I don't know if anybody listened to Clark Howard's radio show yesterday.  He did a segment on the recent lawsuit settlement between the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the U.S. Department of Justice.  He went so far as to call NAR a "cartel" on his radio show.  Pretty strong words.

The bottom line is that he was happy to hear that finally NAR has recognized (although a decade too late and at the threat of heavy fines) that alternative model real estate brokerages are becoming more and more commonplace in our capitalistic society.  You can read what Clark has to say on his website.

I am all for Realtors making as much money as legitimately possible.  That is what is so great about living and working in America.  However, I am very upset to hear so many Realtors bashing alternative model brokerages.  Just read the bashing that went on at Simon Conway's blog when he dared step out and offer something different.

Just an FYI, the Federal government has already clearly made it known that they are on the side of the alternative models.  Not only did they file the lawsuit but they also have their own website on the subject.

This bashing has to stop and Realtors need to unite on this issue. Otherwise companies like Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, Assist2Sell, and a thousand other alternative models will turn NAR into a dinosaur.  If you don't believe me just ask your local travel agent what they think of Expedia or what your local movie theater what they think of Netflix.  Times are rapidly changing in the real estate arena.

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(Copyright © 2008. Sand Dollar Realty Group, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Rob Arnold, ABR, CPL, CRB, GRI, Managing real estate broker, Licensed mortgage broker, Notary Public

407-389-7318 / 1-877-389-7318    www.SDRhouses.com/   www.WeBuyHousesFlorida.com/

Your full service and investor friendly Realtor in Orlando. Learn to invest in Central Florida real estate and Orlando real estate including foreclosure and short sale opportunities. Investor mentoring and counseling available. I also provide flat fee MLS listings, For Sale By Owner, and menu-based services in most parts of Central & South Florida, the Space Coast, and the Treasure Coast including Orlando, Winter Park, Maitland, Ocoee, Winter Garden, Apopka, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Longwood, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Lake Mary, Sanford, Deltona, Debary, Deland, Mount Dora, Eustis, Clermont, Kissimmee, Winter Haven, Lakeland, Tampa, Sarasota, Bradenton, Miami-Dade, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Port Saint Lucie, Melbourne, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Gainesville, Volusia, Brevard, and more.

We sell properties, list properties, and we buy houses cash throughout Central Florida and the metro Orlando area.