While some sellers choose to "go it alone" in order to avoid having to pay a real estate commission, if you don't know what you're getting into, the results could be far more costly than the commission. In fact, a commission is really the price you pay for peace of mind. And for buyers, a Realtor eliminates much of the legwork involved in finding your next home. The process is much like trying to find the way through a maze of paperwork and regulations -- which is why it's so critical to find yourself an experienced Realtor who possesses an intimate knowledge of local-market conditions and properties.. Best of all, your Realtor can go to bat for you, steering you clear of such scenarios that negatively affect your homes being sold.