Negotiating prices, spotting title issues, reading 40+ pages of legal contracts, coordinating inspections, meeting deadlines, or risking your deposit, sounds daunting, doesn’t it? Buyers often ask the question, “Do you need a realtor to buy a house?” With Florida’s market continually evolving, especially in such places as St. Petersburg, knowing whether to do it yourself or employ a pro can make all the difference in securing an easy deal versus an expense-ridden migraine.
According to the National Association of Realtors, 89% of buyers bought a home using an agent. Based solely on this statistic, it is apparent just how valuable it is to use an agent when purchasing a home.
But let’s get started. Can you purchase a home without an agent? Under what circumstances do you have to use one? And what happens if you do not use one?
Do You Really Need a Realtor to Buy a House?
Technically, you can do it by yourself. But Is a realtor required to purchase a house? However, the risk-to-reward ratio shifts dramatically depending on your knowledge and experience, for example, one St. Pete buyer waived inspection without understanding structural issues which cost them $18K in repairs post-close.
The Florida real estate market is complex and competitive. How to choose a top-rated realtor is an important question to ask before diving in. From hidden fees to local real estate laws, a licensed agent’s knowledge can save you time, and money, and protect you from serious legal and financial risks.
What happens if you don’t use a realtor to buy a home?
You can buy a house on your own. But you must be prepared to
- Negotiations for price and counteroffers
When you are alone, you have to negotiate a price on your own. This might seem easy and straightforward, but a skilled realtor has years of experience in this and gives you better chances of getting a better deal. - Understand inspection reports
Home inspection papers are packed with technical jargon; without a professional there to guide you, it is easy to miss critical issues. - Navigate legal documents
When purchasing a home, involves going through thousands of legal documents, and missing something important exposes one to legal liabilities. - Connect with sellers, attorneys, and mortgage brokers.
Oftentimes, realtors have connections with trusted mortgage brokers, attorneys, and seller agents, which makes this process smoother. If you decide to go alone, you will need to figure out how to contact them and negotiate with them. - Look for title issues or HOA restrictions.
Title issues can prevent a sale from going through, but many buyers don’t know what to look for. Realtors work with title companies to ensure everything is clear. Plus, HOA restrictions can come with unexpected costs or rules that could impact your life. - Earnest Money Risks
Earnest money is a deposit that you put down when you are 100% on taking an offer, but if you don’t follow certain timelines, you could lose that deposit. - Appraisal & Financing Pitfalls
With today’s fluctuating interest rates, appraisals often don’t match the asking price. If your financing falls through, you’ll need someone to renegotiate or pivot quickly to save the deal. Without a realtor, you’re left trying to figure this out on your own. - FSBO (For Sale by Owner) Hazards
FSBO properties can seem like a good offer at first, but sellers don’t usually follow all the rules or could even price the home incorrectly. As a buyer, you might get stuck paying more than the property is worth or inherit hidden problems. - No Post-Close Support
Having a good realtor also means that he or she won’t disappear after the ink becomes dry. A good agent will help you with post-close questions, will explain property tax issues, and will resolve any HOA disputes.
For new buyers, this can be overwhelming, and TheCPMTeam’s step-by-step guide is vital, yet even with such a guide, most buyers continue to use professional services to ensure they’re making sound choices.
External Economic Factors Impacting Home Buying
In addition to legal and negotiating matters, economically, mortgage interest rates can also have an impact upon your home purchasing decision. For example, recent trade developments have created mortgage rate fluctuations. When tariffs at 10% across the board were imposed against foreign imports, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate declined to 6.64% as of April 3, 2025. This can impact your purchasing capacity and consequently, the price segment you opt for.
Having experienced real estate agents can guide you through this volatility by informing you when to secure an interest rate or whether now is the best time to buy based upon what’s happening in economics.
