What do real estate brokers do?

Answer 1

For a seller: They advertise your home, show it to possible buyers, help you through the process (they know all the local procedures that must be followed). They will likely suggest a price that they think the house can be sold for. They may suggest minor changes to help the sale along (e.g. clean the place up).

For the buyer: They know the local market so they can quickly show you homes that fit your needs and price range. They know which lenders in your area are quick at getting loan approvals.

Should you use a real estate broker? For most people: Yes.
This is a lot more complex than just putting a sign on your lawn.

This area is full of pitfalls that can be very expensive should you forget to do something or do it wrong. Always use a real estate lawyer before you sign anything! Even a simple sellers (or buyers) agreement (just to get things rolling) could later prove to be very expensive. Do not accept "You have 3 days to have your lawyer look at it." Once you have signed the agreement all the lawyer can do for you is to tell you what a mess you have gotten yourself into.

Answer 2

They conduct sales meeting with their agents, hire personnel to manage the office, recruit agents, resolve problems that come up. The broker is ultimately responsible for everything that goes on in his office.