Consumers are disadvantaged by the current system
As stated last week this is a good read! If you are a homeowner trying to keep abreast of real estate current events, then you need to read the Consumer Federation’s attack on the existing real estate structure. Discrimination against non-traditional alternative brokers, unregulated multiple listing services (MLS), lack of consumer knowledge, and the large number of real estate professionals who sit on state real estate regulatory boards stifle competition in the real estate industry and it’s up to consumers to take the initiative and make a difference. Minimum service requirements established by several states discourage, and in some cases prevent, non-traditional alternative brokers like flat fee MLS companies. NAR has responded by arguing that the industry has plenty of competition with its over 2 million licensees. Considering the barriers for entry are so low, how competitive is it really? Do licensees of two months deserve the same compensation of an agressive veteran? According to the current industry standard they do.
