Properties are unique and cannot be evaluated by stock remarks or square footage alone. Sale prices are often withheld from information databases and only the local Realtor with local knowledge will know the sale price. Also, there may be special circumstances that had an impact on the sale price which are material to the buyer's evaluation. A Realtor with local knowledge should be able to offer more accurate, extensive and valuable information to the client than any other impersonal or institutional source. Most people are not only confused by the extensive purchase contract, but do not know how to properly execute it on their own.
Buyers wand sellers rely on real estate agents to represent their interests.
This is usually a very short sighted, and ultimately costly, approach. The seller pays the commission and if the property is listed with a real estate agent, the amount of commission to be paid has already been negotiated between the seller and broker. The commission will be paid regardless of whether one or two agents are involved. This type of separate representation ensures that the interests of both parties are protected. The process of purchasing and selling real estate is complicated and fraught with liabilities.