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We have always operated our industry from a control model where we controlled consumer access to property information by placing them outside our circle of control. The consumer has largely rejected being assigned to an orbiting position where we feed information in doses if they comply with our preset control model, i.e. signed agency forms, forms on websites for permission to access property information.

Consumers are forced to tolerate our models and that is why non-broker and neo-broker models (as I call them) have gained a foothold with the consumer…i.e., the “freedom” to move to the center of the model, see everything and define their next course of action, rather than remain in forced orbit until they comply with our next request.

The consumer is a moving, evolving market with, as I said, “a unique set of moving and ever changing requirements.” Today’s consumer is yesterday’s consumer and will not be tomorrow’s consumer. Information access and technology are now accelerating the pace of change for agents like you and for Broker/Owners.

Your mention of “5 MLS services within a small geographic area” is the perfect example of antiquated control models and it is clearly a model predicated on control and self-serving economics. Worse yet, it impedes the work you need to do as a professional by placing additional financial constraints upon you.

Eventually, a counter-model will emerge, well-funded and consumer-centric. NAR could be the catalyst for this change but don’t hold your breath. My prediction is that the market conditions and economic margins in real estate are ripe for the insertion of a new entity whose rules will not be ours.

Where can you go to stay on top? http://www.ePartnerUSA.com and http://www.REALonomics.net are two starting points. There are others.

Wishing you all the best – Donald Teel, Founder, e-Partner.