As a buyer I don't need an agent. There are enough networks already available to identify most properties on or coming to market.
I want to sell to a motivated seller. Motivation is easy with private sales as buyer / seller can talk direct. Or if a buyer prefers to work through an agent thats fine to. I'd also sell to an investor active in forums like these - I presume we are both going to be well informed on he market through our own skill.
We are successful when the Golden Rule is met: that is a willing buyer and Willing Seller come together as one.