home you deal with the owner directly; you are not required to bring a buyer's agent.
- 4
Make your offer
Decide your price and terms. A real estate attorney or title company can prepare the purchase agreement and review contingencies — this is the step most self-represented buyers get professional help with.
- 5
Do your due diligence
Order a home inspection and, if you're financing, an appraisal. Review disclosures and title. These protect you whether or not an agent is involved.
- 6
Close with an attorney or title company
Title work, escrow, and the closing itself are handled by a title company or real estate attorney. They coordinate signing, funds, and recording so ownership transfers cleanly.
LMH Venture Group LLC d/b/a ListMyHomes.com™ is a licensed Tennessee real estate firm that acts only as a neutral facilitator and does not provide legal or financial advice or represent buyers as an agent. Consult a licensed professional for your specific situation.
Common questions
Do I legally need a realtor to buy a house?
No. There is no law requiring a buyer to use a real estate agent. Buyers can search, make offers, and close on their own, typically with a real estate attorney or title company handling the contract and closing.
Can I buy a For Sale By Owner home without an agent?
Yes. On ListMyHomes.com™ you can contact For Sale By Owner sellers directly to ask questions, schedule showings, and negotiate — no buyer's agent required.
Who writes the contract if I don't have an agent?
Most self-represented buyers use a real estate attorney or title company to prepare and review the purchase agreement. LMH Venture Group LLC d/b/a ListMyHomes.com™ acts only as a neutral facilitator and does not draft contracts or hold earnest money.
Is it cheaper to buy without a realtor?
Buyers typically don't pay their agent directly, but buying without one can give you more room to negotiate price and terms directly with the seller. Whether that saves money depends on the deal.
What are the risks of buying without an agent?
You take on the research, scheduling, and negotiation yourself. Offset the risk by using a lender, a home inspector, and a real estate attorney or title company — the same professionals an agent would coordinate.
Start your search
Browse homes for sale and contact owners directly — no buyer's agent required.