How to Tour Homes WITHOUT a Buyer's Agent | Ep. 5

Hey, welcome to the DIY Homebuyer podcast. My name is Nick, your host, and I'm here to empower you to purchase your next home without the help of a costly buyer's agent.

I truly believe that anybody of above average intelligence and competency has what it takes to successfully navigate the home buying process. And I'm here to give you just the education, guidance and confidence that you need to do it yourself. Why? Well, because I want to save you $15,000 or more on your next home.

Our Mission

• I want you to be in control of the home buying process

• I want you to gain valuable skills that will serve you in all other areas of life

• On the largest level, I want to change the way that we buy homes for good

Join Our Community

Before we dive in, I encourage you to join our free school community, especially if you're thinking about buying a home in the next three to six months. In this community, you'll:

• Connect with others who have successfully bought a home without an agent

• Get real-time feedback from experienced DIY homebuyers

• Access live calls and networking opportunities

• Get access to our free 5-hour course covering home buying essentials

• Receive downloadable resources

Join us at school.skool.com/diyhomebuyer

Getting Access to Listed Homes

One of the biggest challenges DIY homebuyers face is getting access to listed homes. Let's talk about how to handle this without a buyer's agent.

Don't Click the "Request a Tour" Button

First and foremost: Do not click the "Request a Tour" button on sites like Zillow or Redfin. Here's why:

• These buttons connect you with buyer's agents, not listing agents

• The agents pay these platforms for referrals

• They'll want you to sign a buyer representation agreement

• This defeats the purpose of being a DIY homebuyer

How to Contact the Listing Agent

Instead, look for the "Listed by" information, usually in small print under the description. You'll want to:

1. Find the listing agent's name and contact information

2. Call them directly

3. Use this script:

   "Hey [Agent Name], I found your listing at [Address]. I've been looking for a home for a while, and this one checks a lot of boxes. I'd love to set up a time to tour it."

When They Ask If You're Working with an Agent

They'll likely ask if you're working with an agent. Here's how to respond:

"No, I am going at it on my own as a self-represented buyer. That being said, I am educated on the ins and outs of the home buying process. I've got my pre-approval letter, and I'm happy to provide any documents you need to verify that I'm serious."

Understanding the Listing Agent's Perspective

Remember that listing agents have several concerns:

1. They don't want to waste time with unserious buyers

2. They don't want to do work for other agents

3. Their loyalty is to the seller

What You Can and Can't Ask

OK to Ask About:

• Property details

• Age of roof

• Major updates

• Known issues

• Seller disclosures

• Property activity/showings

Don't Ask About:

• Seller's personal situation

• Seller's financial situation

• Anything that would compromise the seller's position

Setting Up the Showing

Timeline Expectations:

• Reasonable to expect a showing within 24 hours

• If they try to push it longer, remind them:

  1. Of your seriousness as a buyer

  2. Your concern about missing out

  3. Their duty to show to qualified buyers

Required Documentation

Be prepared to provide:

• Pre-approval letter

• Photo ID/driver's license

• Agency disclosure forms (OK to sign)

• Do NOT sign any agreements or dual agency forms

During the Showing

Best Practices:

• Show up on time

• Look professional

• Remove shoes when entering

• Stay with the agent

• Ask intelligent questions

• Budget 30-40 minutes

• Keep emotions in check

• Don't get too far ahead of the agent

After the Showing

If interested:

1. Thank the agent for their time

2. Ask about next steps for making an offer

3. Request the standard purchase and sale agreements

4. Ask about seller preferences for closing dates

5. Request updates about other offers

6. Consider scheduling a second showing

Multiple Showings

When viewing multiple homes:

• Try to schedule back-to-back

• Allow 45 minutes per showing

• Include buffer time

• Stay on schedule

• Maintain professionalism

Contact Information

• Comments: Leave them on the platform where you're listening

• Direct contact: hello@DIYHomebuyerAcademy.com

• Join our community: skool.com/diyhomebuyer

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