Why You Really Need a Real Estate Agent

So you’re thinking about buying a home in Montana—or maybe selling one. You’re smart, savvy, and good at researching things on your own. You’ve watched the YouTube videos. You’ve scrolled the Zillow listings. How hard can this actually be right?

I get it. Lately, I’ve been hearing more and more buyers say, "I can do it by myself, I've got friends with experience and YouTube." No real estate agent. No broker. Just them and the open road of western Montana real estate.

Here’s the thing: that can be super dangerous. And I’m not saying that to scare you—I’m saying it because I’ve seen what happens when people try to go it alone. Let’s break down exactly why hiring a real estate agent might be the best decision you make in the entire process.

The Market Has Changed, and continues to change under the current landscape.

With new buyer’s agency compensation laws, lawsuits, and the shifting legal landscape, the real estate game is not what it used to be. Buyers are now entering transactions without representation, often without even realizing what they’re giving up.

Yes, you can legally buy a home without an agent. But should you? That's the real question you should be asking yourself, and most likely the reason you are here.

Especially if you’re a first-time home buyer in Montana, you don’t know what you don’t know. (and there is only so much YouTube can teach you) And that’s where things can get expensive, fast.

Montana Is a Non-Disclosure State

Here’s something a lot of buyers don’t know: Montana is a non-disclosure state. That means you can’t just look up what homes actually sold for.

You might see list prices on Zillow, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Are homes going for 103% of asking? 98%? Who knows?

I do.

I have access to real comparables (comps). I know what’s actually happening in the market—not just what’s on the internet. That’s information you simply don’t get unless you have a licensed pro working for you.

Representation = Protection

Real estate agents carry Errors & Omissions Insurance (E&O). That means if something gets missed—like a septic issue, boundary problem, or surprise lien—you’re not alone holding the bag.

I’ve seen deals go sideways when buyers didn’t know what questions to ask or what paperwork to double-check. With a pro on your side, you’ve got backup. You’ve got someone who’s been through it all, who knows where things can go wrong, and who’s literally insured to help protect you.

Listing Agents Aren’t Looking Out for You

If you think the listing agent is going to help you negotiate a better price, I hate to break it to you—but they work for the seller.

Even if you walk into a deal alone, the listing agent often still gets compensated for a buyer’s agent...who was never even there. So why not have someone actually working for you?

This isn’t about being pushy. It’s about being protected. It’s about making smart, informed decisions with someone who’s truly on your team.

Don’t Sell Alone—A Hard Lesson from a For Sale By Owner

If my words haven't convinced you yet, let me tell you a real-life story.

Years ago, before the COVID boom, I helped a couple relocate from Great Falls to Missoula. They found a cabin listed For Sale by Owner on Zillow. I didn’t usually check FSBOs, but I called the seller, confirmed he’d pay my commission, and went to see the place.

Almost instantly I realized that this home was at least $100,000 under market value. Before we even stepped inside, I turned to my clients and said: “I don’t care if you sell it tomorrow, you’re buying it today.”

They did.

Weeks later, the seller called me, begging to buy the house back. He said his wife would leave him if he didn’t. But it was too late. They had instant equity. He had lost it.

He’d represented himself because he had a license...from Texas...from the 1980s.

He told me at closing he was getting calls from New York, California, people offering $100K over asking, sight unseen. But he had no idea what the house was actually worth. That mistake cost him big.

Moral of the story? Don’t represent yourself. It’s not worth it.

It’s Not Just About Paperwork—It’s About Strategy

A good real estate agent helps you:

• Price your home properly
• Understand what homes are really worth
• Negotiate smart (and keep emotion out of it)
• Avoid common pitfalls (no, your cousin shouldn’t do your inspection)
• Handle timelines, lenders, appraisals, and all the moving pieces

You’re not just hiring someone to open doors. You’re hiring a strategist, a guide, and a buffer between you and one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.

You’re next step? Give me a call.

Look—I get it. The DIY spirit is alive and well. But when it comes to real estate in western Montana, a little professional help can go a long, long way.

Whether you’re browsing homes for sale in Montana, listing your place, or just thinking about taking the leap, don’t go it alone.

Call me. Text me. Let’s talk. I’ll help you get it right.

It might just be the best call you make this year.