There are plenty of next-to-useless agents, just like there are plenty of next-to-useless software developers.
Our agent (used twice, 15 years apart) was great. Both times, in strong sellers markets, so lots of offers made and rejected. Lots of last second "OMG, just listed, can we see it NOWNOWNOW!"
Very expensive, but so is a house.
Now that I've been through the process a few times, could I do it without? Probably. At the right price, would I use an agent regardless? Absolutely. The old 6% rate seems quite high for a basic sale given online MLS listings, though for a very specific home in a small market, might still be worth that (I'm think lake homes in my neighborhood - rare listings, selling for $50k+ premium over non-lake on same street, often have a buyer lined up before listing, so really hard to actually buy one without an agent who knows people).
Our agent (used twice, 15 years apart) was great. Both times, in strong sellers markets, so lots of offers made and rejected. Lots of last second "OMG, just listed, can we see it NOWNOWNOW!"
Very expensive, but so is a house.
Now that I've been through the process a few times, could I do it without? Probably. At the right price, would I use an agent regardless? Absolutely. The old 6% rate seems quite high for a basic sale given online MLS listings, though for a very specific home in a small market, might still be worth that (I'm think lake homes in my neighborhood - rare listings, selling for $50k+ premium over non-lake on same street, often have a buyer lined up before listing, so really hard to actually buy one without an agent who knows people).