You mention the words "middle man" and the average consumer cringes, imagining that for every link in the chain comes additional cost for the product. (Additional cost makes me cringe too, unless I believe it to be to my benefit). I'm going to designate my blog today to "The Middle Man" because without him, there's a disconnect in quality.  In many markets, he's our sales person.  More typical than not he's not the flashy tie wearing kind who is full of bologna.  He is the consultant kind, who first listens, then attains information, dots the I's, crosses the T's, and makes sure to communicate honestly so that the consumer can make a knowledgeable decision.  In our business, he is the Real Estate Agent, and in this circumstance, he is a she.
Rochester MN Real Estate Head of Lettuce.
The knowledgeable customer knows that you can purchase things without the middle man and sometimes save money.  That's the philosophy places like Ikea have built their company on.  I love Ikea for small purchases, but I would not attempt to do big projects with a picture kit.  Similarly, a Rochester MN Home shopper will look online at houses in addition to checking tax records for sales information.  It's easy to call and see a house, any head of lettuce could just open a door and let you in.  Our value to the consumer and client is more apparent during the process of the purchase. That value is no more or less whether the house you find is $50,000 or a brand new (or not built yet) property that is $1,000,000.  Many folks want mom, dad, uncle Joe the handy man, or a best friend with to give their opinion about the property which I always encourage.  The more the merrier.  I also suggest including a friend who has been through the processes of purchasing 50 to 100+ homes of different styles and price ranges as well.   That person is your REALTOR.