The short answer is “yes”

You can buy a house without a realtor. However, a good realtor is going to provide you value well beyond just opening the doors for you.

Do I have to pay the realtor?

Typically both the buyer’s and seller’s agent are paid by the seller. Most buyers’ agents will have a small administrative fee, but their commission is not covered by the buyer. This is the first thing to consider when deciding to use a buyer agent. As the buyer, you will not pay for their service.

Why do I need a realtor to buy a house?

A good realtor will be able to spot issues with the house that a buyer might not be looking for. They will look at the foundation, roof, furnace, A/C, etc to either advise you not to purchase the house or to try and negotiate repairs as a condition of the purchase. A good realtor can also go back and renegotiate after the contract has been signed, but before the closing, if new information comes out. A home inspector almost always finds some issue in an existing house. A good realtor can tell you if these are typical and minor or if it is necessary to go back to the seller to renegotiate. Your realtor will also help you structure your offer on a home to increase the chances the seller picks your offer over competing offers.

I am a local mortgage broker serving Omaha, Papillion, La Vista, Bellevue, and all of eastern Nebraska. If you have questions on the Omaha housing market I’m happy to have a conversation with you.

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 Can I get a better deal on the home if I do not use a realtor?

It is possible to get a better deal on a home by not using a buyer’s agent. However, it is, in our opinion, more likely you will get a better deal with a buyer’s agent. The seller’s agent may offer potential buyers small discounts on the house if they do not use a buyer’s agent. The seller’s agent does this to “double side” a deal, which means they get both the buyer and seller commissions. A good buyer’s agent will be able to negotiate a larger discount than the seller’s agent is offering. It is also important to remember when not using a buyer’s agent you will have no one representing your interest. The seller’s agent knows more about real estate than most buyers so it is important to have a professional in your corner.

Are all realtors the same?

This is a big “NO”. We all know a friend or family member that has a real estate license. Most agents are part-time or do a small number of transactions each year. It is important to work with a seasoned full-time agent who knows the area, can structure a deal properly and is knowledgeable enough to get you the best deal possible on your home.

Petrovich Team Home Loans is your Omaha Lender. We work with many veteran agents and can set you up with an expert realtor who will fit your unique needs.