Can a real estate agent represent themself when buying a house?

[Maxwell Milholland]

Hello all, I am just wondering if anybody has any insight into something I’ve been wondering about. I was under the impression that it was perfectly fine and legal for an agent to represent themself when buying a home (and keep the buyers agent commission). However, I recently attended a homeowner workshop, at which the instructor was convinced that such a practice was illegal in New York. Is this practice state specific or was she mistaken? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[Alvin Uy]

@Maxwell Milholland

My wife is a Realtor ( Los Angeles). When we buy for ourselves,  we always disclose that she is a realtor. Sometimes we even leverage it during multiple offers by waiving or lowering the buyers commission fee... which works like a charm 99% of the time so far.