Did You Know You Don’t Need a Realtor to Buy or Sell a Home?

In Maryland, there’s no legal requirement to use a real estate agent when buying or selling a home. While agents can offer convenience and market expertise, many buyers and sellers are opting to manage transactions on their own—or with limited professional help—to save money and stay in control.

Whether you’re selling a property yourself or buying directly from a homeowner, Oliveri & Larsen’s First Colonial Title & Escrow team can help guide you through the legal, financial, and logistical steps of the process. You may be able to avoid paying full commission without compromising on protection or accuracy.

You Have Options: FSBO, Flat-Fee MLS, and Hybrid Models

You don’t have to go all-in or all-out. In today’s real estate landscape, there are a range of alternatives between hiring a full-service agent and going completely solo.

• FSBO (For Sale by Owner): You manage everything—marketing, pricing, showings, and paperwork.
• Flat-Fee MLS Services: For a fixed cost, you can list your home on the MLS and retain control of showings and negotiations.
• A-La-Carte Help: You might hire a real estate attorney or staging professional to assist with specific parts of the process without paying full commission.

This flexibility allows you to customize your approach and only pay for what you truly need.

For Buyers: How to Safely Navigate a Purchase Without an Agent

Buying a home without a buyer’s agent is legal—and increasingly common. But it requires diligence and the right support.

Key steps include:

• Get pre-approved for a mortgage to strengthen your offer.
• Do your own research on neighborhoods, school districts, and property values.
• Schedule and attend showings on your own or with the seller.
• Review all disclosures and request a home inspection.
• Work with a title company or attorney to ensure a clean title, prepare closing documents, and finalize the transaction.

Pro tip: A title company like First Colonial Title & Escrow can protect your interests in the absence of a buyer’s agent.

Preparing to Sell? What FSBO Sellers Need to Know

Listing your home without a realtor can save you up to 6% in commission. But successful FSBO sales take effort and organization.

Smart moves for FSBO sellers:

• Pre-Listing Inspection: This can uncover issues that might stall negotiations later.
• Professional Photos and Video Tours: These are key for online listings and social media marketing.
• Accurate Pricing: Use recent sales data from sites like Zillow, Redfin, or hire a licensed appraiser to set a realistic price.
• Disclosure Compliance: Maryland requires sellers to complete a property condition disclosure or disclaimer statement.

Legal Pitfalls to Avoid Without a Realtor

Even without an agent, you must comply with Maryland and federal real estate laws, including:

• Lead-based paint disclosures for homes built before 1978.
• Fair housing laws, which prohibit discrimination in advertising, negotiations, and contracts.
• Clear written contracts that include essential terms: purchase price, financing terms, contingencies, and the proposed closing date.
• Zoning and HOA rules, especially in areas with strict land use regulations.

Working with an attorney or experienced title company can help you avoid costly mistakes—especially regarding timelines, disclosures, and contingencies.

Should You Skip the Realtor? Consider the Market

Going FSBO may make sense in some markets more than others:

• Hot seller’s market? FSBO may help you capture demand quickly and avoid commission.
• Unique property or complex situation? A professional’s help might yield better results.
• Investor or cash buyer already lined up? A title company can finalize the deal quickly without added fees.

The decision to use or skip an agent depends on your time, experience, and comfort level managing negotiations and legal documents.

How First Colonial Title & Escrow Helps Buyers and Sellers Without Realtors

First Colonial Title & Escrow, a division of Oliveri & Larsen, supports FSBO buyers and sellers across Maryland. Whether you’re buying your first home or selling property without an agent, we provide professional support without commission fees.

We assist with:

• Title searches and insurance.
• Purchase and sale agreement review or preparation.
• Escrow fund management.
• Disclosures and legal document review.
• Coordinating closing and settlement services.

We also work directly with lenders, home inspectors, and other professionals to keep your transaction compliant, smooth, and on time.

Work with an Annapolis Real Estate Lawyer at Oliveri & Larsen

If you’re considering buying or selling a home without a realtor, our Annapolis real estate lawyers at Oliveri & Larsen can help. Contact us to learn more about our services and our First Colonial Title & Escrow team. Call 410-295-3000 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Located in Annapolis, we serve clients in Ocean City, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Calvert County, Harford County, Howard County, Queen Anne’s County, St. Mary’s County, Worcester County, Kent County, and the upper and lower Eastern Shores of Maryland.