Getting back to the original question, my point of view is determined by who owns MLS. The BNN article states it is CREA which I believe is true. My sense is that MLS is a database of sorts. If I want comps for a property, the easiest way for that information to be provided to me is for my CRE dues paying agent to provide it to me. The information is in the public domain. I can go down to my local registry office and do the legwork to gather the info, however it much easier for my agent using the service. The question then is: who developed the system? This entity should derive benefits from their work. Additionally, I bet the registry offices around the country charge them substantial fees.
The same principle applies to listing my house for sale. Nobody says I have to list it on MLS, however if I want to derive the substantial benefits of doing so, I should have to pay for it. Following the same line of thought but going the other way, I do not believe CREA should be allowed to restrict trade in manners such as making it illegal for me to go around and sell houses if I choose to do so. I should not be able to access CREA resources such as MLS, but I should be allowed to attempt to earn a living.
What irks me is these government types thinking they are enhancing competition by hassling CREA. The way to really enhance competition here would be by making the same information and services supplied by CREA available to all. These days that means putting it online. Anyone holding their breath waiting for the government to put together a comprehensive website where you can list your house for sale for everyone in the country to access? I didn`t think so.
Disclaimer: I am not an agent or involved with the business of RE in any other way aside from being a small investor. I am however, an ardent libertarian.
The same principle applies to listing my house for sale. Nobody says I have to list it on MLS, however if I want to derive the substantial benefits of doing so, I should have to pay for it. Following the same line of thought but going the other way, I do not believe CREA should be allowed to restrict trade in manners such as making it illegal for me to go around and sell houses if I choose to do so. I should not be able to access CREA resources such as MLS, but I should be allowed to attempt to earn a living.
What irks me is these government types thinking they are enhancing competition by hassling CREA. The way to really enhance competition here would be by making the same information and services supplied by CREA available to all. These days that means putting it online. Anyone holding their breath waiting for the government to put together a comprehensive website where you can list your house for sale for everyone in the country to access? I didn`t think so.
Disclaimer: I am not an agent or involved with the business of RE in any other way aside from being a small investor. I am however, an ardent libertarian.