We all see a pretty big difference between our gross and net pay. And any self-employed or contract employee has business expenses that also deduct from gross pay. That's life and nothing whatsoever unique about being a REA.

I'm talking about whether or not the effort, time, and expertise they bring to the table is worth what they are paid. And it isn't. It isn't worth nothing, but it sure isn't worth what they do get paid.

REA fees are driven basically by collusion, and not by providing true value to the customer. If you don't have an agent, your house doesn't go into the MLS. And if you do have an agent, they won't show you FSBOs.

They aren't all that different from communications companies and car dealerships. They have no way to thrive in a world of pure capitalistic competition so they have fabricated rules to give themselves an unfair economic advantage at the expense of the customer.