The Cost Myth: Why Skipping a Broker Could Actually Cost You More

Host: Welcome to Market Matters with WVMLS, where we get real about real estate in the Willamette Valley. I'm Dave Pautsch of RE/MAX Integrity. Our local Willamette Valley Multiple Listing Service, or WVMLS, is a powerful but often misunderstood resource. It’s the centralized marketplace bringing buyers and sellers together locally since 1949.

Today we're continuing our six-week series on busting the myths in real estate, and today's myth: it costs more to use a broker. Let's get one thing out of the way first: in Oregon, the legal term for a real estate agent is broker, so we'll use agent and broker interchangeably. The truth of this week's myth: not using an agent can cost you dearly. On the surface, paying an agent might seem like one more expense, but hiring a licensed professional to shepherd you through the buying or selling of your largest financial asset can make a huge difference.

For buyers, your agent can provide WVMLS-level access to homes across the region in real-time. The buyer's rep agreement that you signed—which has been required since January 2025—lets you control how your broker's fee is paid and even negotiate with the seller to have it included at closing. For sellers, a licensed broker will help you price your home accurately to sell on your timeline. Time on market equals money. Your broker helps you leverage WVMLS sales data, marketing tools, and all the resources needed to navigate from listing to close.

For both buyers and sellers, working with a real estate agent can help you avoid costly heartaches through inspections, negotiations, contracts, deadlines, and disclosures. One missed clause or overlooked issue can cost thousands—far more than you'd pay in brokerage fees. But using a broker isn't about cost; it's about confidence. For both buyers and sellers, it means having a licensed professional in your corner helping you make good decisions.

Thanks for joining us for Market Matters with WVMLS, where we get real about real estate in the Willamette Valley. I'm Dave Pautsch of RE/MAX Integrity. Join us again next Monday in the noon hour as we tackle another real estate myth.

Learn more at wvmls.com.