Buying a Home in New York Without an Agent
Skip the buyer's agent and save $13,500 on a median New York home ($450,000).
A step-by-step guide for New York buyers who want to keep the commission.
New York Closing Requirements
Attorney Required at Closing
Yes — Attorney Required
Buyer Agent Required by Law
No — Agent Is Optional
Standard Inspection Period
14 Days
Potential Savings
$13,500 at median price
New York requires attorneys to prepare contracts and attend closings. Buyer agents are not required.
Transfer Tax
Buyer pays NY State transfer tax on purchases over $500K (0.4%). NYC buyers pay additional city transfer tax. Upstate NY buyers: the state transfer tax is paid by the seller, not the buyer.
8 Steps to Buy Without an Agent in New York
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Before searching for homes, get a pre-approval letter from a lender. This tells sellers how much you can borrow and shows you're a serious buyer. Compare rates from multiple lenders — even a 0.25% rate difference on a $450,000 New York home saves thousands over the loan term.
Search for Homes
Use Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, and local MLS portals to find listings in New York. Set up alerts for your target criteria. You can also drive neighborhoods and look for FSBO signs — those sellers have no listing agent and may be open to direct offers.
Research Comparable Sales
Before making an offer, research what similar homes have sold for in the last 90 days. Zillow, Redfin, and New York county tax records provide recent sale prices to help you make a fair offer.
Schedule a Showing
Contact the seller's listing agent directly to schedule a showing. The listing agent represents the seller but is legally obligated to treat you fairly. You don't need your own agent to tour homes in New York.
Write and Submit Your Offer
Prepare a written offer including purchase price, contingencies (inspection, financing, appraisal), closing date, and earnest money. In New York, the inspection contingency window is typically 14 days — make sure it's in your offer.
Complete Inspections
You have 14 days to complete inspections in New York. Hire a licensed home inspector to evaluate the property. Hire a real estate attorney before making an offer in New York — the purchase contract is drafted by the seller's attorney and negotiated before signing. Unlike other states, you negotiate contract terms before you're under contract.
Secure Final Mortgage Approval
Work with your lender to complete underwriting, appraisal, and final approval. Respond quickly to any document requests and avoid major purchases or new credit during this period.
Close on Your Home (Attorney Required)
New York requires a licensed real estate attorney at closing. The attorney prepares or reviews the deed, handles title examination, and manages the closing process. Budget $600–$1,200 for attorney fees at closing.
Resources for New York Buyers
Partner services to help you buy without a buyer's agent.