If you are buying a home you will not pay any fees directly to the real estate agent, they earn their commissions from the seller's side of the transaction. As a buyer there is really no reason not to work with a real estate agent, and have them represent your interests through out the process.

A Realtor has access to most of the same data used by appraisers. Real Estate Agents can use these records to research sales trends and market values. A good Realtor can help insure that you don't over pay for your home or possibly recommend a home being offered under market value.

A realtor will be able to assist you with a home purchase by being able to utilize MLS records of almost all homes that are being sold in the area(s) you are looking for. You can tell your realtor exactly what you are looking for, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, basement or not, square footage, etc... and they can easily pull this information up for you very quickly. A realtor will also set up appointments for you to go see the homes that you are most interested in which will save you lots of time and effort.

As a buyer, you may wish to engage the services of a Buyers Agent. The buyers agent works for you, the buyer. Traditional realtors work for the seller and must always work to the benefit of the seller rather than to yours.

The realtor will be the one to show you each house. They will try to show you a wide range of houses, within your price range in any given neighborhood. You should tell your realtor, exactly what you are looking for in a home, as well as a general area that you would like to live.