It is certainly in your best interest to have a licensed real estate agent to represent you, though it is not a legal requirement. Brokers have local market knowledge, marketing resources, and negotiation skills gained from years of experience in the business. When hiring a broker, we advise you to inquire about their recent sale transactions, overall experience, and specific skills that set them apart from other brokers. It is also  a good idea to asks for references from other clients who have worked with them in the past.