Competition Bureau Misguided About MLS

One of the most informative articles I've read regarding the Competition Bureau's challenge of the Canadian Real Estate Association came from Mark Weisleder of the Toronto Star. He writes:

"Buying a home is a lot different than buying an airline ticket. Yet if you read the complaint by the Competition Bureau against the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), you would think it is that simple to buy or sell a home in Canada, by just using the Internet for support. Unfortunately, it is not that easy."

He also explains that the MLS system is not just an advertising tool, and clarifies some of the added value that REALTORS bring to a housing transaction:

"In my opinion, there is a real danger to consumers in trying to buy or sell their homes without the advice of a real estate professional. Sellers will not know how to qualify buyers, who attempt to tour their home, will not understand how to properly price their home for sale and will not appreciate their obligations of disclosure of defects to unwary buyers. This will result in sellers not obtaining the maximum sale price for their homes and potentially involve them in unnecessary lawsuits from buyers."

You can read the entire article here http://www.yourhome.ca/homes/realestate/article/799424--competition-bureau-misguided-about-mls