Can a buyer's realtor show you a house that is listed as "For Sale By Owner"?
Yes, absolutely! A buyer's realtor can absolutely show you a "For Sale By Owner" (FSBO) property. There's no restriction preventing this.
However, here's what you should know: In FSBO deals, the seller isn't paying a listing agent commission, so there's often no built-in commission for your buyer's agent either. This means your agent might be less motivated to show you FSBO properties since they won't earn a commission (unless you negotiate a separate agreement with the seller). Some buyer's agents charge their own fees or work on a different arrangement in these cases.
The practical side: Your realtor can still help you enormously with FSBO homes—they can guide you through inspections, appraisals, negotiations, and paperwork. It's worth asking your agent upfront how they handle FSBO commissions so there are no surprises. If you find a FSBO property you love, your agent should still be willing to represent you and help with the transaction, even if the commission structure is different than a traditional listing.
Bottom line: Don't hesitate to ask your realtor about FSBO homes you're interested in!
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