A buyer's agent can do so much for you.  Provide counsel, show you the best values, negotiate a great deal, make things a lot easier....

One recent example demonstrates this.  My client had been searching for a house for eight months on their own.  They decided to hire a Realtor after a few unsuccessful attempts at offering through the listing agent to "save on commission".

Working as their buyer's agent, my services included:

• Keeping them updated about new homes to hit the market
• Notifying them about price changes
• Previewing homes that would interest them
• Identifying the best values
• Providing a list of recent sales prices
• Coordinating showings and driving routes
• Suggesting competent loan officers and ASHI certified inspectors
• Negotiating a "good deal"
• Organizing a smooth transaction
  

After comparing homes, we put an offer on one that they would have been willing to pay more for.  However, considering condition and time on market, we offered less, met half way, and my clients were able to purchase it for 10K less than what they would have paid.  Not bad, eh?