dpsvend I would agree that the replies you are getting back are driven by the seller not the agent. Believe it or not listing agents don’t like to represent properties for months on in.
However, your point about the counter offers does sound dubious. Again, have your realtor ask his broker to call this agents broker.
Also your realtor should have already done a thorough analysis on what the home was bought for, and what the most likely equity position the sellers have in it. He can check the tax roll for the 4 most recent recordings and he can have his title officer send him a complete document set of recordings.