The amount of time, effort and energy spent into selling or buying a home can be extensive and if customers do it by themselves, and not with the assistance of a REALTOR® or agent, they may run into the risk of losing money and getting a less-than-favorable deal. REALTORS® and real estate agents have years of education and experience and help their customers not only make a solid and responsible financial decision, but also protect them from the many risks currently existing in the murky waters of the real estate market.