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No matter what a broker charges for services provided to sellers & buyers, brokers & agents must be capable of explaining and understanding their value proposition. Consumers must see the value of the brokerage represenation in order to agree to pay whatever the fee may be for the expertise of the real estate professional. The Internet does offer information however, to think that the internet provides the SERVICES that buyers and sellers need to successfully complete transactions in today's marketplace, in my opinion, would be a huge error in judgement. I believe most sellers think the less they pay for services of brokerage, the more they net...most often, I don't believe that is an accurate assessment.
Very well written! This article is a fabulous piece that many real estate profssionals would find EXTREMEY useful to read. As an educator, I am concerned about the lack of knowledge that many agents have regarding the current real estate marketplace....no doubt about it, buyers need an agent that understands how to navigate, negotiate and have the ability educate their clients as do listing agents need to do the same for their clients and assist sellers in undertanding the options that may be available to them in a situation where a mortgage payment is "out of control"...also, extremely important, and not mentioned in the article, is an attorney who can offer legal expertise, and, when necessary, a tax consultant who can offer tax advise to their resepctive clients.
IF your point is that REALTORS, like the rest of home buyers during the boom are human, point made.