As real estate agents, we are compensated from the transaction. If a buyer were to go to a listing agent directly, that agent's obligation is to the seller, not the buyer. That buyer will get fair and honest dealings, but will not have an agent fully representing their best interest. Many times buyers think that they save money by going directly to the listing agent. That is only true in theory if the listing agent is willing to discount the commission to his seller client. Often times that discounted commission money would be more than paid for by having a buyer's agent negotiate the deal for you and especially if any repair items should come up during the home inspection. In short, that thought process is penny wide and pound foolish.
