Can Real Estate Agents Represent Themselves?

In today’s competitive real estate market, who you work with matters—especially when you’re buying or selling your own property. But what if you don’t want to hire another agent and instead want to represent yourself in a real estate transaction?

While self-representation is often legally allowed, getting a real estate license just to buy or sell your own property comes with important rules, responsibilities, and risks. Before you move forward, here’s what every agent—or aspiring agent—should understand.

If You're an Agent, Can You Represent Yourself?

Yes. A licensed real estate agent can legally represent themselves when buying or selling their own property.

That said, self-representation comes with specific requirements. First, you must clearly disclose—in writing and upfront—that you are a licensed real estate professional acting on your own behalf. This disclosure is required in nearly every state and applies whether you are the buyer or the seller.

It’s also important to understand that simply holding a real estate license is not enough. In most states, agents must be actively affiliated with a licensed brokerage in order to conduct a transaction, even when representing themselves. That means securing a sponsoring broker, hanging your license with that brokerage, and following its policies and procedures. In exchange, the brokerage typically receives a portion of any commission earned.

Finally, state laws vary. Many states impose stricter disclosure standards and higher scrutiny when agents buy or sell their own property. Before proceeding, make sure you fully understand your state’s requirements to avoid compliance issues, disputes, or disciplinary action.

Just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s always the best move.

When Should a Real Estate Agent Represent Themselves?

Just because a real estate agent can represent themselves doesn’t always mean they should. Whether self-representation is a smart move depends on the complexity of the transaction and the agent’s ability to remain objective.

Representing yourself may make sense if:

• You have strong transaction experience and are comfortable managing contracts, disclosures, and timelines
• The deal is relatively straightforward, such as a standard residential purchase or sale
• You understand the legal and ethical risks involved and are prepared to assume them

It may be a poor choice if:

• You’re emotionally invested in the property, which can weaken negotiation decisions
• The transaction involves multiple offers, unique financing, or legal complexity
• You want to reduce liability or avoid heightened scrutiny from regulators or opposing parties

In many cases, agents choose to involve another licensee to maintain objectivity, reduce risk, and create a buffer between themselves and the transaction. While self-representation can offer flexibility and potential savings, it also increases responsibility—and the margin for error.

What changed after August 17 2024?

Before weighing the financial upside of representing yourself, it’s important to understand the industry reset that followed the National Association of REALTORS® settlement on August 17, 2024. These changes now shape every self-represented transaction.

Four key rule changes now apply:

• Compensation moved off the MLS.
  Listing brokers can no longer advertise buyer-agent compensation in the MLS. Any payment to the buying side must be negotiated separately, credited at closing, or waived entirely.
• Signed buyer-broker agreements are required upfront.
  Even if you are both the buyer and the broker, a written agreement outlining services and compensation (including $0) must be in place before the first showing.
• Commissions are fully negotiable.
  With no published “standard” rate, buyers, sellers, and brokers set compensation transparently on a deal-by-deal basis.
• License disclosure standards are stricter.
  Agents must clearly disclose—in writing—that they are licensed professionals acting on their own behalf in offers, counters, and key communications.

Because the MLS no longer guarantees compensation, self-represented agents must decide early whether to request a seller credit, adjust the offer price, or forgo commission entirely. Proper documentation is now just as critical as the purchase agreement itself.

Why Would an Agent Represent Themselves?

Despite the added responsibility, many agents still choose to represent themselves for practical reasons.

Save on Commission Fees

Before 2024, total commissions commonly ranged from 5–6%. As of April 2025, national averages hover around 5.44%, with California closer to 5.18%. Post-settlement, buyer-agent compensation is fully negotiable and often falls between 0% and 2.5%—or is eliminated entirely.

Greater Control Over the Transaction

Self-representation allows agents to manage communication, scheduling, negotiations, and paperwork directly. With today’s compliance-heavy process, some experienced agents prefer to stay hands-on to ensure nothing is delayed or overlooked.

7-Step Checklist: How to Represent Yourself in a Real Estate Transaction

1. Confirm Your License & Brokerage Affiliation‍

Verify that your license is active and that you are properly affiliated with a brokerage, which is typically required to access the MLS and hold trust funds.

2. Draft a Buyer-Broker or Listing Agreement (Even if the Fee Is $0)‍

Post-settlement rules require a written agreement outlining services and compensation before any showings or marketing activity.

3. Prepare Mandatory Disclosures‍

Create a written disclosure stating that you are both the property owner (or buyer) and a licensed real estate agent. Use this language consistently across contracts, emails, MLS remarks, and marketing materials.

4. Decide How Buyer-Agent Compensation Will Be Handled‍

Determine whether compensation will be waived, credited by the seller, paid by the buyer, or reflected in the price.

5. Set a Realistic Price‍

Run a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and review recent comparable sales. Pricing errors are the most common and costly self-representation mistakes.

6. Line Up Transaction Support‍

Choose your escrow or closing attorney, title officer, inspector, and (optionally) a transaction coordinator before going live.

7. Maintain a Compliance File‍

Retain all agreements, disclosures, offers, communications, and settlement documents for at least the minimum period required by your state.

Should You Get a Real Estate License to Buy or Sell Your House?

Getting licensed solely to handle your own transaction can make sense—but only in the right circumstances. Beyond commission savings, a license can help you build a network and potentially open the door to a new career.

However, maintaining an active license comes with ongoing costs, including brokerage fees, renewals, and continuing education. If you’re unlikely to generate regular commission income, the license may cost more than it saves. Before committing, consider whether this is a one-time need or a longer-term professional path.

Final Thoughts on Real Estate Agents Representing Themselves

Representing yourself in a real estate transaction can be rewarding and cost-effective when done correctly. But it requires preparation, experience, and a clear understanding of post-2024 rules.

If you’re considering getting licensed—or already are—take the time to understand the legal requirements, compliance risks, and practical realities. With the right mindset and structure, self-representation can be a powerful way to leverage your skills and take control of your own transaction.