What Happens When You Buy a Home Without an Agent?

By Doug Cary

Doug Cary has been selling real estate in Davis County since 2005. He is a 2nd generation top producing Real Estate Agent.

Over my last two decades in real estate, I’ve seen how expensive it can be when buyers choose to purchase a home without a real estate agent. There are six specific mistakes that tend to lead to the biggest financial consequences. These issues often result from misunderstandings, missed steps, or assumptions that buyers make during the process. Without the right guidance, even smart buyers can overlook key responsibilities. Here are the six most expensive mistakes buyers often make when they have no guidance from an agent:

1. Importance of disclosures. One major mistake is not reading and understanding all the disclosures, including homeowners association documents. These documents often include crucial information that can affect the cost or long-term ownership experience of a property. Skimming or ignoring them can lead to financial issues later.

2. Agreeing to unclear terms. Another costly error is agreeing to terms in the contract without fully understanding them. This can create situations where buyers commit to conditions they did not intend to, leading to unexpected expenses or obligations.

3. Not knowing which inspections to do. Some buyers are unsure about which inspections to order or who to hire for them. Missing key inspections or choosing the wrong professionals can lead to expensive repairs down the line that could have been identified earlier.

4. Misunderstanding fiduciary responsibility. Many buyers assume that the listing agent or the builder’s agent is responsible for protecting their interests. This is not the case. These agents have a legal and fiduciary duty to represent the seller or builder, not the buyer.

5. Expecting a better price without an agent. Some buyers believe they will get a better deal by not using an agent. This is rarely true. In most cases, the absence of representation does not result in savings and can cost more in the long run.

6. Poor timeline management. Missing deadlines or mismanaging timelines can be one of the most expensive mistakes. In one recent case I experienced, an unrepresented buyer missed a critical deadline, and it could end up costing them their entire earnest money deposit. Without someone tracking those details, these errors are easy to make and hard to fix.

Having the right real estate agent can help you avoid these expensive mistakes. It can protect your earnest money, reduce stress, and keep the transaction on track. An agent can also help you access properties you may not find on your own. You can call me at (801) 450-0997 or email me at doug@dougcary.com. I look forward to hearing from you!