is completed. Therefore, your agent invests time and energy to ensure compliance and consideration to each transaction is fair. When representing sellers, agents and their brokerages invest marketing resources to sell properties.

Sales of property do not always occur quickly, and therefore cost brokerages and agents their cash without recapture, if the sale does not close. After years of watching real state associates serve the public without compensation, I am hoping this article clears up a couple of misunderstandings. Real estate agents work hard, invest their cash to sell and invest their time and hours to research the right buy. They deserve your confidence and they deserve your respect.

I suggest that before you choose self-representation, you discuss your ideas with a professional agent. Determine what you’re trying to accomplish and determine if the savings you seek can be accomplished through proper strategy and professional representation. I truly believe your final outcome will be far more satisfying than representing yourself in one of the most difficult, and certainly the most detailed, purchases consumers generally engage in. Call a Realtor!

TOM IOVENITTI is the former president and chief operating officer of Coldwell Banker. He lives in Newport Beach.