We tried listing our house like 1 or 2 years ago. I didn't feel like the realtor really brought anything to the table. All he really did was list it online and show it whenever someone would request to see it. I can pay a photographer and list it online myself. The thing for me I guess would be doing all the paperwork etc, but I'm sure you can hire a lawyer or someone who does that without having to give up 6% or whatever it is.
From the buying side I have also not found a whole lot of value to the realtors. It doesn't cost me anything as a buyer so I've used a realtor each time. Maybe it's slightly helpful if buying in a new area like we are looking to do. They know more about good and bad area and can explain certain things that work differently in different states.
Other than that aspect they basically do the same thing. Ask me what we want and then sign me up for automated MLS emails. Schedule showings for whatever we want to see.
