Alternative models are a growing Trend in real estate

Finally a front page article addressing the changing trend in the real estate structure. The USA Today just published an article detailing the different advantages of discount and flat fee brokers, as well as the advantages of having your home published on the internet. It seems the USA Today has hit the nail on the head with their recent title "It’s always ‘Open House’ as real estate goes online." As home owners become more familiar with the sales transaction courtesy of the internet, savvy home sellers are turning to alternative models like discount MLS brokers and flat fee MLS brokers that provide services on an a la carte basis while allowing sellers to maintain all the rights of a For Sale By Owner. With flat fee MLS the home seller maintains control over the transaction and can monitor who sees the home and how quickly inquiry calls are returned. There is no waiting for the agent to, hopefully, do the work.

As discount brokers and flat fee MLS companies gain market share realtors continue to work to persuade state lawmakers to pass laws limiting the ability of the agents to give rebates or offer services on an a la carte basis.

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