They would handle all the documents for their client. Be careful in how you think of this agent. They are there to get the best deal for the buyer. They are not there to help you.

Thanks cpowers21.

I realise that the agent would be representing the buyer's interest. My concern is that if I sign with one Realtor and can only offer 3% commission, then I am limiting myself to that Realtor's clients (since 1.5% or roughly $2500 is probably not a lot of incentive for the buyer's Realtor to split). Whereas by listing the property myself, I can pull in potential buyers from multiple Realtors and thus have a broader client base. Wouldn't a Realtor be insulted if I approached them and asked them to list my home for just 3%. I value the services a Realtor can provide, but after crunching all the numbers, there is just no way I can offer anything more. Also, I am not purchasing another home, so there is no sell-buy incentive.

Am I wrong to think this way?

When we did FSBO, the buyers realtor did their paperwork, and our lawyer did ours. The lawyer was cheap compared to the realtor. We paid 3% to the buyers realtor, which was over 4K, and the lawyer was only 550$. Worth every penny.

If you list on the MLS for a flat fee (there are lots of businesses out there offering this for around $400), then any agent can show your home at the commission you offer. We offered 2.5 percent, and half of our showings were by agents, with the other half FSBO. It's a great way to keep your options open and save money. If you sell to someone with an agent, though, have an attorney do your paperwork. It's not expensive.

I agree with the other posters about getting a lawyer. Don't rely on the buyer's agent for the paperwork. That's the only point I was making. Sometimes people forget about agency especially if the real estate agent is nice....
Make sure when choosing someone to just list your home that the company has e&o insurance. There was just talk in one of the agent forums about some pitfalls. If something goes wrong, they'll get sued. After they get sued, they'll come after you. JUST BE CAREFUL. I think if want to sell your house on your own, that's great. But be careful of those offering to help you for flat fees. Most times they work out fine. Just don't let yourself be a statistic.
Make sure you market your home everywhere and to everyone. If you get your home out there enough, you should do great. Make some flyers for you home. Do you have a good template for this? If not, I can help you out. If you need anything, feel free to contact me. I'll gladly help in any way.

"We paid 3% to the buyers realtor, which was over 4K, and the lawyer was only 550$. Worth every penny."
Without the agent bringing the buyer, the lawyer would have been free.

The title company and closing dates are mutually agreed upon. If you don't care who does the title work or the exact times of closing, then just let them set that stuff up and you go along with their choice. Remember you don't have to be at closing as the same time as the buyer.

Once the title company is agreed upon, you can directly talk with them to set up the closing time. It's in your best interest to be in direct contact with the title company anyway. You'll want to get those papers a couple of days early so that you can review them.

Not all states use lawyers, so know if that's common in your area. It's not done here, unless both parties are in a major battle.

Gloria

In FL, a lot of R.E. atty's do the title work and in exchange for using them for the title work, they will review contracts and hold your hand to some degree for free. I would highly recommending finding such a practice and some backups just in case. Call and interview them just as you would if you were going to pay them in a capital murder case and ask them how they can help you, a FSBO. They stand to earn big, so don't be shy.