Are Full-Service Agents Worth the Money?

There's a lot of buzzing about "discount" real estate agents and "cash-back-to-buyer" programs, which are cropping up like weeds around the country. But flat-fee and discount agents are nothing new. They have always been lingering about in the shadows. However, the abundance of readily available information on the Internet has definitely sparked an interest among consumers who are wondering if there are enough benefits to explore any of these avenues. The Help-U-Sell and Assist-2-Sell franchises have been active in the real estate market for years and have found a small niche.

Unfortunately, in many markets across the United States, somebody has forgotten to point out to the new discounters that the gravy train has slid off the tracks. These guys missed the best time ever to be in the business because much of the market has cooled. Inventory is up, sales are down and some homes aren't selling at all. The truth is in buyer's markets -- like much of the country where 9 out of 10 homes aren't selling -- full-service agents are more important than ever and could mean the difference between "sold" or "expired."

• Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Agent
• How to Find a Real Estate Agent
• 10 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Real Estate Agent