The Dirty Secret of Real Estate Agents: Steering and Unfair Commissions

TLDRReal estate agents are caught on camera steering buyers away from low-commission homes and charging high fees. The system is unfair and benefits the agents, not the clients. It's time for a change.

Key insights

Real estate agents steer buyers away from low-commission homes.

Agents charge high fees that are often non-negotiable.

The system is rigged to benefit the agents, not the clients.

Commissions in other countries are much lower and fairer.

Buyers and sellers should be aware of these unethical practices.

Q&A

What is steering?

Steering is when real estate agents guide buyers away from low-commission homes and towards higher-commission ones.

Can buyers negotiate the agent's commission?

In most cases, agents are unwilling to negotiate their commission.

Why don't buyers and sellers know about these practices?

The public is not shown the commission rates, and many people are unaware of the unfair practices.

Are these practices illegal?

Steering and non-negotiable commissions are against the code of ethics but are difficult to enforce.

How can buyers and sellers protect themselves?

By being informed about the market, knowing their rights, and considering alternative options such as discount brokerages.

Timestamped Summary

00:05Real estate agents are caught on camera steering buyers away from low-commission homes.

02:08Agents charge high fees that are often non-negotiable.

03:13The system is rigged to benefit the agents, not the clients.

05:06Commissions in other countries are much lower and fairer.

10:17Buyers and sellers should be aware of these unethical practices.

12:03Steering is when real estate agents guide buyers away from low-commission homes and towards higher-commission ones.

12:43In most cases, agents are unwilling to negotiate their commission.

13:37The public is not shown the commission rates, and many people are unaware of the unfair practices.