<prompt> Human: I graduated college and moved to this town about three of years ago and Ive been living in an apartment ever since. Ive saved up money for a down payment and have an appointment with a bank next week to get pre-qualified. Ive been to some open houses and have a general idea of the price-range and area I want but I have not hired an agent and I may not hire one if I dont have to. Is a buyers agent always required or can I get by without?There is a house that Im interested in based on zillow and on driving by. The agents name and number is on a sign on the front yard. Can I just call the agent and get a tour to see what the inside looks like no interior pictures on zillow? Would it be better to wait until Im pre-qualified?If, hypothetically, I do like the house, how do I make an offer? Do I just say I want to buy it? Do I talk to my bank first?Ive done some reading but I feel like Im missing the details of exactly how everything works in home-buying which is why Im waffling on getting an agent.Thanks  <response>: Hire a buyers agent. It doesnt cost you anything and it sounds like you dont know anything about the home buying process. The agent will guide you through and handle all the paperwork that youll be stuck doing yourself otherwise. 