Selling Your Home with a Real Estate Agent: Pros and Cons
Selling your home is a major decision—and the method you choose can shape your entire experience. Many homeowners work with real estate agents for their expertise and market insight. But like any strategy, this route comes with both benefits and potential drawbacks.
Advantages of Working with a Real Estate Agent
1. Expertise and Guidance
Real estate agents offer in-depth knowledge of local markets, pricing strategies, and buyer behavior. They manage critical details like contracts, marketing, and negotiations—helping your sale run more smoothly. Working with an experienced agent increases the possibility to land a higher sales price for your house because many agents are good at what they do.
2. Broader Buyer Exposure.
Through tools like the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), agents increase your home’s visibility to a larger pool of potential buyers, which can result in faster and more competitive offers. Think of the MLS as the “eBay of real estate”. Yes, a bidding war could occur for your house, or it could sit on the open market without fielding any calls for months.
3. Trusted Support Network
Agents often collaborate with experienced professionals—such as home stagers, contractors, and photographers—who can help your property stand out and speed up the selling process. It’s an easy option to choose an agent. A good agent will work hard for you. That’s what they get paid to do. An agent is also very helpful, especially with first-time sellers.
4. Negotiation, Mortgage Debt, & Zestimate
Agents generally are good with negotiation and marketing skills. Not all property owners excel in the area of negotiation. In fact, some folks are quite awful! This is something to consider if you are leaning towards using an agent. Agents will report back to you after receiving offers. Additionally, if a high mortgage debt is owed on your house, it might be best to choose an agent. We get calls from folks requesting a cash offer but demanding the exact value of their house – down to the last cent! These types of situations generally require the skills of an agent. Finally, if you find yourself saying “I want the Zillow Zestimate of my house or I’m not selling it,” that also is a reason to consider an agent.
Disadvantages of Hiring an Agent
1. Less Control Over the Process
Working with an agent means handing over many decisions about timelines, pricing, and marketing. Their strategy might not always match your ideal approach. Sometimes an agent is so busy you will need to wait until they can set aside time to give you. We’ve also had folks call us after getting fed up with an agent over disagreements about the price to sell a property for. Some agents are slow to lower the price or conjure up inflated prices or didn’t correctly comp a house correctly and it doesn’t generate interest. Generally speaking, a real estate investor has no interest in purchasing a house if an agent is involved. Experienced investors don’t buy from the MLS. Understand, much of the time there won’t be any issues with an agent over control, but it can happen.
2. Divided Attention
Top agents often handle multiple listings at once. While that’s a sign of success, it could mean your home doesn’t receive their full focus. We get a fair number of calls from folks angry at their agents for over pricing properties and then disappear. Understand some agents are better than others. The same can also be said for cash home buying companies. We also get a fair number of calls from folks that receive ridiculous cash offers from phantom cash home buying companies on the opposite side of the country. The logical question to ask is, “doesn’t it make more sense to speak with a local company?” The bottom line is to expect an agent probably isn’t going to call you back in 60 seconds. They are human and have a life just like you do.
3. Added Costs…And Commissions
Oh, no… a dreaded commission! Yes, agents typically earn a commission—often a percentage of your final sale price. For example, during negotiations, it’s common for buyers to want sellers to make concessions or repairs. A higher sales price balanced by the fact the seller will incur higher costs. We recently spoke to a woman who had debt on a house. After paying closing costs, taxes, and the remainder of the mortgage, she had a little money left for herself …which was quickly gobbled up by the agent’s commission. In the end, she actually lost money. This doesn’t usually happen – but it can.
4. Room for Mistakes
Even experienced professionals can make errors in pricing, scheduling, or marketing. These small missteps can have a big impact on your sale. It’s recommended that you interview the agent you are considering hiring. In fact, take it a step further and interview a minimum of three before making a decision. Everyone is human and prone to making mistakes. It’s not a “lock” that things will go smoothly or perfectly.
5. Emotional and Financial Investment
You know your home better than anyone. While agents aim to help, their priorities (like a fast sale) might not always align with your goals (like top dollar).
So, What’s the Best Way to Sell?
Agents bring valuable skills to the table, but that doesn’t mean they’re the right choice for every seller. After reviewing the pros and cons, you might have a better sense of which direction is best for you.
And if you’re looking for a faster, easier option that skips the traditional process altogether—there’s another way.
About 607 Home Buyers
607 Home Buyers offers an alternative for homeowners who want to sell without the hassle of repairs, commissions, or long waiting periods. We buy homes directly, in any condition, and we pay in cash.
Our process is simple, honest, and focused on making your experience as smooth as possible. We base our offers on your home’s value after repairs—minus our costs and profit—so you get a fair deal without surprises.
If you’re ready to move on quickly and want a no-pressure, no-obligation quote, we’re here to help.
Get Started Today
Why deal with uncertainty and delays? Contact us to learn more or request your free, no-obligation cash offer. Selling your home can be faster, easier, and stress-free—with 607 Home Buyers by your side.