How to save the 3% agent fee when buying a house?

[Dave Williams]

Hi home buyers,

I know, I know, the seller pays for the buyer's agent, so the buyer "shouldn't be worried" about that. However, I have my reasons why I don't want to have a buyer's agent.

The main reason: let's assume you want to sell your house for 500k. You have 2 offers: Bob's offer for 500k and he has a buyer's agent like most people. 2) My offer which is 490k, but I don't have any real estate agent. You should pay 500k * 3% = $15,000 extra for Bob's agent. Consequently, it makes more sense for you to accept my offer and save $5,000 and I will save $10,000 merely for not having a real estate agent. I know that: "The buyer's agent works hard and there might not be a lot of clients and he has to pay a lot of commission to brokerage, etc." But as home buyers, the point is not who is making money; we want to minimize the loss and maximize the profit.

The less important reason: As a buyer, your agent makes more money when you pay more money. How can we trust that our agents are not doing what benefits them? At least based on my experience, my agent didn't let me have any communication with the seller's agent or the seller. I'm not aware of what kind of negotiations they make, but I am aware that increasing the purchase price benefits all 3 of them. By having your own agent, you might buy the house more than what you could without having an agent. I emphasize that I am sure that there exist a lot of honest and ethical buyers agents who work very hard to get the best deal for the buyer and consequently decrease how much they make. I also agree that in general having a seller's agent, usually benefits the seller.

I admit that as a buyer, the good thing about having a real estate agent is that they can open the door of houses you are looking at. But I could get the seller's agent's contact info from Zillow and meet with them. It's even a bit better because you can talk directly with the seller's agent or the seller if they don't have an agent about the house, offer, etc. I'm wondering if there's any way I can write my offer without having an agent?

Alternatively, I am considering getting my real estate agent license. I'm happy with my full-time job, but assuming that I will buy 1 house a year, after 20 years that license will save me at least 200k (based on the above assumption). There are a few hundred dollars for the 90 hour course and the exam, which are not a big deal and are a one time thing. Based on my understanding, though, as a real estate agent, I should "hang my license" at a brokerage and pay some fees to them. Is there anyway to avoid or minimize those fees if I just want to buy a house for myself?

I read this post:

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/21/topics/330647-no-desk-fee-online-real-estate-brokers-washington-state

After getting my license, I will probably pay $100 (the month I will buy the house) desk fee and $250 transaction fee once a year when I buy a house. I would appreciate it if you could guide me with better ideas.

Thanks!

Dave