{"id":25045,"date":"2025-09-25T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/?p=25045"},"modified":"2025-11-26T12:55:43","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T17:55:43","slug":"do-i-need-realtor-to-buy-house","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/do-i-need-realtor-to-buy-house","title":{"rendered":"Do You Need a Realtor to Buy a House?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n<p>When you think of real estate professionals, you likely picture a real estate agent, or Realtor, showing a home. You may wonder, \u201cDo I need a Realtor to buy a house?\u201d Technically, you don\u2019t! You aren\u2019t legally required to use a real estate agent to buy or sell a home in Canada. According to our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/2024-canada-housing-market-report\">2024 housing market survey<\/a>, 66% of Canadians used a real estate agent to buy or sell a home in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you jump into the homebuying process on your own, here is what you should know about buying a house without a Realtor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-takeaways\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Buying a house without a Realtor is possible, but can be challenging; buyers must manage the entire process independently, which may lead to the risk of overpaying and missing important details<\/li><li>A Realtor provides expert guidance, negotiation skills, and access to a wide range of listings, ultimately simplifying the homebuying process<\/li><li>You\u2019ll still need to work with other real estate professionals, like lawyers and mortgage lenders<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-you-buy-a-home-without-a-realtor?\">Can You Buy a Home Without a Realtor?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Buying a home without a real estate agent in Canada is possible. However, it requires careful planning and may be a complex process that is time-consuming if you are not familiar with the real estate industry.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-zolo-related flex items-center py-6 leading-tight border-t border-b border-blacklight undefined\"><p class=\"font-serif pr-6 md:pr-12 mr-6 md:flex-shrink-0 border-r border-blacklight\">Related content<\/p><p class=\"related-link w-full my-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/difference-realtors-agents-brokers\">What\u2019s the Difference Between Realtors, Brokers, and Real Estate Agents?<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you choose to buy a home without the help of a Realtor, you should consider what services a real estate agent provides and whether you have the expertise to complete the purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"buying-a-home-with-an-agent\">Buying a Home With an Agent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"buying-a-home-with-an-agent\">Real estate agents are professionals with a real estate license who help clients navigate the homebuying and selling process. They prioritize their clients&#8217; interests and offer full disclosure throughout the purchasing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-services-performed-by-buyer-s-agent\">Services Performed by Buyer\u2019s Agent&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you purchase a home, your agent will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Search for a suitable property<\/strong> &#8211; Real estate agents have access to properties you may not find online, for instance, homes not listed on Multiple Listing Service (MLS)<\/li><li><strong>Provide you with market knowledge<\/strong> &#8211; Realtors are real estate experts who can help you understand your local market conditions. For example, if it is a hot seller\u2019s market, they will advise you on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/home-bidding-war\">bidding war strategies<\/a><\/li><li><strong>Advise you on neighbourhoods<\/strong> &#8211; If you are purchasing a property in a new-to-you neighbourhood or city, your agent can help inform you on the desirability, average home price, schools, commuting times, crime rates, and more<\/li><li><strong>Provide zoning knowledge<\/strong> &#8211; Additionally, agents are knowledgeable in zoning and building bylaws that may restrict or prohibit you from building or renovating<\/li><li><strong>Organize showings<\/strong> &#8211; Once you find a home you\u2019d like to view, your agent will arrange a showing and walk through the property with you<\/li><li><strong>Negotiate the purchase<\/strong> &#8211; Your real estate agent will help you make an offer and negotiate the purchase of a home. This includes the purchase price, contingencies and conditions of the offer<\/li><li><strong>Guide you through the process step-by-step<\/strong> &#8211; Closing on a home requires many steps. Your agent will help connect you with other real estate professionals, like home inspectors, mortgage brokers, and real estate lawyers, to ensure a smooth transaction<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-commission-fees\">Commission Fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Real estate agents charge commission fees, which are typically a percentage of the property&#8217;s sale price and are outlined in advance. Generally, a home seller pays the commission for the buyer and seller&#8217;s agent.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"buying-a-home-without-an-agent\">Buying a Home Without an Agent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Buying a home without an agent should be undertaken by someone who knows the real estate industry. With that in mind, potential buyers must assess their ability to handle the complexities involved without professional assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1047\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/buying-without-agent-pros-cons-1024x1047.png\" alt=\"Pros and Cons of not using a real estate agent to buy a house\" class=\"wp-image-25046\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pros\">Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>May save money on commission<\/strong> &#8211; Although home buyers do not typically pay the commission, the seller may accept a lower purchase price since they may pay less in commission fees<\/li><li><strong>Retain control over the transaction<\/strong> &#8211; Without a Realtor, you can set the pace of the transaction, without having to wait for an agent to respond to you<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cons\">Cons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Time-consuming<\/strong> &#8211; You\u2019ll need to dedicate time to market research, scheduling viewings, completing paperwork, and negotiating<\/li><li><strong>Lack of market knowledge<\/strong> &#8211; You\u2019ll want to make an offer on a home for fair market value; however, it can be challenging to understand your local housing market. Without expert insight, you may unknowingly overpay&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>No liability insurance<\/strong> &#8211; Real estate agents carry <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reco.on.ca\/agents-and-brokerages\/insurance\">professional liability insurance<\/a> that protects you from unintentional errors or omissions. Clients buying a home without a Realtor have no comparable protection<\/li><li><strong>Limited access to properties for sale<\/strong> &#8211; Realtors have access to listings that aren\u2019t available to the general public<\/li><li><strong>Complex paperwork <\/strong>&#8211; There is a lot of paperwork involved when purchasing a home, and you\u2019ll want to ensure it\u2019s correct<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-buy-a-home-without-an-agent\">How to Buy a Home Without an Agent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you choose to buy a house without the help of a Realtor, follow these tips to ensure a successful transaction.