[quote=UCGal]An argument for using a buyers agent:
– some properties are only available for view via lockbox or showings with an agent… you’d cut yourself out of those properties. Open houses are not the entire market.
– buyers agents *might* be privvy to pocket listings that aren’t on the MLS.

Argument against buyers agent:
– if you use the listing agent you might be able to negotiate a kickback, or have them negotiate a lower price, with them kicking in some of the commissions. That seems unusual these days were sales prices are inflated by sellers paying buyers closing costs etc. (Which drives me nuts because the buyer ends up with higher prop taxes, realtors commissions are based on higher sales price, etc.)[/quote]

If I were a seller and found out that a qualified buyer wanted to look at my house, they would get in (lock box or not). This is something to consider including on a listing agreement – perhaps the listing agent couldn’t accompany the prospective buyer (I know they are concerned about that situation) but someone could.