Buying house if listed w/ Realtor

[Jeff Fairchild]

If a home is listed with a Realtor of course I would ask when the listing expires. What if it doesn't expire for a few months. What are my options regarding purchasing the home not including paying the commission of course.

[Michael Dorgan]

Umm. Why does the property being listed with a Realtor matter to you? You don't technically pay the commision as a buyer and can offer whatever you want to the seller. Yes, the seller has to pay the agent, but they choose to do this when they signed the listing agreement. Would you have this property if it wasn't listed? If not, then why cut out the agent for doing their job?

I am probably missing something here. If so, please explain.