Do you NEED a realtor to purchase?

IF you have access to the MLS listings, do you really need a realtor to purchase a home? What are the benefits of having one?

Re: Do you NEED a realtor to purchase?

Do you mean a buyers agent? If so, my family has done it both ways. Without a realtor we went to open houses and then called different real estates to make appointments to view homes.

Currently I have a buyers agent with whom I like working and who does all of the appointments for me. I've come to really value his opinion. I like the fact that he will point out some of the good and bad things when we are looking at a house. The selling agent can't really do that. Once you get into all of the making offers, contract stuff it's also nice to have someone in your corner to negotiate for you.
Two cons to working with your own agent I found are that you are subject to their schedule and sometimes when I had time he didn't. And it adds another person to the pool which can get kind of frustrating to have messages passed through so many people when you are trying to negotiate.
Either way, we didn't sign any paperwork/agreements with any realtors when we were looking.
I also won't have to pay him, he'll get a piece of the sale, but I have seen some posts on here where buyers have had to pay some of the commision.
I hope that helps, good luck!

Re: Do you NEED a realtor to purchase?

No. We bought our coop in 2004 with no realtor. We would just call on listings we saw on MLSLI, and the sellers agent would show it to us.

Re: Do you NEED a realtor to purchase?

I bought my co-op without a realtor 4 years ago, and I'm trying to sell it now without one as well.

Re: Do you NEED a realtor to purchase?

you don't NEED one

but remember the sellers agent doesn't work for you- they must at all times represent the seller

so while you might think you don't need one- you really have no one looking out for your best interest

if your ok with representing yourself and working on your behalf- that's fine

but never confuse the sellers agent - as working for you as well- they will always look out for the seller

if you can find a buyers agent that is willing to just work for the comission split and no additional payment- I don't see why you wouldn't want one (most will- most don't ask for anything above the split)