So first off, to answer your question, I do not do alot of searching beyond the MLS. I do have a relationship with my title officer and have access all recordings, NOD, NOT and REO as they are recorded and give help to buyers on that front. However by FAR the majority of homes I find for people are through the MLS.
So from that standpoint, there is not alot of rocket science there.
I think part of the answer to your question also has to do with the experience/ability of the buyer. In that sense an honest realtor is good for them to have for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to being an advocate during the transaction.
Alot of buyers these days use commission rebate providers like Zip, Redfin, and yes (insert shameless plug here) myself. These buyers do alot of work on thier own, do alot of drive bys and justifiably feel that there should be some sort of discount that the realtor receives because of that. I do believe there are realtors out there who are VERY networked and plugged in who do have inside tracks on properties before they hit the MLS or may never make the MLS. I think this is what you were alluding to. I recall one of the many posts where sdrealtor and I were catfighting about full service verses non full service and he pointed out examples in his office where properties never hit the mls because of the contacts between agents in his office. So there is merit in that. I am just a little guy so I cannot boast that sort of contact ability but yes I think that there are top sellers who have more contacts and may indeed be able to provide alternative sources then the MLS. How much? I don’t know.
Hope this was helpful.
ps – I do think that there is a bit of trivializing or not giving enough credit to how helpful a buyers agent can be through the escrow process for a buyer but I think I would be swimming, or typing against the tide so I will not bother going down that road. If you want me to I will, just ask.
