[maratd]

> I don't trust them any further than I trust car salesmen.

Sure, they have the same incentives working against you. They both work on commission based on the amount you pay.

> I don't see any reason to use a realtor.

You're not doing it right.

First, don't work with agents ... work directly with a broker. Second, work with someone local, who knows the market really well. You look for houses and tell him what you want to see. He gets you in quickly and makes suggestions. He presents options and negotiates everything. Get your own inspector. Make sure he's detail oriented. Now give the inspection report to your broker and make him work for his commission. Beat down the price with the report. It's his job to make sure you get a better deal. Make sure he does his job.

On the seller side, their sole purpose should be to get you listed on the MLS site. The house will sell itself. You can negotiate a discount rate if the only thing they do is list your property and coordinate showing requests with you.