I think we need to inform the government that due to the fine work of their Competition Bureau, there exist a myriad of possibilities for private sellers to get their homes on the MLS system of pretty much any city for a nominal fee through one of our fine “discount brokers”.

One here in Victoria offers the selling agent a $1 selling commission, so I’m sure that affordability is not at issue.

The good thing about allowing access this way is that there is a licensed agent involved in the process who has to adhere to the basic principles set down by CREA regarding business ethics. These would be very difficult to police if private individuals were granted access to the system.

So, NO I am not in favor of opening the MLS system to anyone and everyone!

I think the system works amazingly well and continues to work well even with individual sales associates broker-loading their own listings and sales.

 The only downfall that I can see in the system is a closed mentality among boards. If I don’t physically live in an area that a board is located in, I can’t join that board. Since the one I want to join is close to ours, it would only make sense to allow me to join as an active member… more $$ for them, less hassle for me.

Lorne Tuplin

Re/Max Camosun

Victoria