You can definitely submit an offer without a buyer's agent (we just did this successfully with no issues) - the listing agent should have you sign paperwork that they are not representing you, but they are just facilitating the transaction.
You're not required to work with an agent. There is no law that says California home buyers must be represented by a real estate professional. Many buyers choose to navigate the process on their own, and for a variety of reasons. But there are some significant advantages to working with an experienced agent.
As of Jan. 1, 2025, California law mandates a written buyer-broker representation agreement for buyer's brokers to receive a commission in real property sales. The new law applies to sales of all property types, including office, retail, industrial, multifamily and single-family properties.
The Brokerage then pays out to both the realtor and the buyer's realtor. In that case, if there is no buyer's realtor, the entire commission goes to the seller's agent. Generally speaking, the seller's agent ends up doing a lot of work for the unrepresented buyer.
REALTORS® are negotiation experts. If you buy a home without an agent, you'll have to negotiate and decide how much to offer on your own. This may cause you to unknowingly overpay for your home – or lose out on one you want.
If you buy a home without an agent, you'll have to negotiate and decide how much to offer on your own. This may cause you to unknowingly overpay for your home – or lose out on one you want.
REALTORS® are negotiation experts. If you buy a home without an agent, you'll have to negotiate and decide how much to offer on your own. This may cause you to unknowingly overpay for your home – or lose out on one you want.