Using Brokers or going direct - Investors only please

[Abe M.]

I've always gone back and forth between going direct to a listing agent and using a broker. On small purchases, I think it's useful to use a broker only because it generally makes the communication/process easier and the extra few % is not too significant. However, with larger purchases 800K +  I sometimes go direct to the listing agent, represent myself and don't take a broker fee to get a better deal. I do feel sometimes it's more difficult to get movement on deals without an agent and they take you less seriously. It's just another hurdle. 

My question is to other investors what have you done in the past and what are your thoughts on going direct vs just using the broker and paying the 3%. Thanks!