I suspect they are flying under the radar of their regulatory agency for now but with the shenanigans you describe, i bet it won't be for long.

There are agencies that upcharge - I have had success with myoutdesk. 

For the part of the loan, many banks are reluctant to approve non recourse loans for small loans, that means someone in the US with SSN has to sign as guarantor, furthermore, you will not qualify for most agency loans, like Fannie, Freddie, FHA, SBA, etc.

The proportion of buyers that 'go it alone' and approach the listing broker for dual representation is likely to increase, and in some (experienced) cases is justified. 

Dual agency is illegal here.

That is real WORK, but you must know that already. we work closely with the different housing agencies that we have properties in.

Make sure the deal stacks up when you compare it to a bank loan, agency, or any other loan opportunity.

Hey @Jonathan Leung - happy to have a barter convo with you about this as I'm currently interviewing different marketing agencies for my own advertising strategies. 

If he's captive, approach a reputable independent agency.  

The Council of Economic Advisers, which is an agency in the Executive Branch, is publishing the research and data.