The recent development of services that assist homebuyers and sellers in completing their own real estate transactions may have you wondering if employing a real estate agent is becoming a thing of the past. While completing the job yourself might save you money on commissions that many real estate agents charge, for many people, doing it alone is not the best option—and may end up costing more than a realtor’s commission in the long run. Purchasing or selling a house is a significant financial (and emotional) commitment. Learn why you shouldn’t rule out the possibility of hiring an agent just yet.