You will get more potential buyers by using an agent, because other real estate agents are extremely unlikely to show their clients a property that is being sold privately. That means, statistically, you're more likely to get more money, but that's no guarantee - any individual buyer might have the highest offer, regardless of how they found your home.

For me, I want the services that they provide, and I'm willing to pay for that. Other people might not need or want their help, but I'd think if you were selling a home out of province, their help would be even more important.

Many times you are able to negotiate a lower commission - at least in my area. It is definitely a seller's market (and has been for several years). If you are able to lower the amount of commission paid, it may make sense to use an agent in order to make the process easier. My niece is a residential real estate agent - she's told me that many people are currently negotiating commission amounts.

If it is listed on the MLS and you are paying the normal percentage to a buyers agent and also have experience selling yourself I see no reason why you need an agent. I mean if you've sold 5 homes yourself I would think you have at least some experience and unless the transaction would be difficult and include things you've not dealt before I think you would be well prepared.

This is assuming you have access to comps and are able to price it correctly. If a buyers agent gets paid for it like any other listing there should be very little reason for them to not show your house. They want to get paid and doing so they will show their buyers houses. To be honest I think nowadays most buyers will find the houses in the MLS they want to look at. It is possible some buyers agent could bad mouth it to their client because they don't want to show it because they think they may have to do extra work if the seller is inexperienced, but I think most buyers will still want to see the house unless the agent blatantly lies about something about the house to really make them not want see it. Which in that case you probably don't want to deal with that realtor no matter what.

I don't know the answer to your question, I just want to say no way would I sell my own house. I'll gladly pay the commission to avoid the hassle of scheduling, showings, making sure paperwork is done correctly, etc etc etc. Just because a good realtor makes the work look easy doesn't mean it is.

First, let me say that a good realtor deserves the commission.

My daughter just bought the house next door to us and there were no realtors involved.

From her side, she didn't pay a commission. However, she did pay an attorney to work with their attorney for the P & S, and closing and all that goes with it.

She sold her house using an agent. Agent advertised, advised, kept in touch daily, did diligent work providing comps, etc. The house sold at first open house, for over asking. Realtor did it all. Yes, she still hired any attorney for the closing and recording, but the charge was less than what she paid to the attorney to purchase the new house.

It was a win/win for her, but less stress using the realtor and I feel that the realtor got her more money than if she had sold it herself.

Back to neighbor's price. They were very happy to sell without an agent, saving the commission, but I know they could have gotten more for the house had they gone with a broker.

We've bought and sold 9 houses in our marriage. My vote is to use a broker....and make sure you get a great one.