Lately, I’m hearing a lot of homeowners ask, “Do I really need a Realtor?” It’s definitely a hot topic in today’s real estate market. Given the commissions for both the listing agent and buyer’s agent at closing, it’s no wonder many are questioning whether hiring a Realtor to help them buy or sell a home is really worth it.
Let’s use selling a home as an example. Could a homeowner sell their house on their own and save on the commissions? Maybe. But here’s the thing: I still rely on a Realtor for nearly every transaction, regardless of market conditions. Those commission fees aren’t a penalty for selling your home; they’re simply part of doing business and ensuring you achieve the best possible outcome.
They say a lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client. Well, I think selling or buying a house without a Realtor is kind of the same thing. Maybe even like a dentist trying to pull their own teeth. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should! Let me share a few reasons why hiring a Realtor is always a smart move, no matter the market.
Selling Without a Realtor
If I had to go out tomorrow and sell a home on my own, I could do it (and I have). The biggest takeaway from that experience? Selling a home without a Realtor is tedious and, honestly, a pain.
First off, the sales contract alone is 10 pages long—and let’s be real, it’s not exactly thrilling reading. Second, these contracts are designed to protect the buyer, which means they include all kinds of ways for the buyer to back out. Third, you have a list of obligations to fulfill according to the contract, like the seller’s disclosure, the survey, or making repairs before closing.
But the hardest part is what’s happening behind the scenes. Keeping tabs on everyone involved while managing the sale of your home by yourself can be overwhelming. A good agent stays on top of the details, ensuring everything stays on track for a smooth closing. From the outside, it might look easy, but that’s because Realtors have the experience. Without it, handling all of this on your own can feel like a nightmare.
I know people who’ve tried to sell their homes on their own. After three or four months with no luck, they call me asking if I can recommend an agent. I connect them with someone, and boom—the house is sold in 30 days. That’s because real estate agents know how to market your home and have the industry connections to get the word out. They only get paid when your house sells, so they know exactly what it takes to close the deal fast.
Buying on Your Own
Buying a home without an agent is a rookie mistake I see many new real estate investors make. They often think that involving an agent will complicate the transaction or make it harder for them. Nothing could be further from the truth.
As a buyer, you might think you have an advantage in purchasing a home without a Realtor because the contract typically favors you. However, there are still important benchmarks you need to meet, especially regarding your financing. You have a narrow window to fulfill these requirements before your earnest money expires, and if you miss that deadline, you could lose a significant amount of money with nothing to show for it.
From my perspective as a buyer, the value of a real estate agent goes beyond just handling the contract and obligations. They bring valuable knowledge about specific areas and access to listings that might not be publicly available yet. Some of my best deals have come from off-market properties where agents were waiting for the right buyer—and I happened to fit that profile. Those deals have more than covered any commissions I’ve paid.
The Bottom Line: Partner for Success in Real Estate
So, do you really need a Realtor when you’re buying or selling a home? Only if you want a smooth, hassle-free transaction. If you feel comfortable juggling paperwork and spending your days on the phone, go ahead and save that commission by handling it yourself.
But for me, I’ll stick to my tried-and-true approach: having a professional Realtor ready to assist me anytime I’m buying or selling a property. Their expertise makes all the difference, allowing me to focus on what matters most while they navigate the complexities of the market.
