I recently sat next to a guy on a plane who told me about having to move because the house his roommate bought with the $1,000,000 inheritance from grandma was riddled with mold and had to be taken down to the studs. If I remember correctly, homeowners insurance denied the claim because it wasn’t tested for mold when they bought, and he’s got to rebuild it himself - with money he doesn’t have.

For most people, purchasing a home is the biggest investment they’ll ever make, and without a skilled real estate professional guiding them, you can be exposed to a myriad of potential pitfalls and complications, especially if you have little experience or knowledge in real estate transactions. Let’s break it down.

Lack of Market Knowledge: Without a professional, you may not have access to comprehensive market data, making it challenging to determine the true value of the property. This can lead to overpaying or missing out on better opportunities.

Inadequate Property Inspections: Professionals know what to look for in a home inspection. Without an expert in your corner, you might overlook critical issues such as structural problems, electrical faults, plumbing issues, un-permitted work, deteriorated sewer lines, or even pest infestations that could cost you significantly in repairs.

Complex Paperwork: Real estate transactions involve extensive paperwork, including contracts, disclosures, and legal documents. Misunderstanding or improperly filling out these forms can lead to legal issues, financial losses, or even the nullification of the sale. Without your own realtor, who is watching your back?

Negotiation Challenges: Experienced agents are skilled negotiators who can secure better terms and prices. Without a professional working on your behalf, you may struggle to negotiate effectively, potentially resulting in a less favorable deal.

Legal Risks: Real estate transactions are governed by various laws and regulations. Lack of legal knowledge can result in non-compliance, leading to fines, legal disputes, or even the invalidation of the purchase agreement.

Financing Difficulties: Professionals can guide you through the mortgage process, helping you find the best rates and terms. Without their assistance, you might encounter difficulties securing financing or end up with unfavorable loan terms.

Misunderstanding Contingencies: Contingencies protect your interests during a transaction. Without an agent, you may not fully understand or properly include necessary contingencies, leaving you vulnerable to significant risks. This alone is a huge red flag.

Disclosure Obligations: Sellers are required to disclose specific information about the property. Without a professional knowing what to look for and where the proverbial bodies may be buried, you might miss critical disclosures, resulting in unexpected problems and costs after the purchase.

Time Management: The home buying process is time-consuming and can be overwhelming. Professionals streamline the process, saving you time and reducing stress. Without someone working on your behalf, you may find the process daunting and inefficient.

Post-Sale Issues: After the sale, issues such as title disputes or boundary disagreements can arise. Oftentimes professionals can foresee and mitigate these risks, providing peace of mind and some legal protection.

Buying a home without professional representation can be a long and windy road which can lead to overpaying, legal complications, unforeseen repairs, financing issues, and undue stress and headache. Engaging the services of a skilled and seasoned real estate professional ensures that you are well-informed, legally protected, and best positioned to make a sound investment.

With the Real Estate commissions landscape changing, it’s time to have conversations about insuring the biggest purchase you’ll likely make.