Buying a Property Without an Agent

[Eduardo Sotomayor]

Hello,

I was offered an off market deal, that would require a mortgage. I was under the impression that I could use only a Title Company to facilitate this. Does anyone have any experience doing this, and is it true?

Advice is appreciated!!

[Steve Milford]

You can buy without an agent, but there are many pitfalls. Most of the time, I see people lose money in the negotiation of the deal when that happens. Though, totally up to you. If you need a mortgage then you need a lender for financing. You don't have to use a title company, but I totally see their value. All "off-market" means is that there isn't an agent marketing it. I help buyers buy off-market all the time, as they want my expertise in putting together the contract and in negotiations.

Agents market and source properties for their clients, then write contracts.

Title companies do discovery for the title and offer title insurance, they also hold funds as a "middle-man".

The lender provides the money if you don't have your own. 

Attorneys can process paperwork too and write contracts.