Wiley as a Realtor, first off I represent sellers and buyers. So your question is targetted for buyers correct? How can any Realtor in his right mind represent a buyer when the Realtor thinks that the market is in the tank and will continue to depreciate correct?
While none of us can fathom buying a house right now, there are buyers out there. If people are going to buy we can still help them out. I have a few buyers who are taking it very slow. We have submitted several low low lowball offers. They all know my feelings that the market will continue to depreciate but they are still moving forward. I give them my opinions, I show them the same data I look at, and those that work with me get good rebates. I also do NOT do any loans but whatever financing they use, I review thier loan, give my opinion, and make sure they understand what the payment will be now, and 5 years for now.
So in the end ALL the responsibility lies with the buyer. What is sad is that there are many agents out there who do not feel obligated to share their honest opinion about the market with all clients, specially the buyers.