We're moving in a month and are planning to list our current house (with a Realtor) as soon as we move out. Slightly scary, in this day and age, but we considered all our options and decided it was the way to go. We have not hired a Realtor yet.

A friend of mine knows we're 'in the process' and has a relative who is looking for a house and needs to move ASAP as they've already sold theirs. Their closing is after our scheduled closing, so this has the potential to be a big win-win.

Coincidentally their buyer's agent is an acquaintance of mine. She called me last night to say they'd driven by our house the day before yesterday and are interested, and to ask for some more info. on the house. She said "If you have not listed with another agent I might be able to work out a good deal for representing your side as well."

My inclination is to say "thanks, but no thanks". As I see it, the main reason I'd hire an agent is to find me a buyer, and that part's done. I will use a real estate attorney, either the one we used when we bought this house or the one we're using now to purchase the new one.

What are the advantages to using an agent in this situation? Using the buyers' agent (my acquaintance) seems like a conflict of interest, no? If we don't use her to represent us as well, will we be expected to pay her a commission? If so, how much would be reasonable? She has helped the buyers look at other houses but has done literally nothing w/r/t our house. Should we hire our own agent, and if so what would be a reasonable commission for only handling the closing, no advertising, etc.

I would prefer to not hire an agent at all and simply work with our attorney, but am willing to consider alternatives. I have never sold a house before.

If these particular buyers don't work out we will return to plan A and list the house, with a Realtor, after we move out.