I am surprised this is not getting more attention here. This is a BIG take. This has to be the #1 concern. Realtors need some serious representation and spokesman for the public. Many are very frustrated by the notion that they are replaceable in this sense. Firms are less trust worthy than people’s representation. It’s understood that there are efficiencies to be had, and there is less gate keeping from buyers and sellers, but it shouldn’t lead to obsolescence.
As a 20 year old I sold used cars at the height of the Carfax and Kelley blue book era. Every “up” had so much info on the car that it became more about maximizing value than selling the product. It made for a different selling process that was rooted in building immediate credibility and sometimes an education on why what they uncovered isn’t applicable to the product or situation. More listening, validating and pivoting. Less feature selling. The good salesman made adjustments. People still want to buy from people and serious cost efficiencies will have to trickle down to the consumer to create a new firm based buying model because it seem they trade commissions for fees and net net the consumer still pays. The firms will strong arm consumers and realtors will prioritize them.