Whether you choose to buy your new home on your own or with an agent depends on your
needs. Each method has its pros and cons. Read below to get the information you need
to make the choice that's best for you.
Buying your home yourself can save you a lot of money. The trick is zeroing in on
properties sold by owner and coming to the negotiating table fully informed.
Savings
Finding your home yourself can save you thousands of dollars if you negotiate with
the seller to share the unpaid commission with you.
Control
No one wants to waste time looking at houses they know they don't want. When you
take the reins, you make the choice of what you will see and when you'll see it.
What It Takes
Your best bet is with properties selling by owner, because the law often prohibits
agents from sharing commissions with non-agents. By-owner sellers do not face this
restriction, but you must rely on the seller to agree to share the saved commission
with you. Good negotiating skills are very important to make buying by owner work
to your advantage.
Free Services
We have the largest network of properties selling by owner, plus we have simple
instructions, helpful articles, daily mortgage rates and much, much more to help
you succeed. Best of all, these services are absolutely free.
Search Listings
An agent can usually show you the widest selection of homes. S/he can also
provide you with valuable guidance through the transaction, protecting your interests.
Professional Guidance
An agent can show you a broader offering of properties, and many people rely on them to
conduct negotiations and cover all of the legal bases. Agents will help find you
what you're looking for and close the deal with confidence.
MLS Access
Real estate agents have access to your local Multiple Listing Service (or MLS),
the industry's marketing tool. Your agent will find properties for you that you
simply will not find on your own. And you can still search Owners.com's listings
for homes not available on the MLS.