How is it that despite incredible advancements in the technology available to real estate agents and tremendous increases in agent productivity and efficiency is it possible that the commission charged by most firms has not changed in the last 30 years and is still 6% of the sales price? That defies every basic economic principle. I cannot think of another service industry where advancements in technology and productivity did not lead to lower prices.
One comparable example is stock brokerage firms. Firms used to charge hundreds of dollars to execute trades for their clients. Enter companies like E-Trade and Scott Trade who offered to execute trades for $15 or less. Now most brokerage firms do not even charge their clients to execute trades. Instead they focus their services on advice and wealth management.
In addition to being more efficient, studies have been done that demonstrate that real estate agents do not end up securing higher prices than homeowners that sell their own homes. In fact Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner cite these studies in their book Super Freakonomics leading them to conclude that when analyzing which type of agent provides greater value a pimp or Realtor, "it seems clear that a pimp's services are considerably more valuable than a Realtor's."
The role of an agent has changed. Like changes in the stock brokerage industry, the role of an agent these days is to utilize their knowledge as well as the technology available to them to provide advice for their clients. Their role is not to be a market maker helping buyers and sellers find one another. The internet allows buyers and sellers to find one another. Instead, buyers and sellers need advice through the process once they find one another. That is the role of the agent and the fees charged should be commensurate with the services provided.
It is time for a change.
If you agree with us, then Flat Fee is the real estate company for you. Comment below and let us know what you think, or contact us here.
