For Sale By Owner (FSBO’s) – A slow growing trend.

This article in the Orlando Business Journal offers proof that people are getting more comfortable selling their homes without the assistance of a real estate agent. If real estate agents don’t start adjusting their commission schedules to a more reasonable level, this trend will become the standard.

It’s taken awhile for the internet to erode the sanctity of the commission structure agents adhere to but the game is changing. Despite the efforts of NAR and it’s members to remain steadfast and unwavering, consumers are discovering that it is relatively easy to sell a home.

The depreciation in some previously hot markets (like FL) will exacerbate the practice as homeowners lacking equity, will sell their homes without assistance.

I think this is a good thing. The 6% commission structure has been artificially maintained for too long. The value of an agent should not be arbitrarily tied to some fixed percentage. The marketplace should determine the value of a real estate agent not an association with self serving motives.