When you shop on the open market, you retain the ultimate control. The number one real estate MYTH propagated by agents is that it is complicated and difficult. On the contrary, the most complicated and difficult part of a real estate transaction is handled by a title or escrow company. When presented with a proper sales contract they will handle the transfer of title of the property. You deal directly with the homeowner rather than through a third party.
Communication is more direct, faster, and to the point.
There are millions of homes in the valley for sale. Which one is right for you. The small details the make a house the perfect home for you are difficult to convey to a third party. Some people think that purchasing real estate from anyone other than a real estate agent or broker is difficult. This myth is very far from the truth.