The competition between traditional agents and limited service companies increases

With the slowing real estate market nationally, the battle for listings is getting more intense. Consumers have more options than ever before and are weighing them before making any decisions. It is no longer a given that homeowners are going to enlist the services of a full service broker as the number of online flat fee MLS brokers, real estate discounters and for sale by owner forums have increased drastically over the last 5 years. With all the choices the debate begins which method is better? Full service brokers argue they offer a more focused marketing campaign, while flat fee MLS brokers argue the sellers are paying too much for the negligible marketing difference. Flat fee brokers save sellers thousands in equity, but full service agents claim they are worth the 5-6 percent. Ultimately, the debate will be settled by home sellers over time and only then will we see what the end effect of technology has had on the industry.