I refer to the letter appearing in the Feb. 2002 REM, written by Graham Millward.

He blames the real estate broker owners and the real estate associations for our dwindling real estate commission, from the good old days of six per cent to the present deteriorating situation.

What he has failed to mention is the Competition Act, which prohibits broker owners and real estate organizations from fixing the commission rate to protect earnings. Furthermore, the broker owners are powerless to interfere with the commission settings of the salespersons, some of whom would obtain listings of any remuneration, under the pressure of competition from other real estate peers. Unless the salespersons are salaried employees, setting up company policies that are too strict is suicidal, because salespersons can easily walk away to another real estate company that offers more flexibility and freedom. As long as the law is in effect, there is nothing we can do about the deplorable commission situations.

Furthermore, Graham's objection to a Canada-wide MLS system indicates that he must be living in another world where computer technology is not a way of life.

Augustine Tang MVA FRI AIHM RCM

Broker Owner

Golden Time Realty Inc.

Toronto