oh how times have changed , when i was an estate agent about 7 years ago estate agents fees were much lower say 1.5% of the sale price the reason being, that they were flying off the shelves and the agents had to do little work/ advertising before sale, now however, the tables have turned houses not moving meaning higher costs for advertisin, details etc. All an EA is a market place for property with people experianced at selling, this can either go for you or against you depending on weather you find a good one
Couple of words of advice, signage boards outside need to be a certain size (otherwise the planners might turn up).
Valuations are not hard to do , do you know any friendly surveyors?
If your really struggling send me an email.