Competition in the Real Estate Brokerage Industry - #18

The term "steering" as it's used in the DOJ/FTC report refers to brokers steering business away from competitors who charge lower commissions. Mainly, they're referring to the refusal of one broker to show listings of another because those listings were taken at a below-market rate.

This practice, if undertaken by a group of brokers against one competitor would likely be subject to antitrust enforcement action. However, unilateral discrimination by one broker against another is not applicable. No solution is proposed, other than much more information to consumers so that they can identify steering and deal with other companies than those that practice it.

It would seem to be getting more difficult all the time to try to keep the internet savvy consumer from seeing properties that meet their needs. They've likely already found them on the web and will question why certain properties aren't on their showing list.

Entire series: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #18, #19 & final