Ever hire a real estate attorney?
I have had to, yes. I have bought and sold a few homes over the years. 
Same here. I went through a title company that was also a law office, and completely cut out the realtor when I bought my home. It saved a bundle!
Oh, I bet it did! The commissions are huge on higher real estate costs these days. I live in an apartment now and I love the freedom. 
I bought a house shortly after the whole mortgage crisis, but I'm glad I did. The value has skyrocketed since.