: Research "comparable sales" (comps) in your target neighborhood. Use tools like Zillow or Redfin to see what similar homes have recently sold for, rather than just looking at active listing prices.

: Before touring homes, obtain a mortgage preapproval letter. This demonstrates to sellers that you are a serious, qualified buyer and establishes your maximum budget.

Buying a property without a realtor, often referred to as being a self-represented or "DIY" buyer, is a legally permissible option in all 50 states. While this path requires you to take on significantly more responsibility—including market research, complex legal paperwork, and direct negotiations—it can potentially save money on commission fees and offer more direct control over the transaction. 1. Secure Financing and Budget