Mls will be more readily available to consumers

On thursday September 30th, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and Competition Bureau of Canada came to an agreement to allow easier access to their Multiple Listing Service (MLS).  More details from the Globe and Mail.

Earlier this year, the Competition Bureau was making a lot of noise for CREA claiming that the MLS should be more readily available to consumers…  it seems this new compromise will allow a seller the option of choosing services from a licensed realtor.  It’s sounding like we could start to see flat fees being charged by companies to list their home on MLS.

Watch for more ‘For Sale By Owner’ companies (FSBO) to pop up in the coming months…. but also beware of deals that sound too good to be true… One of the concerns raised by CREA is that we could see shoddy service and even fraud.  I guess time will tell….  As always, get recommendations, seek professional advice and opinions…