What are the pros and cons of using a realtor to buy a home
Pros:
- Expertise in Market Trends
- Based on our extensive research of Florida’s real estate market, we have found that sellers who list at the right time can get an extra 10-15% for their homes.
- Real estate agents use comparative market analysis (CMA) to keep you from overpaying.
- Access to Exclusive Listings
- Not everything is listed online. Real estate professionals have MLS networks and databases at their disposal, which can give you early access to desirable properties.
- Bargaining Power
- As an industry expert who is familiar with negotiations, an agent can ask for better terms, fixes, or price breaks.
- Assistance with Paperwork
- Real estate contracts, disclosures, and addendums are not exactly bedtime reading. Your agent should guide you through so you won’t skip anything that can bite you in terms of legality.
- Local Knowledge
- Especially in neighborhoods of St. Petersburg, such as Kenwood, which is booming in community developments and real estate, an agent can guide you to locations that best meet your lifestyle.
Cons:
- Commission Charges
- The standard Florida real estate agent fee is 5%, usually split among the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent. Even when sellers pay it, it’s added to the home purchase price so buyers indirectly pay for it.
What steps to take if you choose to go solo?
If you eliminate the agent, this is what you’ll have to do yourself.
- Search for properties (likely online)
- Call listing agents, who work for the seller.
- Schedule viewings
- Learn about fair market value.
- Formulate an offer in legally enforceable terms.
- Hire inspectors
- Negotiate for repairs or credits.
- Compliance with Law
If all of this sounds daunting, it can be done by an agent. According to our team of specialists in Florida real estate, skipping an agent is an option for repeat buyers, but for most first-time buyers, it equals lost opportunities and added stress.
Why do first-time home buyers need agents’ help?
Let’s be real, the median age of first-time buyers is 38 years old, an all-time record. What does that tell us? It tells us individuals are entering the market later, typically after careers, kids, and financial responsibilities. 31% of all home buyers in 2024 were first-time buyers, who, despite many of them feeling overwhelmed about the process, have always envisioned themselves owning a home.
Realtors provide structure, emotional support, and strategic advice, avoiding costly mistakes for these first-time buyers. Not to forget, first-time buyers usually mess up when managing deadlines, inspections, and financing clauses. Without a professional watching the clock, it’s easy to miss deadlines tied to inspections, financing, or title, meaning your $5K earnest deposit could go straight to the seller.
Should You Hire a Realtor When Buying a Home in Florida?
Let’s focus for now on Florida and more specifically St. Petersburg, home of The CPM Team. The state is a unique marketplace due to
- No state income tax
- High rate of retirees
- Resort-style neighborhoods
- HOA-heavy developments
With state-of-the-art methods like local comparative pricing and legal zoning analysis, the CPM Team assists buyers in making smart investments and avoiding hidden hazards, whether that is in downtown St. Pete, Treasure Island, or Gulfport. Is real estate a profitable investment in today’s market? The CPM Team helps you find out with data-driven insights.
Can You Buy a Home in St. Petersburg Without a Realtor?
Yes, but we don’t recommend it.
With certifications in Florida real estate law and extensive experience across the Gulf Coast, the CPM Team ensures complete buying assistance, not just mortgage referral and inspection recommendations, but also neighborhood information.
We only suggest strategies that have been tested and proven. Our research is in alignment with one done by Florida Realtors’ chief economist, in anticipation of consistent growth in 2024. Having a realtor can help you navigate that trend with confidence.
Final Thoughts: Do You Need a Realtor to Buy a House?
Summing it up in brief
- Do you need a realtor to buy a house?
No, although for most, it’s certainly worth it.
- Is it a must to use an agent to buy a home?
No, although not using one can cost you because you must be knowledgeable in legal, market, and negotiating skills.
- Should you hire a realtor in order to purchase a home?
In most cases, absolutely, especially for new buyers. If you are ready to acquire a home in Florida don’t risk going alone, Schedule 15 minute consultation with The CPM Team today and buy with clarity, confidence, and protection