There might be some nuance here between the US and Canada - would love to chat over frosty beverages and learn more and the system up there as eventually I’d li

There might be some nuance here between the US and Canada - would love to chat over frosty beverages and learn more and the system up there as eventually I’d like to expand into BC. The MLS fees (I belong to two and will likely join a third and possibly fourth) aren’t terrible and I would say listing services are generally a good thing for both the consumer public and agents. But - as you note - the public has a very limited view of all the ways brokerages and various third-parties try to scam and fleece agents. The overall system is exploitative of agents and that has a role in the cost to consumers for real estate services. And, name brand online services are just another third party looking to make money off agents.