it is always a benefit to you to have a Buyer's Agent however, you do not need representation to buy a foreclosed property.

However, the exception would be HUD owned property. You will need the services of an agent.

You can certainly place an offer without representation. However in today's competitive market, like other's have said you would be best served by the expertise of an agent to help you.
With a bank owned property you will need to use the right 'as-is' FAR/BAR contract, and include several additional pieced of paperwork that will be different with every property. Soem banks require a specific offer worksheet, bank specific addendums, and often times a pre-qualification from one of their branches in addition to your own pre-approval.
If even one of these things is out of order or missing your offer will not be submitted. If the house is a great deal, likely other's will also see it as a great deal, and the first one to the table has the advantage. The listing agents for bank owned properties can of course provide you all the information and forms you may need to submit a proper offer, however you may find they are quite busy or uninterested in assisting you with this. You should also know that the bank pays their agent a set commission for the sale of the home...whether you have a buyers agent or not....so using your own agent will cost you nothing and you will not have any "advantage" by not using one, if anything it may be a disadvantage because the bank and listing agent may think you will need hand holding throughout the process which can delay or stop their sale altogether.

Mellessa,

It's always better to have an agent on your side for writing offer and guiding you for all other paperworks, inspection and closing and it's free service to you so why don't you take advantage of it. Find a good local realtor who has experience as your buyer's agent and don't go with the same listing agent because listing agent always work for seller and buyer's agent will work with you to get a good deal...Good luck!

Hi Melissa

You don't need an agent, however, having your own agent to represent you and not the seller is your better option. Having your own agent doesn't cost you anything because the seller pays the commission.

Please let me know if I can help you.

Regards
Christine Selzler
ERA Select International
Phone: 352-636-3510