The evolving show-for-free and show-for-fee business models in real estate prioritize profit over consumer education, leading to potential exploitation and undermining the essential advisory role of real estate agents and brokers.
Critics argue real estate agents are overpaid due to generous commissions. However, agents earn through success-based fees, providing extensive unpaid services if transactions fail. Unlike other professionals, agents only earn upon successful deals. Switching to fee-based models could increase costs and risks for consumers without providing the safeguards licensed agents offer, ultimately being costlier.