Key takeaways Selling your home without a real estate agent can save thousands of dollars in commission fees. However, it’s a big undertaking that requires a large time commitment and a lot of paperwork. Real estate contracts are complex, so even if you don’t use an agent, it’s smart to hire a real estate attorney. Selling your home on your own, without the help of a real estate agent, can save you money because it means you don’t have to pay a listing agent’s commission fee.