Seller agents have real expenses. Listing in the multiple, photographer, maybe even help in staging. Buyers agents have gas, thats about it. Last few houses I bought, I found them, then brought the agent in who basically opened the door with the MLS key and presented the offer. This was all in the pre-NAR settlement days. Now, if I had a buyers agent, I would negotiate exactly what I expect from them and just pay that.
My buddy told me a about his friend that contracted to list his home and as his agent was pounding in the for sale sign a neighbor came over and bought the house.
Whether true or not does not matter, putting up a FSBO sign for a weeks may be a really smart thing.
But another realtor buddy told me had agents have to work hard to get buyer loan qualified.
IMHO: 1. If you don’t have time to show your home you need an agent.
2. If you have no experience in buying a home and have credit issues, you might need an agent.
A good seller’s agent is worth the money. Our latest agent was worth the cost, but in many transactions they are not. With several homes I have sold both agents were next to useless and one was an absolute hindrance. A standard 6% agents cut is driving property prices too high and is far too much money for many quick or easy sales.