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When you're ready to buy a home, you might be tempted to go it alone and try to save on the commission you would pay to a real estate agent. But there are some good reasons why working with a professional realtor can be advantageous. Here are just a few:

• Realtors have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is a database of all the homes for sale in your area.

• They also have connections with other realtors, which means they might be able to find out about homes that aren't even on the market yet.

• Working with a realtor can save you time and energy because they will do much of the legwork involved in finding a suitable home, such as setting up appointments to view properties, negotiating prices, etc.

• A realtor can also offer valuable advice and guidance throughout the homebuying process, from start to finish.

• And remember, it doesn't cost you anything to use a realtor because the seller pays the realtor's commission.

The MLS is an important tool that not every home buyer has access to. By working with a professional who does have access, buyers can be sure they're seeing all the homes that fit their needs instead of just those listed on public sites like Zillow or Trulia.

In addition, many sellers prefer to work with buyers who are represented by an agent. Having an agent often leads to a smoother transaction with less negotiating back-and-forth.

Of course, one of the most valuable services an experienced realtor can offer is simply guiding first-time buyers through what can be a confusing and overwhelming process. They can help buyers understand each step involved in buying a home and put them in touch with other professionals they'll need to work with, like loan officers and home inspectors.

Working with a qualified realtor when buying a home comes at no cost to the buyer—the seller pays the commission—and offers many advantages, from access to more listings to professional expertise and guidance. So if you're thinking about going it alone when buying your next home, remember that it might not be worth sacrificing all the advantages that come with using a realtor.