BG,
Just so ya know. Russell is also a part time agent. Before he jumps in, I’ll point out that there are ways to be in the RE business on a peripheral basis that are much cheaper.

You do bring up a good point about all the whining that goes on about RE agents from people who contribute to the problem. The model that we have is there because for better or worse it works. Without a system like we have the rich would slaughter the poor. The Irvine Companies of the world would continue the thuggery they employed to steal land from long time owners. If anyone offered to pay me for my work on an hourly basis, I would jump at the opportunity as I beleive my income could easily double for the work I put in if paid on an hourly basis. Of course, anyone who paid on an hourly basis would quickly realize what a raw deal it was in comparison and ask to go back to the old system.

Edit: Ironically I was typing this up while nj was asking about hourly services. I would gladly accept that arrangement.

Also flat fee services have been widely available for years with HelpUsell, assit2sell etc. Theya re easy to find also. Just pop by a local strip shopping center and look for the remains of their now closed business because the business model doesnt work.

How about the discount model you ask? Remember Ipayone which was backed by some of the wealthiest individuals in SD? They offered 1% listings and I said they would be gone in a year or 2 at most because that model couldnt work either. How long did it take for that flawed business model to implode?