Why a first-time home buyer should never go at it alone

It’s tempting for a first-time buyer to start shopping for a home without the help of a real estate professional, especially with the abundance of online information.

But why would a first-time home buyer go at it alone, when the seller usually pays the commission to the buyer’s agent from sale proceeds? While commissions are always negotiable, a buyer doesn’t pay anything extra.

Another compelling reason why first-time home buyers need the help of a professional is the complexity of a real estate transaction. It’s complicated. Real estate agents do this for a living, while buyers have other jobs.

Agents are experienced and trained to negotiate a sales contract, can help avoid missteps, know the local neighborhoods, and see red flags early in the process. They have the connections to home inspectors, septic or sewer experts, pest inspectors, as well as a list of local plumbers, electricians, and handymen for future repairs. Plus, if something does go wrong, first-time buyers will need the skills of an experienced professional to get things back on track.

The vast majority of people who have bought several homes and are familiar with the process still rely on a real estate agent, because they know that if something unexpected happens, they won’t have to fix it themselves.