Thinking of buying a home without the help of a real estate agent? Think again. Buying a home without the help of a real estate agent may seem appealing because it avoids commission fees, but going solo can be more trouble than it’s worth. Many buyers think they no longer need an agent because they can search for homes online. Young, first-time homebuyers who want to save money are at the greatest risk. “The prospective buyer can go online and see potential houses,” said Ryan Carter with 8z.