Well, since this pet shop deal took place a year ago, and the rest of it even longer ago, I don't know how many answers you're going to get.......
And I know a lot of honest folks who have sold property without a realtor/broker's help on contract or otherwise. To state that people who don't go through a broker are cons looking to rip you off is a pretty "blanket" and unfair statement.
We sold our last home, and purchased our current home without ANY involvement from a broker. Does that make me a con?