re: What I'd do different next time: A real estate agent/transaction story/rant

Your points are well taken. I'm not quite on the agents aren't needed train quite yet because if you are busy, good agents do provide a needed service. However, after selling two houses and buying three now I've realized that many agents are way too timid with respect to pushing for the best deal for YOU. They do not want to lose a buyer (or seller if they are on the buyer's side) because that means they have to keep working the house. They want the deal to close as fast as possible and will try to convince you that your asking price, offer, and other terms are too aggressive. No don't ask for that concession, no that counter is insulting and will cause them to walk, if you list for that you won't get any traffic, etc. You have to be willing to do your own research and stick to your guns with your agent. No matter how good they are, the deal is much more important to you than them so you have to look out for yourself.