I saved $5,000 but making my offer lower than my realtor suggested, also, on my condo. I'd strongly recommend using a realtor, though, since you're new to the process and have so many questions. Find a local Howard Hanna office and give them a call. There's a good chance they'll work for the commission, so it won't cost you anything. It's their JOB, so they might know one or two important things you don't know, or forget about. If worst comes to worst, and you have to pay (I don't think you will, they all work on commission), you won't remember what it costs, down the road a year or two, and the potential benefits outweigh any drawbacks.