Residents of NM express concerns over minimum service rules

The New Mexico Real Estate Commissions appears poised to impose new regulations that would limit the ability of consumers in that state to choose the real estate services they want. One choice that would go away with the commissions ruling is the ability for consumers to purchase a listing on the MLS for a flat fee. Commissioner Tom Keesing admitted that, "Sometimes we have to make rules for the benefit of the public that limit us to some degree." Commission President David Steinborn said, "I will vote in favor of the wording as it’s proposed."

In opposition to the commissioners is the United States Justice Department along with informed consumers. Bill Jones with the United States DOJ said, "We want to preserve a maximum amount of choice for consumers." "This is for the benefit of the big boys of real estate," said Las Cruces resident Mel Barlow.

"This rule will take away my right as a consumer to hire, to pay with my money, a real estate licensee to do for me what I want done, as I want it done." Las Cruces resident Randy Gomez said he understands the commission’s concerns, but he still wants to have the choice to work without a real estate agent, yet have access to the MLS. "One of the things that would help me is to market it on the MLS," he said. "I understand what the pitfalls are… if I feel that I’d like to sell the property myself and I’d like to have access to the MLS and I understand by way of disclosure of the person who’s going to put it on MLS for me that it is very limited as to what their liabilities are going to be, and I sign off on that and I’m educated about that, I think I should have the right to do that."

See Also

  • Real Estate Commission to Vote on Rules
    The New Mexico Real Estate Commission is set to vote today on proposed changes that would set minimum services that licensed real estate agents would have to provide to clients.