If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you’ve probably wondered whether you really need a realtor.

Some people consider doing it themselves to save money, while others prefer the guidance of a professional. The truth is that there are both advantages and potential downsides to working with a realtor.

Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons of using a realtor, based on my experience working with buyers and sellers in Kingston.

The Pros of Using a Realtor

Professional Guidance Through the Entire Process

One of the biggest benefits of working with a realtor is having a professional guide you through every step of the transaction.

For buyers, working with a buyer’s agent is typically free, as the commission is usually paid by the seller. Your agent will:

• Book and coordinate showings

• Answer questions and address concerns

• Handle all paperwork

• Negotiate on your behalf

• Point out potential red flags in a property

• Connect you with professionals such as inspectors, mortgage brokers, and lawyers

Buying a home can be complex, and having someone experienced in your corner can save you a lot of time, stress, and potential mistakes.

Maximum Exposure When Selling Your Home

When selling a property, exposure is key. The more buyers who see your home, the greater the chances of receiving strong offers.

A listing agent helps ensure your home gets the visibility it deserves by:

• Hiring professional photographers

• Creating video tours and virtual tours

• Producing floor plans and high-quality marketing materials

• Listing the property on MLS and Realtor.ca

• Promoting the home on multiple websites and social media platforms

This increased exposure brings more traffic to your listing, which can ultimately lead to a higher selling price.

Protection From Costly Mistakes

One of the biggest advantages of working with an experienced realtor is having someone who can spot potential issues before they become expensive problems.

For example, I once worked with buyers who were interested in a property with a questionable septic system. Instead of simply trusting the information that was provided, we brought in the right professional to properly assess the situation.

That decision likely saved my clients from facing a $50,000 bill for a new septic system.

Situations like this are why it’s important to have someone representing your best interests.

Access to Local Market Knowledge

Real estate is very local, and having someone who understands the market can make a huge difference.

An experienced realtor can provide insight into things like:

• Recent sales in the neighbourhood

• Current competition on the market

• School reputations

• Upcoming listings and pocket listings that may not yet be publicly available

Having access to this information can give buyers and sellers a significant advantage.

The Cons of Using a Realtor

Commission Costs

The most common concern people have about using a realtor is the commission.

Some sellers feel the cost is too high and consider selling the home themselves to save money. However, many don’t realize that the commission helps generate significant exposure through marketing, agent networks, and MLS distribution.

In many cases, the increased exposure and professional pricing strategy can result in a better overall outcome for the seller.

Pricing Mistakes Without Professional Guidance

One of the most common problems I see with homes sold without a realtor is overpricing.

I’ve seen sellers list their homes far above market value without having someone to properly assess the current market, comparable sales, and competing listings.

When a property sits on the market for months, it can quickly become stale in buyers’ eyes. Buyers begin to wonder if something is wrong with the property, even when there isn’t.

Proper pricing from the start is one of the most important factors in achieving a successful sale.

The Bottom Line

While it is possible to buy or sell a home without a realtor, working with an experienced professional can provide significant advantages.

From negotiating and pricing strategy to marketing and protecting you from costly mistakes, a realtor’s role is to guide you through what is often one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.

Having someone knowledgeable and experienced in your corner can make the entire process smoother, less stressful, and often more successful.

If you’re considering buying or selling in Kingston or the surrounding area, I’d be happy to help answer your questions and guide you through the process.

One question I hear often from buyers and sellers is: “How do realtors actually get paid?”

There are a lot of misconceptions about commissions, who pays them, and what agents actually do to earn them. Understanding how it works can help you make better decisions when choosing an agent.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how realtors get paid and what happens behind the scenes.

Buyers Don’t Pay Realtor Commission

One of the biggest surprises for many buyers is that they don’t pay their agent directly.

In most real estate transactions, the seller pays the commission. This commission is typically a percentage of the final sale price of the home.

The seller agrees to pay their listing brokerage a commission, and that commission is usually shared with the agent who brings the buyer.

This means buyers can work with an agent who represents their best interests without paying out of pocket for the service.

Why Buyers Should Have Their Own Agent

Another common misunderstanding is when buyers contact the listing agent directly to book a showing.

It’s important to understand that the listing agent works for the seller. Their job is to get their seller the highest price and most favourable terms.

As a buyer, it’s beneficial to have your own agent representing you. Your agent will negotiate on your behalf, help you understand the market, and work to get you the best price and terms possible.

Having someone in your corner can make a big difference in the outcome of a deal.

When Is Commission Actually Paid?

Realtors only get paid when a transaction successfully closes.

The commission comes out of the seller’s proceeds at closing. The seller’s lawyer deducts the commission from the sale funds along with other expenses such as legal fees and tax adjustments.

If the home doesn’t sell or a deal falls apart, the realtor typically does not get paid, even if they have already invested significant time and effort.

Sometimes Deals Don’t Work Out

Real estate transactions don’t always go as planned.

I’ve worked with sellers in the past who found a home they loved and wanted to buy, but unfortunately they couldn’t sell their current home in time for everything to line up. The market can be challenging at times, and timing doesn’t always work out.

In that case, the clients decided to stay in their home for the time being. Situations like this are part of the reality of real estate—agents often spend significant time helping clients even when a deal ultimately doesn’t close.

What Does a Realtor Actually Do?

A good realtor does much more than simply show homes or put a sign on a lawn.

A professional agent should:

• Understand the local market and neighbourhood values

• Study recent sales and current competition

• Help determine the right price for buyers or sellers

• Negotiate on your behalf to get the best deal possible

• Connect you with trusted professionals like mortgage brokers, inspectors, and lawyers

• Spot potential red flags in properties

• Guide you through the contracts and paperwork

For example, understanding recent sales and current listings in a neighbourhood helps determine the true market value of a home. That knowledge can protect sellers from underpricing their property or buyers from overpaying.

Local Knowledge Matters

Working with a local realtor can make a big difference.

An agent who understands the neighbourhood, recent sales, and current competition can give you better advice when pricing a home or making an offer.

Real estate markets vary significantly from one neighbourhood to another, and having someone familiar with the local market can help you make more informed decisions.

The Bottom Line

Realtors are typically paid through commission from the sale of a home, and they only get paid if the deal successfully closes.

While many people focus on the commission itself, the real value comes from the experience, guidance, negotiation skills, and local knowledge a good agent provides throughout the process.

Buying or selling a home is a major financial decision, and having the right professional by your side can make all the difference.

If you're thinking about buying or selling in Kingston or the surrounding area, I’d be happy to help guide you through the process.