2025 Guide *4 steps to Buy a Home Without a Realtor*

The real estate world is changing, and it's about time. As we approach 2025, buyers no longer need to rely on realtors to navigate the process. If you've ever wondered how to buy real estate on your own, you’re in the right place. My name is Jon, and I’ve spent the last decade working as a real estate investor, developer, and property manager. At one point, I managed over 300 properties for more than 100 investors, giving me an inside look at what works—and what doesn’t—in this industry.

Through my experience, I’ve learned that buying real estate without a realtor isn’t just possible; it’s often the smarter choice. By cutting out the middleman, you can take control of your investment, save thousands in commissions, and build a deeper understanding of the process. In this guide, I’ll break down the four simple steps to help you buy real estate solo. Plus, I’ll share a tool at the end that makes it even easier to manage every part of your transaction.

So, whether you’re an aspiring investor or a seasoned buyer looking to streamline your next deal, these steps will set you on the path to success.

First off, here are some common questions I hear.

1. Can I legally buy real estate without using a realtor?

Yes, you can legally purchase real estate without a realtor. The law does not require you to use a realtor when buying property. By handling the process yourself, you can save on realtor commissions and have more direct control over the transaction.

3. What tools can I use to write and submit my own real estate offer?

You can use online services like eForms.com for individual forms, but for a more comprehensive solution, consider using TheOfferHaus.com. This platform provides all the necessary forms, including offers, counters, and addendums, with unlimited usage. It also features a dashboard to help you manage and track your offers efficiently.

3. How do I ensure the property is a good investment?

Run the numbers before and during the due diligence phase. Include costs for renovations, upgrades, and any potential repairs. Verify these estimates with contractors, update your budget, and use tools like spreadsheets to ensure the property aligns with your investment goals.

4. Is closing without a realtor complicated?

Not at all. The process is similar to buying with a realtor. Once your inspections and financing are complete, submit the paperwork to your closing party, such as a title company or attorney. They handle the final steps, and you simply review and sign the documents.

Step 1 - Find Your Property

The first step to buying real estate without a realtor is finding the right property. Fortunately, there are countless tools and methods available today to help you locate your ideal investment. Whether you’re searching for a rental, a flip, or your next dream home, you have options that don’t require a middleman.

Online platforms like Zillow and Redfin are fantastic starting points. These websites offer extensive listings, price comparisons, and tools to filter properties by location, price, and features. But don’t stop there—some of the best deals happen off-market. You can discover these opportunities by driving through neighborhoods, networking with local attorneys, or even asking neighbors if they know of anyone selling.

Another method is “driving for dollars.” This involves exploring areas you’re interested in and looking for properties that may not be listed online, such as homes with “For Sale By Owner” signs. These sellers are often motivated and open to negotiating directly.

Once you find a property, the next critical step is doing your homework. Run the numbers to ensure the deal makes sense financially. Start with the purchase price and add in any anticipated costs, such as renovations or upgrades. Use a spreadsheet to map out every expense, from roofing repairs to kitchen countertops. The goal is to determine whether the property will generate the returns you’re expecting. Whether it’s a turnkey rental or a fixer-upper, crunching the numbers upfront will set you up for success.

Finding the right property is all about being resourceful and thorough. With a bit of creativity and diligence, you can uncover deals that work for your goals. Once you’ve identified a property that fits your criteria, it’s time to move on to step two: writing your offer.

Step 2 - Write Your Offer

Once you’ve found the perfect property, the next step is writing your offer. Traditionally, this is where a realtor would step in, but when you’re buying real estate on your own, you’ll handle this process directly. Don’t worry—it’s more straightforward than it might seem, especially with the tools available today.

One option is using platforms like eForms to access individual forms. These allow you to create basic real estate offers, which you can save as PDFs or print to send to sellers. However, there are drawbacks to this method. Each form often costs money, and you’ll need separate documents for every step, from offers to counters and addendums. This piecemeal approach can become costly and cumbersome, especially if you’re handling multiple properties.

That’s why I recommend an all-in-one solution like The Offer Haus. This tool simplifies the entire process by providing unlimited access to all the forms you need in one place. From initial offers to counters and addendums, everything is included. Plus, it offers a dashboard to help you keep track of your negotiations and documents. With The Offer Haus, you won’t need to start from scratch every time—saving you time, money, and frustration. Here is the FAQ for the tool.

