It isnt rocket science and you dont need an agent. However, a good agent will protect you and help you make better decisions. If you go directly to the listing agent it is important to consider their primary allegiance is to the seller not you. The listing agent is also under no obligation to share any of the commission with you and many wont. With all that said feel free to go direct, it may work out for you better and it may not. You wont know for sure until you know for sure.