Why use a Realtor to find a house? 
In Virginia, typically, the Seller pays  the commission for both the Buyer Agent and 
the Listing Agent.  So the question becomes, why wouldn't you use a Realtor? 

What advantage do I gain?
You gain access to an awful lot of information, but you probably already knew that...

So what do you do, anyway?
As a buyer representative I put my services in writing. Our
Buyer Service Pledge guarantees that I will:

• maintain your confidentiality and represent your best interests
• help you define your ability to purchase
• provide an action plan for locating the right property
• help negotiate the best price and terms
• search for properties using all available methods
• show properties that meet your specifications
• disclose material facts likely to affect price and terms
• assist you in determining market value of specific properties
• advise and assist in completing a purchase offer
• provide referrals to other professionals upon request
• monitor all pre-settlement activities
• assist at closing as needed

So what's the bottom line?
The bottom line is that in addition to the aforementioned services,
(which you probably didn't read thoroughly, so read it again) I will save you time.
If the right property for you is not currently on the market, I will let you know
when it is.
For details see Current Update.

Heard about the UPromise Program?  Get up to $3,000 back in college savings 
when you buy a home.

Buying a home for the first time?  First Time Home Buyer Seminars

Or try www.ourfamilyplace.com/homebuyer/first.html.  This is a very useful site but is not dedicated
specifically to Virginia and therefore has some inaccuracies, particularly related to buyer-agency.

For questions specific to Virginia, contact Jeff