When it’s time to negotiate, you’ll communicate directly with the seller, their attorney, or their agent. The process is the same as working through a realtor, except you’ll have full control over the conversation. Instead of relying on a third party to relay messages, you’ll handle the back-and-forth personally. This direct approach can often lead to better outcomes, as you’re able to build rapport with the seller and address their concerns immediately.

Writing your offer is where you start to see the benefits of skipping the realtor. You save money on fees, maintain control over the process, and ensure that every detail is handled to your satisfaction. Once your offer is accepted, it’s time to dig into the details with step three: due diligence.

Step 3 - Do Your Due Diligence

Once your offer is accepted, the due diligence phase begins. This step is critical to ensure your investment is sound and that there are no surprises waiting for you after closing. It’s all about validating your initial estimates and making sure the property aligns with your financial goals.

Start by verifying the numbers you’ve already run. For instance, if you estimated $10,000 for a roof replacement, now is the time to bring in a contractor to inspect the property and provide an actual quote. If they discover additional issues, such as dry rot or structural damage, update your budget accordingly. This ensures your calculations remain accurate, preventing costly surprises down the road.

The same goes for other aspects of the property. Maybe you budgeted $6,000 for kitchen countertops, but a visit to your supplier reveals prices have increased to $8,000. These adjustments, while frustrating, are essential to ensure the deal remains profitable. Walk through the property with contractors, gather estimates, and record every detail in your spreadsheet.

This is also the perfect time to engage with a property manager if you’re planning to use the property as a rental. A property manager can offer valuable insights into potential rental income based on your planned upgrades. For example, switching from basic laminate countertops to quartz or granite may significantly boost the rent you can charge. Similarly, upgrading from carpet to luxury vinyl flooring can attract higher-paying tenants. These adjustments not only impact your expenses but also your revenue, so make sure to validate them with a professional.

Due diligence might feel overwhelming, but it’s what separates successful investors from those who take unnecessary risks. By confirming your numbers and ensuring every detail aligns with your goals, you set yourself up for success. With this step complete, you’re ready to move forward with confidence to the final stage: closing the deal.

Step 4 - Closing the Deal

After completing your due diligence, you’re ready for the final step: closing the deal. This is where all the work you’ve done so far comes together, and it’s often the most straightforward part of the process—especially when you’re prepared.

At this stage, you’ll finalize the paperwork, complete inspections, and submit everything to your closing party, whether it’s a title company, an escrow service, or an attorney. If you’ve ever purchased real estate with a realtor before, you’ll notice this phase isn’t much different. The only real change is that you’ve handled the process independently up to this point.

One of the best things about this step is that, in most cases, the realtor would already step back during closing anyway. The responsibility for managing inspections and paperwork falls to the buyer, the seller, and their chosen third-party closing company. This means you’re not taking on additional tasks by going solo—you’re simply cutting out the middleman.

By this point, your financing is secure, your inspections are complete, and your numbers have been verified. All that’s left is to sign the documents and officially take ownership of the property. With everything in order, you can feel confident knowing you’ve handled the process independently and saved a significant amount on fees.

Once the deal is closed, the property is yours! Whether it’s a rental, a flip, or your next personal residence, you’ve successfully navigated the real estate buying process without a realtor. But the journey doesn’t end here—this is where your investment begins to grow.

To help you maximize your profits and plan for future deals, I recommend using tools like The Offer Haus’s savings calculator. It can show you just how much you’ve saved by going solo, giving you a clear picture of your financial success. Now, let’s move on to the final bonus tip: adopting the profit mindset.

Buying real estate without a realtor might seem intimidating at first, but by following these four simple steps—finding your property, writing your offer, doing your due diligence, and closing the deal—you can take control of the process and save thousands. The tools and tips shared here, including The Offer Haus, make it easier than ever to navigate real estate transactions independently.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, these strategies will help you simplify the process and maximize your profits. Ready to get started? Check out The Offer Haus and its savings calculator, subscribe to our newsletter, and take the first step toward achieving your real estate goals. Happy investing!