You certainly don't need to be with an agent to drop in on an open house—and visiting a few can help you refine what you're looking for, which in turn helps your future agent help you.
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.
These licenses vary state-by-state: a few states require specialized commercial licenses for agents who become brokers, but most others, like California, require the same license for all realtors, regardless of their property specialization or title.
To answer the question of can a residential realtor sell commercial property, know that the answer is, "Yes." Various states have different licensure requirements, but they typically include taking a certain number of hours of an approved course, passing an exam, and working with a licensed firm.
First of all, it's perfectly legal to buy a home on your own without using a Realtor or a real estate agent. Read our helpful blog post explaining the difference between them: “Is a Realtor Better Than a Real Estate Agent?” Let's go over all the steps you need to buy a home in California without using a Realtor.
To answer the question of can a residential realtor sell commercial property, know that the answer is, "Yes." Various states have different licensure requirements, but they typically include taking a certain number of hours of an approved course, passing an exam, and working with a licensed firm.
These licenses vary state-by-state: a few states require specialized commercial licenses for agents who become brokers, but most others, like California, require the same license for all realtors, regardless of their property specialization or title.
Exemptions to the license requirement include: resident managers of apartment buildings and complexes or their employees; short-term (vacation – only if under 30 days) rental agents; employees of certain lending institutions; employees of real estate brokers for specific, limited functions; certain agricultural ...
California does not offer reciprocity for California Real Estate Brokers or Salespersons with any states - you'll need to qualify for the appropriate written exam and pass all other requirements, then voila! You're practicing real estate in California.
Technically, you can fire your real estate agent at any point in the homebuying process — but you'll likely owe them a commission and fees if you wait too long.