Updated over 5 years ago on . Most recent reply
Buying without agent in Hudson County, NJ
My husband and I are considering buying a house (mostly for our own use, but since it has 5 bedrooms we might rent one or a couple rooms out down the road) in West New York. We already came across one we really like, and haven't spoken to an agent yet. This is our fifth time buying a place (second time in the county), and we were considering going it without an agent. Is that feasible? First I'm not sure if the seller and their agent would be open to that idea, and secondly even if they are but if the seller's agent simply becomes a dual agent and takes double commission, then there's no incentive for the seller to lower the price due to the lack of a buyer's agent.
Has anyone purchased without an agent, specifically in this area?
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@Lily B. Of course, you can approach the listing agent and ask him to represent you in that transaction. If he/she is not allowed to act as a dual agent as per his agreement with the seller, he/she will tell you (but chances are the seller allowed for that).
Having said, it is very unlikely (in my opinion) that you'll get a discount from a seller because you are using his/her agent. Quite often, the commission is what it is whether you use your own agent or the seller's agent. It is agreed upon by the seller and the listing agent prior to the listing being made to the public.
In my opinion, If you know your numbers, you usually get a better representation and better chances of scooping the house if you use the listing agent to represent you. (But I am sure many many agents will beg to disagree)