With recent changes to Ohio real estate law and a growing number of buyers seeking more control over their transactions, buying a home without a buyer’s agent in Ohio has become a popular and practical option. This comprehensive How to Buy a Home Without a Buyer’s Agent in Ohio (2025 Guide) walks you through the legal landscape, step-by-step instructions, and tools you can use to confidently purchase a home on your own terms.
Why More Buyers Are Choosing to Represent Themselves
In the wake of increased transparency around real estate commissions and agency relationships, the number of buyers choosing to represent themselves has grown significantly. While the National Association of REALTORS® reports that the majority of buyers still use an agent, that number has been steadily declining in recent years—especially among experienced buyers, investors, and those purchasing FSBO (For Sale By Owner) properties.
Key reasons for this shift include:
- Desire for flexibility and independence
- Avoiding commission obligations
- Increased access to online tools and direct listing information
- Skepticism about dual agency and potential conflicts of interest
Why Buyers Are Questioning Agent Value in 2025
A major driver behind the self-representation trend is buyer concern over the lack of real-world negotiation experience among agents. According to a 2025 Redfin survey cited by Inman, a staggering 71% of active real estate agents did not close a single home sale in 2024. This statistic underscores a troubling reality: many agents—especially part-timers—simply don’t have enough transaction volume to develop or maintain strong negotiation skills.
Further research by the Consumer Federation of America found that nearly half of agents sold one or zero homes in the past year, and 70% sold five or fewer. With such limited deal flow, it’s no surprise that buyers are questioning whether their agent has the experience to advocate effectively on their behalf.
This lack of consistent, hands-on negotiation practice is especially concerning in high-stakes transactions like home purchases. For buyers who want a confident, data-driven edge in negotiations, self-representation—paired with legal or brokerage support when needed—and this How to Buy a Home Without a Buyer’s Agent in Ohio (2025 Guide) can be a smarter, more empowering path.
Ohio’s New Law: What You Need to Know
As of October 24, 2024, Ohio House Bill 466 requires real estate professionals to sign a written buyer representation agreement with a prospective buyer before providing key services—including touring most properties or submitting offers. Open houses remain an exception.
The agreement must include:
- An expiration date
- Compensation details
- A statement that commissions are negotiable
- Disclosure of whether the agreement is exclusive or nonexclusive
- Fair housing and anti-discrimination compliance
Why it matters:
Most contracts obligate the buyer to pay a commission—even if they find a home independently, such as a FSBO or off-market deal without a listing agent. This is a major reason buyers are exploring self-representation.
Why Some Ohio Buyers Are Saying “No Thanks” to Agents
Buyers opting out of buyer representation often cite the following reasons:
- Avoiding commission obligations on FSBO or off-market deals
- Retaining full control of their search, communication, and pace
- Concerns about dual agency and limited advocacy
- Not wanting to be locked into contracts before they’re ready
Ohio law protects your right to represent yourself—stay informed and be prepared.
Homes.com: A Game-Changer for Independent Buyers
Most real estate platforms route inquiries through third-party agents. Homes.com is different—it provides direct access to the listing agent’s contact information, empowering independent buyers to:
- Request showings without involving a buyer’s agent
- Ask property-specific questions directly
- Retain full control of communication and negotiation
- Avoid being assigned a buyer agent unnecessarily
This transparency makes Homes.com the ideal platform for FSBO buyers and those avoiding commission conflicts.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Buy a Home Without a Buyer’s Agent
1. Get Pre-Approved
Show sellers and agents you’re financially qualified and ready to act
2. Use Homes.com to Find Properties
Skip gatekeepers—search efficiently and contact agents directly
3. Attend Open Houses Freely
Ohio’s HB 466 excludes open houses—no agreement is required to walk through. Use these to your advantage.
4. Schedule Showings Professionally
If a private showing is needed, reach out to the listing agent confidently and with a clear message:
“Hi, I’m a pre-approved buyer working without an agent. I’d like to schedule a showing at [Property Address]. I’m aware of Ohio’s agency disclosure laws and do not seek representation.”
How to Overcome Common Challenges with Listing Agents
Even well-intentioned agents sometimes throw up unnecessary roadblocks when you’re unrepresented.
Here’s how to keep your transaction moving:
1. “You need to have a buyer’s agent.”
“Thanks for your concern. I’ve chosen to represent myself and I’m aware of the legal disclosure requirements. I’m not requesting representation—just a showing as a customer.”
2. “I can’t write your offer unless I represent you.”
“That’s perfectly fine. I’ll be preparing my own offer or working with an attorney. I just need your instructions on where to submit it.”
3. “We don’t show this property to unrepresented buyers.”
“Understood. If that’s the seller’s decision, could you provide written confirmation signed by the seller stating that the seller does not wish to allow their agent to show or facilitate a sale with unrepresented buyers?”
