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Agents Beware: Federal Court Strikes Down Broker Administrative Fee

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Olsen Ziegler Realty

Many of you may have heard that a federal appellate court recently decided that an Alabama real estate broker violated the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA).  This buyer was also able to certify it as a class action suit.

Please note:  I am not an attorney and I am in not passing judgement on this fee, either pro or con.  This is for consumers, brokerages and the courts to decide.

I do however have one thing to say: Olsen Ziegler Realty, which serves the Greater Cleveland residential real estate marketplace has never, does not now, and never will charge an administrative transaction fee for real estate services.

In fact, we put our entire service offering right on our website for everyone (including our competitors) to see.  We believe in demystifying the real estate process and making real estate transparent and approachable for consumers who want the straight skinny!

Real estate is a changin...and that is a very good thing for consumers.

Comments(3)

Jim Valentine
RE/MAX Realty Affiliates - Gardnerville, NV

I've never been in favor of "administrative" fees.  We have an office in town that started collecting $175 per side for administrative fees.  The description of their services those fees pay for are things agents must do anyway.  Totally bogus, but they've made a lot of money from that little add on.

Jun 01, 2009 01:51 AM
Chris Olsen
Olsen Ziegler Realty - Cleveland, OH
Broker Owner Cleveland Ohio Real Estate

Hi Jim -- Thanks for your perspective!

Jun 01, 2009 12:48 PM