What’s wrong with this? if you feel like it’s unfair, start a different system that’s better and less expensive.
I have a different opinion. I am not a realtor, do not work in the real estate or associated businesses, but I do casually know some who do.
I drive by FSBO properties going to Hill Country all the time, and I think
@GCATX has pretty well encapsulated this, though a bit of a ‘coarse’ description as a convenience fee.
One thing that you do gain access to by going through an agent is some experience that you might not otherwise have. For example, if you have no practical experience in construction, you might be able to spot obvious issues, like walls that aren’t straight (because the homeowner finished out the room), but you might not pick up on the floor that isn’t quite level, the wiring that isn’t current or has too many loads on a circuit, or major rehab where rooms aren’t connected in a sensical, efficient manner.
It’s also the convenience of navigating the required legal process for a binding property ownership transfer and that your interests are objectively represented. I need one to sell real estate for sure. When someone lowballs my house price, I tend to get a little ... we’ll call it impolite. My selling agents have handled that well and absorbed my profanity laden rants, and kept things on track.
YMMV, but IMO this field serves a useful and sometimes necessary function, and offers a tangible societal benefit. Unlike politicians.