Why do you actually need a realtor? Realtors are great for a multitude of reasons, but there are a few that stand out more than the rest. A realtor’s job is to work to pursue your best interests and get you the best deal possible. For a listing, this starts with marketing your home, then on to aggressive negotiations and then finally ends with a smooth day at the closing table.  Marketing could start even before you officially list the home. You know who a realtor’s friends are? Other agents. And if they work in a large firm, that’s hundreds of agents that they probably see every other day. It’s a lot easier for them to ask around to scope out potential buyers than it is for you to ask your hair dresser if she knows anyone looking to buy. This leads to professional photography and staging which may be the difference between selling quickly and sitting on the market. When you do get those offers, your agent will be there negotiating on your behalf until you are so happy that you wonder why you ever thought about selling without a realtor.