<prompt> Human: If I have a way of contacting who is selling a house, why cant I negotiate with them and then go to the realtor when a final price has been agreed upon and put in an offer for that amount? Is it just etiquette? Is it because the realtor is trying to maximize their commission? I live in a small town so it isnt hard to contact who is selling. Im, hopefully, soon to be a first time home owner and am new to the process. Just trying to figure out the dos and donts.  <response>: Its not required. However, it depends on the listing agreement probably a Exclusive Right-to-Sell Listing they have with their realtor meaning, its likely they have a contractual obligation to have the realtors in the picture. This is a better question for rrealestate. 