"Full Service" Real Estate - What is "Full Service?"

One problem with the battling going on between alternative models and "full service" real estate brokerages is that "full service" isn't a defined basket of goods. In fairness, it's pretty similar across the country and across competitive franchises.

In an article in RISMedia is this quote: "Real estate is a "high-touch" business in which our clients make one of the most significant financial and emotional purchases of their lives. It is disrespectful to all involved to suggest that the entirety of this experience can be limited to e-mail and phone conversations."

Does that statement mean that anything less than "full service at full price" will automatically provide only email and phone support and rule out an agent working at the property and through the process at the side of their clients? There are alternative service models that charge less and still provide many, if not all, of the services in a full service basket. Perhaps a little more respect from both sides is in order.

Without taking either side, it's a problem that the "full service" side still wants to define what's in the full service basket of goods. The consumer isn't doing the defining. It's a bit like the grocery store providing me with a completely pre-filled bag of groceries to take home, because that's "what I need." Or maybe it's because that's what others have needed. The problem is that the bag is full of milk, butter, sour cream and other dairy products to which I'm allergic. Or maybe I just don't like them.

Back to real estate, I do believe that most consumers out there would be better off with an agent/broker viewing the home with them every time they see it. Most also would probably be better off with negotiation, logistics and paperwork help. However, that should ultimately be up to them. And I'll bet that there are those out there that will provide all that and not at "full price." And there will always be those who will pay for "high touch full service" at whatever the price. There's room for all the real estate business models out there.