Why That Request Matters:
- Transparency: It ensures the refusal is coming from the seller—not a gatekeeping agent trying to steer you toward dual agency for additional commission.
- Accountability: The seller’s goal is to sell the property. If an agent is blocking access to qualified buyers without the seller’s knowledge, they may not be fulfilling their fiduciary duties. This may prompt them to reconsider.
4. Agent is evasive or nonresponsive
- Use email or text to keep communication documented.
- Be professional and persistent.
- If you believe you’re being treated unfairly due to your unrepresented status, you may file a complaint with the Ohio Division of Real Estate.
Where to Find Purchase Contracts (Without Using Copyrighted Forms)
You cannot use the copyrighted Ohio REALTORS® purchase agreement unless you’re working with a licensed member. But there are excellent alternatives:
- ✅ FreeForms.com and eForms.com offer editable, Ohio-specific purchase agreement templates.
- ✅ LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer provide customizable contracts with optional legal support.
- ✅ Real estate attorneys can draft or review a contract tailored to your specific deal—especially helpful for FSBO or off-market transactions.
- ✅ Some title companies may offer basic templates or assist with paperwork if you’re closing through them.
- ✅ Clients of Ohio Broker Direct—whether current or past—may use the firm’s proprietary Ohio Broker Direct Purchase Agreement, designed specifically for FSBO transactions in Ohio.
Pro Tip: Consider having your contract reviewed by a legal professional before submitting an offer.
Ohio Broker Direct: A Trusted Ally for FSBO Buyers and Sellers
For buyers and sellers navigating the real estate process without traditional agent representation, Ohio Broker Direct offers a powerful alternative. With over $1 billion in real estate sold and an A+ BBB rating, they provide flat-fee MLS listing services across all Ohio markets—giving FSBO sellers maximum exposure while allowing buyers to connect directly with property owners.
Key benefits include:
- Direct seller contact info listed in the MLS
- No third-party gatekeeping or unnecessary agent assignments
- Access to the Ohio Broker Direct Purchase Agreement, tailored for FSBO transactions
- Transparent pricing and flexible support options
Whether you’re buying or selling independently, Ohio Broker Direct empowers you to stay in control while still leveraging professional tools and visibility.
Listing Agent Compensation and Dual Agency: Know the Rules
WOULD YOU ALLOW THE SAME LAWYER TO REPRESENT BOTH THE PLAINTIFF AND THE DEFENDANT?
Even when you’re unrepresented, the listing agent typically receives their full commission from the seller under the listing agreement. In some cases, agents may receive additional compensation if there’s no buyer agent involved.
This setup is legal, but it underscores one key fact:
The listing agent represents the seller— not you.
The Pitfalls of Dual Agency in Ohio
Dual agency is legal in Ohio (with written consent), but it limits the agent’s ability to fully advocate for either party. Why many buyers avoid it:
- Divided loyalty—the agent can’t put your interests above the seller’s
- Fiduciary duties are reduced, which may weaken your ability to negotiate the best deal
- Reduced negotiating power—you won’t have a strong advocate in your corner
Because of these conflicts, many buyers decline dual agency altogether and seek legal support or proceed independently.
Final Thoughts
- ✅ Use Homes.com for direct agent communication
- ✅ Attend open houses without signing an agency agreement
- ✅ Access valid, non-copyrighted contracts
- ✅ Push back—professionally—if you encounter pushback from listing agents
- ✅ Know your rights and use the Ohio Division of Real Estate as a resource when necessary
You’re in the driver’s seat—confident, prepared, and completely in control of your real estate journey.
🧠 FAQ: Buying Without a Buyer’s Agent in Ohio
What if a seller refuses to work with an unrepresented buyer?
Request written confirmation directly from the seller to ensure transparency and prevent agent steering.
Can I negotiate the listing agent’s commission if I’m unrepresented?
Possibly. Open the conversation respectfully with the listing agent and seller.
Is it legal to buy a home without a buyer’s agent in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio law supports self-representation—as long as agency disclosures are followed.
Can I write my own offer, or do I need a lawyer?
You can write your own using a valid form, but legal review is recommended for FSBO or complex deals.
Where can I report unethical behavior from an agent?
Ohio Division of Real Estate:
👉 https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/real-estate-and-professional-licensing
🔗 Useful Resources: How to Buy a Home Without a Buyer’s Agent in Ohio (2025 Guide)
- Ohio House Bill 466 (Full Text):
https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/135/hb466 - Homes.com (Direct Access to Listing Agents):
https://www.homes.com - FreeForms.com Ohio Purchase Agreement:
https://freeforms.com/real-estate/oh - eForms.com Ohio Real Estate Contract:
https://eforms.com/purchase-agreement/oh - Ohio REALTORS® Website:
https://www.ohiorealtors.org
