Okay, my digestive system can only take so much BS until I have to vomit.  I've been reading the comments from  aftermath of the 60 minutes story and the word RHETORIC keeps "refluxing" up my throat.

The prices of homes have quadrupled over the past fifteen years or so.  However, our industry is still charging relatively the same amount of money.  Many in are industry are beating the "you get what you pay for" drum and somehow feel like the only way they can justify their fees is to accuse the alternative (i.e., flat fee or discount) models of not providing a high level of service.

 Would someone please tell me what kind of service you are providing that is better than the service I am providing???

Some of my marketing includes : Extensive internet marketing, print media, monthly newsletter, 24hr home information hotline, direct mail, yard signs, showcase listings on Realtor.com, etc, etc.

Here's the problem in the nutshell, and the truth only hurts when it should: PART TIME AGENTS AND LOW PRODUCING AGENTS ARE THE PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT DISCOUNT AND FLAT FEE BROKERAGES. Why?  Because they have to maximize their commission on the few number of homes they sell each year in order to help them justify being in the business.

You know who the whiners and complainers are in my market?  You guessed it - the part-timers and low producers.

I don't care what you charge for your service, but don't bitch and complain about other models because you aren't making any money in the real estate business.  Get up off your arse and work hard - and charge what you want.