Realtors local versus national-buyers agent, sellers agent?

[Jeff S.]

In Oregon I am old school always wanting to buy directly from the listing agent. Back in the day real estate agents both for the buyer and seller worked for the seller and it was "buyer beware." The successful agents had many listing and primarily would only sell their own listings. That was the way it was done back when I was selling properties and when I bought. When I talk with old timers it is all about getting sued. It is a sad thing that just about all decisions are based on how to protect yourself from lawsuits.

I find the new way very offensive. These "buyers agents" are rude and obnoxious thinking they are somehow doing their buyers a favor by insulting the seller/agent etc.

Leave it up to the attorney's to create a pissing match out of our transactions when the way it should be done is to bring the needs of the seller and buyer together which is best done with one agent alone IMO.

Which way is it done in your state?