Realtors in several states are trying to keep discount brokerage firms from selling some services but not others. Realtors are seeking to influence legislators to forces everyone to sell the entire set of services or nothing.
I’m sure I can find more about it, if you are interested.
Also, I realize that buyers don’t pay anything, except that the real estate commission is factored into the price of the home. Duh!
Real estate agents are no different from most business people. They will use the force of government to protect their turf when possible.
Anyone is free to sell their home on their own, and the internet is available to anyone. We many not have all the services a realtor has with respect to the MLS, etc, but it’s still possible to market your home on your own. Actually there are some realty agencies that are willing to work with FSBO’s. Our Credit Union has a realty agency attached, and they are offering to list FSBO’s on the MLS.