is it a detriment not to have my own broker when making a deal

Yes, most of the time you’re at a disadvantage without your own broker. The listing agent represents the seller, so you don’t have someone advocating for your price, terms, or overall strategy. You’re also more likely to miss nuances in comps, contract details, or negotiation tactics that can impact the outcome. Almost all buyers benefit from having their own agent to reduce risk and make better decisions.