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-do-your-market-research\">Do Your Market Research<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Researching the local housing market and recent comparable home sales is essential before you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/make-an-offer-on-a-home\">make an offer on a home<\/a>. While researching your ideal neighbourhoods, you should compare:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Recent average sale price<\/li><li>Recent average time on market<\/li><li>Original listing prices vs sold prices<\/li><li>Neighbourhood amenities<\/li><li>Crime rates<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-zolo-related flex items-center py-6 leading-tight border-t border-b border-blacklight undefined\"><p class=\"font-serif pr-6 md:pr-12 mr-6 md:flex-shrink-0 border-r border-blacklight\">Related content<\/p><p class=\"related-link w-full my-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/freehold-vs-leasehold\">Freehold vs. Leasehold Agreements<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s important to understand that no two houses are alike, making comparing properties difficult. Additionally, it&#8217;s important not to let outliers skew the data. Only consider homes that are truly comparable when conducting market research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-negotiate-price\">Negotiate Price<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Through market research, you&#8217;ll be better equipped to make an offer on a home. When considering how much to offer to secure the best deal, be sure to offer a price you can afford, preferably under your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/mortgage-pre-approval\">mortgage pre-approval<\/a> amount, to leave wiggle room for negotiating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the seller counters your bid, consider the price, conditions, and closing date when negotiating. It&#8217;s important to note that the seller&#8217;s agent is obligated to work in the seller&#8217;s best interest, not yours.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hire-a-real-estate-lawyer\">Hire a Real Estate Lawyer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You are required to hire a real estate attorney to register the transfer of property. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/real-estate-lawyer-guide\">lawyer<\/a> will provide a title search, handle all the paperwork, and register the transfer of property after the sale. In addition, they will review the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, draw up the statement of adjustments and facilitate the payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-settle-funds-and-exchange-keys\">Settle Funds and Exchange Keys<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>On the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/home-closing-process\">closing day<\/a>, you\u2019ll meet with the lawyer to sign paperwork before you receive the keys to your new home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"bottom-line\">Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Buying a home without an agent is best left to people who are very familiar with the homebuying process. For the average Canadian or first-time homebuyer, you are in much better hands with a real estate professional on your side.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-zolo-related flex items-center py-6 leading-tight border-t border-b border-blacklight undefined\"><p class=\"font-serif pr-6 md:pr-12 mr-6 md:flex-shrink-0 border-r border-blacklight\">Related content<\/p><p class=\"related-link w-full my-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/what-to-look-for-house-hunting\">What to Look for When Buying a House<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>Search <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/\">Zolo.ca<\/a> for your next home, find sold prices, and view recent real estate market statistics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"buying-a-house-without-a-realtor-faq\">Buying a House Without a Realtor FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-is-it-better-to-use-a-realtor-when-buying-a-home\">Is it better to use a Realtor when buying a home?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unless you have extensive knowledge of the real estate industry, a real estate agent is a valuable asset when buying a home. That said, there is no legal requirement to use a Realtor in Canada when buying or selling a home.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-make-an-offer-on-a-house-without-a-realtor\">How to make an offer on a house without a Realtor?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To make an offer on a house without a real estate agent, you will submit a legal document with an offer to purchase the property. If the seller is using a Realtor, the offer will go to them; however, if the home is for sale by owner (FSBO), the offer will go directly to the seller.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-happens-when-a-buyer-doesn-t-have-an-agent\">What happens when a buyer doesn&#8217;t have an agent?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When a buyer doesn&#8217;t have a real estate agent, they will need to complete parts of the homebuying process on their own, including house hunting, organizing home viewings, coordinating with other professionals, submitting an offer to purchase a property, and conducting market research.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Buying a house without a Realtor in Canada is possible, but can be challenging<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":112,"featured_media":25048,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[],"guide":[],"class_list":["post-25045","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buying"],"acf":[],"zolo_excerpt":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25045","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/112"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25045"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25045\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25206,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25045\/revisions\/25206"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25048"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25045"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25045"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25045"},{"taxonomy":"guide","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guide?post=25045"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}