About 47 percent of home owners say they could sell a home without the help of a real estate agent, and 59 percent say they likely could purchase a home on their own, according to a new survey of 2,500 Americans conducted by BMO Harris Bank. However, three-quarters of respondents also say they ended up using a real estate professional when it came down to it.

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“While a notable number of Americans feel they could buy or sell a home without a real estate agent, our survey tells us that when the time came, the majority of home owners did seek the added professional help and enlisted an agent," says Kevin Christopher, head of mortgage sales at BMO Harris Bank. “It can be a complex process.”

What were the top reasons home owners identified for having a real estate agent by their side?

Home Buyers

• Handling paperwork: 67%
• Having someone who understands market value: 59%
• Access to market information: 53%

Home Sellers

• Handling paperwork: 64%
• Advertising the home to bring in offers: 58%
• Having someone to price the home appropriately: 57%

Source: BMO Harris Bank