Do I Really Need a Real Estate Agent ?
When buying or selling a home, one of the most common questions people ask is: Do I really need a real estate agent? It’s easy to assume that going it alone might save time or money. But the reality is more nuanced—and understanding the value a real estate agent brings can help you make a smarter decision.
What Does a Real Estate Agent Actually Do?
Real estate agents do much more than just show properties or put up a “For Sale” sign. Their role includes:
Market Expertise: Agents have access to up-to-date market data and insights that aren’t always available to the public. They can accurately price a home, identify trends, and evaluate neighborhoods.
Negotiation Skills: A skilled agent can negotiate on your behalf, whether you're buying or selling. This often leads to better pricing, favorable terms, and fewer surprises during closing.
Paperwork & Legal Guidance: Real estate transactions involve complex contracts and legal documents. A professional agent ensures everything is handled correctly, reducing your risk of costly mistakes.
Network Access: Agents are connected to a wide network of other professionals—inspectors, appraisers, mortgage lenders, contractors—who can streamline the entire process.
Buying a Home Without an Agent
Technically, yes—you can buy a home without a real estate agent. However, without guidance, you may:
Miss red flags in contracts or inspection reports
Overpay due to lack of market knowledge
Struggle with the logistics of offers, counteroffers, and closing
Many sellers also factor in buyer-agent commissions into the price, so skipping an agent may not even save you money.
Selling a Home Without an Agent (FSBO)
Selling your home “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) is possible, but it requires significant time, effort, and expertise. You’ll be responsible for:
Pricing the home appropriately
Marketing and staging the property
Coordinating showings and open houses
Handling offers, negotiations, and closing paperwork
While you might save on agent commission, FSBO homes often sell for less than those listed with an agent, according to studies from the National Association of Realtors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays the commission to the buyer’s agent?
The Seller. Seller signs the listing agreement, which lists the total amount of the commission for the sale. The listing agent will split the commission (normally half and half) with the buyer’s agent only if the buyer has an agent; if not, the listing agent keeps the whole commission. Also, most sellers choose not to provide the consent necessary for a listing agent to represent both buyer and seller.
Why not represent yourself and directly negotiate with the seller’s agent?
Because the seller’s agent works for the seller! You will be operating at a severe informational disadvantage. And the seller pays the total amount of commission for the sale according to the listing agreement, which is in place before the property is listed, no matter whether the buyer has an agent or not.
If you do not have an agent, how will you know the comparable properties to and the current market price of the property that you want to purchase? Zillow and Trulia no longer sync data from the MRIS, and you have very limited access to all the true and accurate sales history. Accurate data is essential to making and negotiating an offer, operating in competing bidding situations, and closing.
Should you use the same Agent as the Seller to reduce the commission?
The agent will not be acting solely in the Buyer’s interest. Also, if the seller’s agent is disclosed to be a dual agent and represent both buyer and seller, which stance will the agent take? So, why would you risk the possibly biggest investment in your life by not working closely with a
trustworthy agent?
What can a full-time professional buyer’s agent do for you?
Apart from hearing about listings before homes are available to the public, I can:
Tour the house and provide you frank opinion on the property from a professional’s view.
Provide data on comparable sales from the tax rolls.
Provide sales data from MLS based on map searches.
Pull property profiles reflecting sales history, property data, demographics, and neighborhood services.
Obtain a copy of the home’s historical documents.
Pull facts and trends about an area.
Look for hidden issues relating to the property. Prevent potential future losses if you purchase the property.
Suggest an offer-writing strategy.
Prepare a strong offer that presents the buyer in the best light based on market demands and agent interaction/networking.
Negotiate the deal, including a situation involving multiple competitive bids.
Review documents for loopholes and obtain disclosures.
Provide a buffer between you and the seller’s agent.
Recommend reputable contractors and vendors.
If you’re experienced in real estate transactions and comfortable navigating the process yourself, it’s possible to go solo. But for most buyers and sellers, working with a knowledgeable real estate agent leads to smoother transactions, better deals, and greater peace of mind.
In the end, the question isn’t just “Do I need an agent?”—it’s “Can I afford not to have one?”