Competition watchdog fires new allegations at real estate association

[canada-man]

TORONTO — The federal competition watchdog is accusing Canada's real estate industry of scuttling attempts by realtors to offer alternative business models that would give consumers more choice in the way they sell their homes.

The bureau's allegations came in the latest legal reply as part of its ongoing case against the Canadian Real Estate Association, the group that represents Canada's real estate brokers.

It says the association has threatened to ban brokers who attempted to offer more flexible services from accessing its popular Multiple Listing Service.

The bureau says that has prevented agents offering alternative or cheaper services from penetrating the market.

CREA denies that consumers must purchase a bundle of services from realtors to sell their house using the MLS and that its rules squelch competition at the expense of consumers.

The bureau rejected amendments made by CREA to clarify its rules and says it will only accept a legally binding solution to the dispute.

http://cp24.com/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20100409/100409_competiton_bureau/20100409/?hub=CP24Home

 

[SaugaGuy]

Something is wrong with this on-going dispute. The competition bureau is fabricating an issue. CREA should be able to set its own rules for anyone who joins {freedom of association ; CDN charter). Anyone can buy or sell property on their own. I could put a private sign in my front yard, tomorrow, and the calls would roll in from realtors, proactive buyers and the curious (nosey neighbours). I (we) have numerous other venues to advertise my (our) offering(s); In the internet age they are unlimited.
Buying or selling real estate is a complicated process and few lay people have the professional knowledge to do it competently or with minimized risk to themselves or the other party.
My late father was a realtor for 40 years and I know that he conducted his business with integrity and professionalism as his former clients are now family friends,
CREA's services (MLS) are available to clients who wish to use the services of a professional Realtor. If you want to do it yourself, feel free to do so. Access to MLS is not free.

 

[Nickelodeon]

I agree with the competition bureau. When MLS essentially becomes the dominant hub for all information there has to be a way of sharing it equitably. To me it's like saying Microsoft can do whatever they want because they own Windows....governments all around the world have recognized that the operating system becomes a competitive edge that chokes out all competition.

I hope the bureau wins because it will give us more choices....if we choose a full service agency at 5% that's OK. If we want a scaled down service model that other real estate agencies will offer, that's OK too. I'll pay my lawyer to protect me.

 

[Rockslinger]

The CRA is pissing into the wind. They are living in the past and people won't stand for it. The INTERNET has empowered the consumer. This is the age of DISINTERMEDIATION. The middleperson and the value that he/she use to add has been subplanted by the computer. POWER TO THE PEOPLE (damn, I sound like a loony lefty). Insert "disintermediation" smilie here.