Canadian Realtors forced to allow access to MLS

[Calgary Agent]

This could well mean the end of the real estate industry in Canada as we know it >> Competition Bureau will force MLS to open access <<

[over40]

If the value of your service to consumers is predicated on controlling access to, and data within the MLS..., then perhaps it should be the end to real estate as you know it.

[stevetrang]

We still provide value by knowing the rules, laws, regulations, etc. This no doubt makes our job even more difficult!

[Ryocheck]

Definitely, plus most sellers cannot afford to spend what we do in marketing and do not have the experience it takes to sell a home.

I used to sell cars years ago. Now when I buy a new car I know I can sell my old car for more if I do it myself but I always trade it in for convenience and because I don't want the hassle. Real estate will be the same way.

[Malok]

It should be interesting to see the number of lawsuits that are related to real estate transactions before/after this goes into effect.

IMO, if you have children in college up there in Canada, tell them to go into real estate law.

[GreggRio]

Welcome to our world here in the US. I find I still get found locally with my site, and if the consumer wants to pay for being on the MLS, there are a number of cheap list only -contact -the seller-yourself if you have an offer firms that will list FSBO's for $500 or so. If they want to list on CL, they can do that too, for free. There are agents who will list FSBO's. Obviously there are legal things on disclosure, etc they may want some coaching on. As Malok says, have your kids become real estate attorneys as that will likely be a great profession with a flood of "novice" sellers.

I think one has plenty of options, but it comes down to cost. I pay my dues, will the consumer pay their share to our local MLS to list their homes? Not every one needs me, that is fine, most find what I have to offer besides being on the web is a great site to present it, and understanding how to market in today's web world.

Like anything, there is value in service. We provide knowledge and service our clients needs for information on what is happening in the market, what has happened, negotiation, marketing and a host of other things that are found to be of value.

Most times in the US you can file a lawsuit and represent yourself in court. You don't have to be a lawyer. Most, like in real estate, realize when they are over their heads, and will hire a professional.

In part it comes down to a time/value of knowledge/cost. Our profession of sales is some close to one of the older professions. Selling is a skill and that won't go away. People need to be helped with the decision to buy. We individually will sell more homes in a year than most sellers will sell in a lifetime. Who wouldn't want that experience?

So even if one can "list " a home on the MLS, selling it is another thing.

[donnalong]

Interesting. It is bound to change the industry in your area but change is the only constant - right???

[Puyallup Agent]

It is funny to me that the guy quoted in the article thinks he'll be able to charge a flat $5,000. Had he bothered to look South before he decided to champion the cause, he may have made a more informed decision.

If the industry really does change to a flat rate, I'll be the best flat rate broker I can be. Until then, I'll do what I do.

[noreenpittman]

Canadian housing sales rose 18.2% in July than a year ago, and now on pace to beat 2007 sales, a record year. The stunning turnaround comes after the sale of nearly froze in the winter, with activities on January decade low. But the decline in housing prices and low interest rates, including the obligations of the Bank of Canada to keep them at a low level, have been credited with turning the market around.

[Bigtoe]

We have one of those flat fee fsbo type brokers who put their listings in our MLS. He actually sold one last year but almost all of his listings end up in foreclosure.