If you think selling your homeOne of the first questions you might ask is: do I need a real estate agent? The short answer is no — you can sell them yourself. That means, and it means handling the pricing, marketing, negotiations, and paperwork yourself. For many sellers, working with a real estate agent can simplify the process and improve the overall outcome.
As you look to sell yours home to Seattle or ChicagoThis Redfin article will teach you the benefits of working with real estate agent for a better home selling experience.
What does an agent do when you sell?
It’s easy to underestimate how much money goes into selling a home—and how much those details can affect what you end up walking away with.
A real estate agent helps sellers by:
Price your home correctly
Setting the right price is one of the most important steps. The price is too high, and your home may stay on the market. The price is very low, and you can leave money on the table. Agents use local market data, recent similar salesand trends the buyer is looking for to determine a competitive price — not just an online estimate.
Sales and exposure
A listing agent doesn’t just post your home online. See:
- List your home on The MLS (includes major home search sites)
- Direct professional photos and descriptions of the listing
- Market to other agents and qualified buyers
- Organize and manage shows and open houses
More exposure often leads to more competition—and higher offers.
Navigating complex markets
Houses markets they can change quickly, and strategies that work in one area may not work in another. In a hot market, a skilled agent can help you act quickly, price competitively, and handle multiple offers. In a slow market, they can create targeted marketing strategies, showcase your home effectively, and attract great buyers, helping you sell successfully regardless of the circumstances.
Managing time-consuming tasks
Selling a home requires a significant investment of time, from coordinating showings and answering buyer questions to managing paperwork and deadlines. If you have a busy schedule, a real estate agent can handle these time-consuming tasks on your behalf, keeping the sale moving forward while freeing you up to focus on work, family, and other important things.
A guide for first time sellers
From setting the right price to understanding the offer, emergency situationsand closing times, there are many steps that are not always apparent to new sellers. A real estate agent provides knowledgeable guidance throughout the process, helping first-time sellers avoid common mistakes, stay on track, and make informed decisions every time.
Negotiation offered
When an offer comes in, an agent helps you evaluate more than just price. They check:
Strong negotiation can mean more money in your pocket, even if the initial offer prices are the same.
Managing paperwork and legal information
Selling a home includes contracts, disclosures, deadlines, and local legal requirements. A mistake can delay—or disrupt—a sale. An experienced agent helps ensure that everything is completed accurately and on time.
Can I sell my home without a real estate agent?
Yes, you can sell your home without an agent, known as “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO), but comes with trade-offs.
Advantages of selling without an agent
- You can save on listing agents commission.
- You have full control over pricing, displays, and discussions.
- It can work well if you already have a buyer lined up.
Disadvantages of selling without an agent
- Limited exposure without MLS access.
- Pricing mistakes are common.
- Conversations can be emotional and stressful.
- Overall responsibility for the sales process, including marketing, handling inquiries and presentations, evaluating and coordinating appraisals, and legal and paperwork details.
Although possible, it requires significant time, effort, and a thorough understanding of real estate laws and procedures.
If you are selling without an agent it may make sense
You may consider selling without an agent if:
- He is there selling to a friend or family member.
- He is very familiar with real estate contracts and local laws.
- Your home is in a very hot market and is reasonably priced.
- Savings commission is more important than raising prices.
Even then, many sellers still hire an attorney or transaction coordinator to reduce risk.
Do I need a real estate agent to sell my home and get the best price?
No, it is not legally required. You can sell on your own, but there are benefits to having a real estate agent. They can make the process faster, smoother, and more profitable.
As Joe Mediate of WebocitiSEO and Google Ads marketing service, says, “Many buyers and sellers no longer need an agent to find listings. They can do that themselves. What they really need is someone to help them make smart decisions in a crowded market. Standout agents stop talking about real estate and start sharing insights, like how prices really work, what’s important in a certain area and making costly human mistakes in a certain area like Red Plafit. access, but great agents help clients understand that what they should really pursue When an agent leads, mitigates risk, and represents the client clearly, the value becomes apparent.
A Redfin agent can help you understand your home’s value, local market conditions, and whether selling with an agent makes sense for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Do I really need a real estate agent?
Is paying a real estate agent’s commission worth it?
Usually, yes. Commissions typically range from 5-6% of the purchase price, but experienced agents may secure higher offers and better terms that eliminate or exceed those fees. The main benefit of a real estate agent is to reduce stress by managing the details from listing to closing while working to get the best selling price.
How can I choose the right real estate agent?
Talk to at least two or three agents to find the right real estate agent yours. Look for:
- A local experience in your neighborhood or city.
- Strong sales record and average list-to-sale value.
- Clear communication and response style.
- Good client reviews and references.
- A marketing plan tailored for your area.
What happens if I don’t use an estate agent?
You will be in charge of all steps: Pricing, marketing, customer evaluation, negotiation, and closing. While you retain full control, you are also vulnerable to legal errors, undermining your homeor lost potential buyers. Without the agent’s network and expertise, it may take longer to sell or result in lower profits.
When does selling without an estate agent make sense?
Selling without a real estate agent can make sense in certain situations, depending on your experience, timeline, and local market conditions. It can be a good option if you already have a buyer lined up, such as a friend, family member, neighbor, or tenant, and you’ve agreed on a fair price. Sellers who have prior real estate experience and understand pricing strategy, contracts, disclosures, and negotiations may feel confident handling the process themselves. However, going without an agent means you’ll be responsible for pricing, marketing, showings, paperwork, and legal requirements, so it’s important to weigh the potential savings against the time, effort, and risk involved.
