Buying a Home: Using a Real Estate Agent vs. Doing It Yourself

If you’re thinking about buying a home, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to use a real estate agent or handle the homebuying yourself. Either way, real estate shopping as a member of the military may present challenges. Military schedules can be unpredictable, which can be tricky when searching for and buying a home.

Some service members choose to live on installation or rent off installation while deciding where, and if, to buy a home. Learn more about housing options for service members and families, and read on to find out how real estate agents can help.

How a real estate agent can help

Real estate agents can be a good first point of contact in your new community even before you arrive. They can:

• Act as your expert in the homebuying process, as they do this for a living.
• Help you evaluate homes.
• Advise you on neighborhoods and schools.
• Alert you to commute times and more.
• Line up homes to show you, saving you time from doing it yourself.
• Provide negotiation expertise with the ability to craft a purchase agreement that gives you flexibility.
• Do all the paperwork involved in buying a home.

If you choose to move on installation or rent off installation during your homebuying process, a real estate agent can be a great resource especially if your timeline is tight and you are ready to buy. A real estate agent in your new location can:

• Schedule several showings on one day or weekend.
• Help you make an offer quickly if necessary.
• Can also serve as your eyes and ears during the process if you decide to buy a home sight unseen.

A good real estate agent is also an expert in the technical parts of the homebuying process, such as securing financing, drafting contracts and taking care of legal details, which can be complicated.

In many communities, there are military or veteran-friendly real estate agents who will know the local market and also be familiar with military considerations, such as VA Home Loans. Ask your sponsor or a member of your new unit for local real estate agent recommendations or search online for military-friendly agents.

Buying a home without a real estate agent

Buying a home without a real estate agent can save you – and the seller – money. While real estate agent commission fees are generally paid by the seller, they are often included in the cost of the home. When considering this route, be aware that buying a home on your own can take significant time and research on your part.

If you choose to be your own agent, here are a number of items to consider:

• Find the home you would like to buy.
• Research the cost of homes in that neighborhood. Don’t rely on the asking price, but search for recently completed sales to get a better understanding of the real value of local homes.
• Negotiate a price.
• Make a formal offer.
• Build contingencies into your offer to ensure you can cancel the contract if needed.
• Secure seller disclosures, inspection and code requirements to make sure you understand the true condition of the home.
• Find your own title and mortgage companies.

If you are considering a home that is listed as “for sale by owner,” remember you are still free to hire a buyer’s agent to represent you in the process. A buyer’s agent can help you with the paperwork, inspection and legal technicalities of home buying. Keep in mind you will likely be responsible for paying your agent in this case.

If you choose not to have any agents involved at all, consider hiring a real estate lawyer to guide you through the process. A lawyer will likely cost less than an agent, but they can review your contract and offer advice. You can also consult with your installation legal services/JAG office to review any paperwork before signing anything.