Another point about using a Realtor – if you don’t, the realtor for the other side will end up doing a lot more work to get the escrow moving. Seems to me there’s a conflict of interest right there – he/she would most likely be in favor of helping his/her client instead of the person who wants to fly solo. As PS stated, Realtors can really help “unmuddy the waters” when sticky situations are encountered.

I think having a second set of eyes on a purchase of this magnitude (one who has been in the business long enough to know the ropes) is invaluable.