Why Double Under?
The Misconceptions About Skipping an Agent
Over the weekend, at my open house, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with a couple I had met at another open house. They asked me an important question: how much can really be saved by not using a real estate agent in a transaction?
It’s a common misconception that not using a real estate agent will save you money. The opposite is often true.
When buyers go without representation, sellers routinely grow cautious—they don’t want to deal with the uncertainty. It’s a red flag. When you’re trying to be the best offer, starting without representation puts you at a disadvantage from the very beginning. You are down a peg.
Without an agent, there’s no one to verify financing, handle proper forms, or keep deadlines on track. Without professional insurance or oversight, any mistake or failed deal can land directly on the seller. A seller wants to ensure that a deal closes and proceeds smoothly.
Put two identical offers side by side—the one with an agent is the one sellers trust. What’s the added cost to offset the seller’s fear of the unknown? Sellers know: no agent on the other side means more risk, more hassle, more doubt.
It’s also essential to understand how commissions work. The commission is negotiated between the seller and the seller’s agent/brokerage before a property hits the market. As the potential buyer, If you show up without your own representation, the commission doesn’t disappear — it simply stays with the seller’s agent/brokerage. That’s right: Representing yourself doesn’t save you money. It just means the seller’s agent earns more — and they work for the seller, not you. Your information isn’t confidential — it goes straight to the seller to use to their advantage. Agents can’t favour you — their duty is to the seller and their best interest. RECO wants you to know this. And remember: the seller’s top priority is to get the most money for their home, not to save you money.
Some people assume a lawyer can fill the gap, but a lawyer’s role is focused on closing the transaction. They’re not there to negotiate on your behalf or to advise you on market value, pricing trends, or deal strategy — that’s the agent’s expertise. A lawyer focused on your best interests will advise you to work with a real estate expert.
Representation levels the playing field. A professional can give you access to accurate market data, strong negotiation skills, and guidance through contracts and disclosures. In the end, the right agent protects your interests, helps you avoid costly mistakes, mitigates risk and often saves you more than you ever thought possible.
Don’t get tripped up thinking you’re saving money by going without representation. In real estate, everything must be transparent, fair, and above board. Having an agent is all upside with no downside. Think of it this way—would you ever walk into court without representation? Let your agent handle the double- and triple-unders while jumping through the negotiation hoops on your behalf.