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Do I need an agent to go see a house I like?
There is a house in a neighborhood I like that is for sale and I want to go see it but I'm not sure how. Do i just call and make an appointment or do i need to have a realtor to take me? If i get a realtor, do I have to pay them? How much does it cost to see a house?
Asked By Corbin L | Torrance, CA | 30 views | Buying | Updated 1 day ago
Answers (7)
Bonnie Irby
Bonnie Irby Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices NW Real Estate
I would approach with selecting a capable/experienced buyers agent.
You would need a buyer’s service agreement, stipulates what you will pay a buyers agent if the seller does not agree to cover that cost. Typically the commission is due at the conclusion of the sale. Upfront cost to buyers is not typical in my area.
If you don’t buy the house you won’t pay.
The value of building a relationship with a local professional, will benefit you as you approach this significant step in your financial life. Insight, redirection, support are invaluable.
You would need a buyer’s service agreement, stipulates what you will pay a buyers agent if the seller does not agree to cover that cost. Typically the commission is due at the conclusion of the sale. Upfront cost to buyers is not typical in my area.
If you don’t buy the house you won’t pay.
The value of building a relationship with a local professional, will benefit you as you approach this significant step in your financial life. Insight, redirection, support are invaluable.
- 1 day ago
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James Simmons
Headwaters Realty
You can attend open houses on your own. However, for private showings most sellers require that a licensed agent schedule and accompany buyers through the property. From my perspective as an agent, it’s also helpful for you to have someone representing you who can get you into homes quickly, answer questions while you’re there, and help you evaluate the property if you’re thinking about making an offer. If you ever see a home you’re interested in, find an agent you trust and reach out to them about the process.
- 1 day ago
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Sasha Lerner
EXIT Success Realty
1. How to see a house
• Open houses: You can go on your own—just show up. No agent required.
• Private showings: You can call the listing agent (the agent representing the seller) and request a showing. Again, no agent needed, but the listing agent represents the seller, not you.
⸻
2. Why having your own agent is smart
Even though it’s not required:
• Your agent represents your interests, not the seller’s.
• They can help you understand pricing, disclosures, and potential issues.
• They handle negotiations and paperwork if you decide to make an offer.
⸻
3. Do you pay your agent?
• Typically no direct cost to you. In most markets, the seller pays the commission for both agents (listing agent + buyer’s agent).
• That means you can have full representation without paying out of pocket, but you get the benefit of someone looking out for you.
• Open houses: You can go on your own—just show up. No agent required.
• Private showings: You can call the listing agent (the agent representing the seller) and request a showing. Again, no agent needed, but the listing agent represents the seller, not you.
⸻
2. Why having your own agent is smart
Even though it’s not required:
• Your agent represents your interests, not the seller’s.
• They can help you understand pricing, disclosures, and potential issues.
• They handle negotiations and paperwork if you decide to make an offer.
⸻
3. Do you pay your agent?
• Typically no direct cost to you. In most markets, the seller pays the commission for both agents (listing agent + buyer’s agent).
• That means you can have full representation without paying out of pocket, but you get the benefit of someone looking out for you.
- 1 day ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Iggy Khouban
Coldwell Banker Realty
Hello Corbin,
You do not necessarily need an agent to view a home you are interested in. Many properties are available to tour during scheduled open houses, which are typically held on weekends. You can find open house dates and times on websites such as Redfin, Zillow, and similar platforms.
If an open house is not available, you may request a private showing either through a buyer’s agent or directly through the listing agent representing the property. That said, I generally recommend working with a buyer’s agent who is knowledgeable about the neighborhood and local market. You may interview several agents to determine who you feel most comfortable working with.
If you choose to work with a buyer’s agent, you will typically sign a representation agreement outlining the scope of services and the agreed-upon compensation. In Southern California, buyer’s agent compensation is commonly in the range of approximately 2%–4% of the purchase price, though this amount is negotiable and agreed upon directly between you and the agent.
In many transactions, the buyer’s agent will request that the seller cover the agreed-upon compensation as part of the purchase agreement. However, if the seller declines to offer or contribute toward that compensation, the buyer may be responsible for paying the buyer’s agent directly.
Feel free to reach out if you need additional information or clarification.
You do not necessarily need an agent to view a home you are interested in. Many properties are available to tour during scheduled open houses, which are typically held on weekends. You can find open house dates and times on websites such as Redfin, Zillow, and similar platforms.
If an open house is not available, you may request a private showing either through a buyer’s agent or directly through the listing agent representing the property. That said, I generally recommend working with a buyer’s agent who is knowledgeable about the neighborhood and local market. You may interview several agents to determine who you feel most comfortable working with.
If you choose to work with a buyer’s agent, you will typically sign a representation agreement outlining the scope of services and the agreed-upon compensation. In Southern California, buyer’s agent compensation is commonly in the range of approximately 2%–4% of the purchase price, though this amount is negotiable and agreed upon directly between you and the agent.
In many transactions, the buyer’s agent will request that the seller cover the agreed-upon compensation as part of the purchase agreement. However, if the seller declines to offer or contribute toward that compensation, the buyer may be responsible for paying the buyer’s agent directly.
Feel free to reach out if you need additional information or clarification.
- 21 hours ago
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Maria Miranda
Excellence RE Real Estate
You can schedule a showing with an agent at no cost, but before touring, we’ll go over how representation works and whether a buyer agreement is needed. I’d be happy to help you understand your options and set up a showing.
- 1 day ago
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Rose Lupercio
JOHNHART Real Estate
You can call the listing agent or go to an open house for free. If you want your own Realtor to represent you, you will likely need to sign a buyer-broker agreement first, and compensation will be agreed to in writing under the new California law.
- 1 day ago
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Marine Janikyan
JohnHart Real Estate
You have several options for seeing a home you’re interested in. If the property has a scheduled open house, you can simply attend during the posted time—no appointment or realtor is required. You can also contact the listing agent directly to schedule a private showing; they will meet you at the home and walk you through it. Another option is to work with your own realtor, who can schedule showings for this home and others you may want to see while also representing your best interests throughout the process, especially during negotiations. There is typically no upfront cost to work with a buyer’s agent. In many cases, the commission is negotiated with the seller and paid from the proceeds of the sale. Before touring homes, you will usually sign a buyer representation agreement outlining how the buyer’s agent is compensated, though many agents are still ultimately paid through the seller. I’d be happy to schedule a free buyer consultation to go over the details and answer any additional questions you may have. 😊
- 1 day ago
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