Buying from Sibling with or without Real Estate Agent

[Patrick H.]

My sister might buy a house I own. But she wants to check a few other properties. If she uses a real estate agent to check a few other properties, can I still do a 'For Sale by Owner' if she wants to purchase my property?

[Joel Owens]

The sale of your property has nothing to do with your sister looking at other properties with an agent.

You can do whatever you want as a client relationship is not with you but your sister if they signed an agreement.

If your sister (buyer) signs a buyer broker agreement she can list your property and address as an exception to which the buyers broker will be owed no commission.

Now if your sister wants to bring in an agent to represent her typically the commission is paid by the seller but you can refuse and the buyer would be responsible in that situation.

It sounds like your sister might look at a few properties that are distressed and buy a deal for a great price.Sometimes it's hard to tell family you will only pay X for a property and no more.

no legal advice