Do You Really Need a Real Estate Agent? The Answer Might Shock You

Honest answer: it depends on the transaction, your sophistication, and what you’re trying to achieve.

When Agents Are Essential

For most people buying or selling in the Portland metro, professional representation is crucial. Here’s why: real estate transactions involve complex contingencies, legal requirements, inspection protocols, and market timing decisions that cost money if you get wrong.

As someone working daily in Oregon and Washington markets, I see buyers and sellers without representation make costly mistakes. A buyer who doesn’t understand the contingency window might lose inspection rights. A seller who doesn’t know current market comps prices below value. That single mistake erases years of equity.

The stakes are too high for most people to go unrepresented. A home in the Portland metro ranges from $350K-$1M+ for many buyers. An agent earning 2.5-3% commission is investing thousands in your transaction—market analysis, marketing, negotiations, coordination. That’s not a luxury; it’s protection.

The “For Sale by Owner” Reality

I watch Portland homeowners attempt FSBO sales regularly. They think they’ll save 5-6% commission. What actually happens: they underprice, miss buyer pool access, underestimate marketing costs, and get less than they would have with representation. By the time they’ve printed signage, created online listings, and fielded calls, they’ve spent time and money. Most FSBO homes eventually list with agents anyway—after weeks of lost market exposure.

For Sellers Specifically

Sellers need agents because buyers have agents. The Portland metro is professional-agent territory. Buyers’ agents work for their clients and negotiate hard. Without representation, sellers negotiate alone against professionals. That’s structural disadvantage.

For Buyers Specifically

Buyers need agents for market access, negotiation expertise, and contingency management. In competitive Portland metro markets, buyers without representation lose out. Period.

My Professional Take

Could you sell or buy without an agent? Technically, yes. Will you optimize your outcome without one? Almost certainly not. The cost of representation is protection against costly mistakes, mistakes that dwarf the commission. If you’re considering FSBO or unrepresented buying: talk to an agent first. At minimum, understand what you’re navigating alone and what it costs.