🏡 Do I Need a Real Estate Agent to Buy a Home in Roswell GA and How Much Will It Cost?
Quick answer: No, you don’t need an agent by law, but having one can make the process smoother, safer, and more successful—and in most cases, it won’t cost you anything upfront.
Are Agents Required?
In Georgia, buyers are not legally required to use a real estate agent. You can purchase a home directly from a seller or through an attorney. However, Georgia is a buyer beware state, meaning the responsibility to discover any issues with the home falls heavily on you. Without representation, you are assuming full responsibility for the paperwork, negotiation, inspections, and more.
What Does a Roswell Agent Actually Do?
A local real estate agent brings a wealth of knowledge, resources, and support that can be a huge advantage, especially in a competitive market like Roswell.
Here’s what they typically handle:
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Helping you understand the Roswell market, including average prices, resale potential, and hidden gems
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Setting up custom home searches and tours that match your criteria
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Advising on offer strategy, timing, and how to structure terms that protect you
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Coordinating inspections, appraisals, and paperwork from contract to closing
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Acting as a buffer between you and the seller or listing agent, making negotiations less stressful
Roswell is a high-demand area where homes often sell quickly and over asking. Having a seasoned expert on your side can make all the difference when time is of the essence.
How Much Does a Buyer’s Agent Cost?
Here’s the good news. In most traditional transactions, the seller pays the entire real estate commission, which is then split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent.
Typical commission rates fall between five and six percent of the sale price. That amount is divided between both agents. So for a $650,000 home in Roswell, that means the total commission might be around $39,000, with the buyer’s agent earning around $19,500. As the buyer, you usually do not write a check for this amount.
However, this is changing. Due to recent updates in real estate industry rules, buyers may be expected to negotiate and commit to their agent’s fee upfront. This means your buyer’s agent might ask for a written agreement stating what they will be paid. If the seller offers a lower commission or nothing at all, you may be responsible for covering the difference at closing. Some agents also offer flat fee or hourly pricing instead of the traditional commission model.
The key takeaway is that agent fees are negotiable and should be clearly discussed before you begin house hunting.
Should You Buy Without an Agent?
You absolutely can, but you’ll need to take on all the responsibilities your agent would typically handle. That includes reading and understanding contracts, researching neighborhood comps, scheduling inspections, coordinating with lenders and attorneys, and making sure you meet all the deadlines along the way.
If you’re confident, experienced, or buying directly from someone you know and trust, it might work for you. But most buyers—especially those relocating or buying for the first time—find the process much easier and more successful with professional guidance.
Final Thoughts
Using a real estate agent in Roswell is not required, but it is often smart. The right agent will be your guide, advocate, and strategist. Their fee is typically paid by the seller, though you’ll want to confirm details in writing. In return, you gain access to expertise, negotiation power, and peace of mind through every step of the process.
If you're thinking about buying in Roswell and want to learn more about how a local agent can help, I’d love to chat. Let’s find you the perfect home with confidence and clarity.
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