I would also caution the line of thought that you could get a lower price by cutting out a buyer’s agent. The listing contract the seller signs explicitly gives that cut to the listing agent in such a case. In other words, the seller’s advocate gets paid double and you get to work with someone who may not have your interests at heart. I have only ever seen one exception.
Further, I recommend that you have a friend who recently bought a place give you their copy of the complete file. My files typically run to 400 pages or so and so I give them to clients on CD. The forms will help you gain some familiarity with the complex issues that come up.
And really feel free to ask agents for help on an uncompensated basis. Bear in mind though that it is free advice.
