Is a buyer's agent really necessary for a first-time homebuyer?

real estatefirst-time homebuyerbuying a house

Julia_2001

Joined:
30.10.2022
Posts: 498

Topic Starter

01.01.2025 17:43

I'm starting to look at houses for the first time and I keep hearing mixed opinions about whether I should hire a buyer's agent. Some friends say they are essential for navigating the paperwork and negotiating, but others think they just add an extra cost I don't need. Does the seller's agent usually handle everything anyway, or am I putting myself at a disadvantage by going it alone? I'm just trying to understand the actual value they bring to the table during the closing process.

16 replies in this topic

Lara_N

Joined:
31.12.2021
Posts: 522

04.01.2025 22:28

Honestly, as a first-time buyer, you don't know what you don't know. Get an agent, it's worth it for the protection alone.

Olivia_T

Joined:
02.07.2020
Posts: 1656

26.01.2025 16:38

I skipped the agent and saved on commissions, but I had to hire a real estate attorney to review everything. It was stressful but doable.

chris_1982

Joined:
12.01.2024
Posts: 1923

20.03.2025 12:03

In reply to a previous post

To the person who said skip it: how did you handle the inspection negotiation? That's where I would have lost thousands without my agent.

KnowItAll

Joined:
18.03.2021
Posts: 2047

11.05.2025 01:22

In reply to a previous post

The seller's agent works for the seller, not you. They are never going to look out for your best interests, so please keep that in mind.

Amelie_Z

Joined:
08.07.2020
Posts: 1883

25.05.2025 21:17

If you are a total newbie, get an agent. Don't risk your biggest financial investment to save a few bucks on representation.

Amelie_Z

Joined:
18.07.2024
Posts: 1478

02.08.2025 04:11

In reply to a previous post

I bought my first house without an agent and felt fine, but I also have a background in contract law. If you don't have that, hire someone.

Alan_K

Joined:
17.11.2022
Posts: 1468

16.08.2025 23:48

My buyer's agent found a house that wasn't even on Zillow yet. That access alone was worth their fee.

Yulia_M

Joined:
19.07.2024
Posts: 333

29.08.2025 04:30

In reply to a previous post

Just remember that the seller usually pays the commission for both agents, so it might not even be an 'extra cost' to you directly.

Kras_T

Joined:
02.09.2021
Posts: 1335

01.12.2025 08:58

In reply to a previous post

I went alone and the seller's agent tried to push me into using their preferred lender. Having an agent would have stopped that pressure immediately.

Phil_G

Joined:
17.10.2022
Posts: 335

03.12.2025 19:49

It really depends on the market. In a hot market, you need an agent to get your offer seen. In a slow market, you have more leverage.

SimpleMan

Joined:
14.03.2025
Posts: 2219

04.01.2026 17:15

In reply to a previous post

I agree with the person above. If you're in a competitive city, you'll be ignored by listing agents if you don't have representation.

uncle_joe

Joined:
20.10.2024
Posts: 1695

23.01.2026 22:53

In reply to a previous post

Is it 'necessary'? No. Is it 'highly recommended'? Absolutely. Don't be penny wise and pound foolish.

Yulia_M

Joined:
23.11.2025
Posts: 2242

26.01.2026 21:48

My agent saved me from buying a money pit. They noticed structural issues during the showing that I completely missed.

Steve_W

Joined:
17.09.2024
Posts: 1482

02.02.2026 05:55

I think the value of an agent depends on how good the agent is. A bad one is useless, but a great one is a total game changer.

greg_b

Joined:
09.09.2024
Posts: 2046

03.02.2026 03:37

In reply to a previous post

Exactly! Interview three or four agents before you sign anything. Find someone who actually cares about your needs.

Yani_Z

Joined:
09.06.2021
Posts: 36

05.04.2026 12:56

In reply to a previous post

Don't overthink it, just hire a professional. You'll thank yourself when you're sitting at the closing table.

Is a buyer's agent really necessary for a first-time homebuyer?

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