Do I need a buyer's agent?
You are not legally required to have one, but most buyers do. Here is what a buyer's agent does, when you might skip one, and the smarter question to ask.
The short answer
You do not legally need a buyer’s agent. But roughly three out of four buyers choose to use one, and for good reason: an agent prices offers, negotiates, coordinates inspections, and steers the paperwork and deadlines on the largest purchase most people make. The real question is not whether to have representation, but how to get it on the best terms.
What a buyer’s agent actually does
A buyer’s agent finds and shows homes, runs a comparable-sales analysis so you do not overpay, writes and negotiates your offer, manages the inspection and appraisal, and keeps the closing on track. On a deal with real money and legal deadlines, that is a lot to take on alone.
When you might go without one
Some buyers reasonably skip an agent: buying directly from a builder, purchasing from a relative, or an all-cash off-market deal. Even then you are giving up someone whose only job is to represent your side, so many of those buyers hire a real estate attorney instead. Going without an agent does not automatically save you money.
What changed in 2024
Since the National Association of Realtors settlement took effect on August 17, 2024, you sign a written buyer-representation agreement and negotiate your agent’s fee up front, before touring homes. Sellers still cover that fee on most sales through a concession, but it is now negotiated rather than automatic. That written moment is exactly when you have the leverage to ask about a rebate.
The smarter question: a rebate-friendly agent
Instead of asking whether to use an agent, ask which one. A rebate-friendly agent gives you the same representation and hands part of their commission back to you at closing, which in most states is legal and on a median-priced home is worth thousands of dollars.
See how to choose a buyer’s agent →
Frequently asked questions
Do you legally need a buyer’s agent to buy a house?
No. No law requires a buyer to be represented. But about three out of four buyers use an agent, because a buyer’s agent handles pricing, negotiation, inspections, and closing on the biggest purchase most people ever make.
Is a buyer’s agent free?
Often, in effect. On most sales the seller still covers the buyer’s-agent fee through a negotiated concession, so it does not come out of your pocket directly. Since 2024 the fee is set in a written agreement, and part of it can be rebated back to you.
Can you buy a house without a real estate agent?
Yes, but you take on the pricing, paperwork, negotiation, and deadlines yourself and give up a professional who represents only your interests. If you go this route, consider at least hiring a real estate attorney.
Should you just use the listing agent?
Be careful. The listing agent represents the seller. Using them for your purchase (dual agency) means no one is solely on your side, and it is restricted or banned in some states.
← All research & guidesSource: agent-use and seller-paid figures from the National Association of Realtors and its 2024 settlement rules effective August 17, 2024. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.