Buyers:
Do I need an agent if I am buying a house?
What are the benefits to the buyer? First, you will have representation during the process to get you the best outcome. Second, you will have someone that has an expanded well of knowledge about the area. Third, they will work to get your needs met and get you the best possible outcome. Fourth, they will help you meet all the commitments and deadlines. And lastly, you will have someone to answer questions or concerns for you.
An agent can help you through the whole home buying process. If you are a first time buyer, it is easy to get lost in the paperwork and legalities. An agent can assist you, give you tips, give you opinions, and give you ideas about value, the market, and about price. The right agent can make your life simpler. Make sure you take the time to find an agent that works the best with you and for you.
A buyer's agent is always useful to have if you are relocating as well. Real estate professionals can send you local information about school, attractions, etc. All this information will help you decide on the area that's right for your needs. Of course, you will also be able to see available homes in the area that fit your needs. The last thing you want is to move to a new area, purchase a home, and later find out it's not where or what you wanted it to be.
Sellers:
To use an agent or go it alone
It's been on your mind for awhile. You've considered every available option and went over every detail. After some time, you come to the decision to sell your home. Now that you've made the decision, what happens next. Do you buy a for sale by owner sign and begin to market your home yourself? Or do you enlist the help of a real estate professional to market your home?
There is no clear cut answer that is right for everyone. However, your chances increase when you decide to list with a real estate agent.

Why? Experience, Exposure, and E-Knowledge. A real estate agent has helped many people sell their homes and have gained more knowledge each time. A great real estate agent will give your home the most exposure possible. There is so much more to marketing than your typical print advertising. The internet has allowed us to reach so many more people. Thus, it gives your home more exposure. Multiple websites and the MLS are only the beginning. Another powerful tools is agent to agent networking. Real estate agents will notify all other agents about your home. E-Knowledge, a word I created, is the use of our most powerful tool, the internet. There are so many new ways to get your home out there to millions and millions of people. The more people that see your home, the more likely your home is to sell.
How? With online blogging emerging as a new tool, an agent can blog about your home, add pictures, and links to get your home out there to more people. Online forums either for agents or consumers is another great tool. Agents can market your home to other agents and even consumers. You never know who has or will have a client looking in your area. If can be as simple as adding your home to the agents website, putting the link in a profile, and just posting quality information. The person reading looks at the profile and sees the link. They open the link and there your home is. The more sites your home is on, the more likely people will see your home.
Who? With so many agents out there, how can you possible decide you to choose. Simple, you need to ask the right questions. You need to find someone that is very ambitious, energetic, and trying new ideas. You want someone that will get your home out there as much as possible. You want someone that uses all the available technology for you. Basically, you want someone that will work for you in every way available.