Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. Traditionally, most homebuyers hire a real estate agent to guide them through the process, but what if you could represent yourself and save thousands of dollars? In a recent episode of Bartelle’s Money Talk, Johnny and Theresa sat down with Nick Aufenkemp, a licensed realtor and founder of the DIY Homebuyer Academy, to uncover how you can buy a home without a buyer’s agent.
Why Consider Buying a Home Without a Realtor?
Most people assume that using a realtor is the only way to navigate the homebuying process, but Nick challenges that idea. Here’s why going the DIY route could work in your favor:
✅ Save Money – Buyer’s agents typically earn a 3% commission. On a $500,000 home, that’s $15,000 in savings just by representing yourself. ✅ Take Full Control – You make all the decisions, negotiate directly with sellers, and avoid any conflicts of interest. ✅ Learn Valuable Skills – Understanding contracts, market research, and negotiation strategies will empower you for future investments. ✅ Streamlined Process – Instead of relying on an agent, you work directly with listing agents and sellers, making communication clearer.
How to Buy a Home Without a Realtor
Here’s a step-by-step guide to successfully purchasing a home on your own:
1. Get Educated
Nick emphasizes that education is key to DIY home buying. His DIY Homebuyer Academy offers free resources that teach you everything from market research to contract negotiations.
Pro Tip: Join the academy for free at School.com/DIYHomebuyer to access courses and community support.
2. Research the Market
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