What do you believe is not free market about it? -- You as a homeowner have the legal right to sell your home yourself without a lawyer, escrow officer, or rea

What do you believe is not free market about it? -- You as a homeowner have the legal right to sell your home yourself without a lawyer, escrow officer, or real estate agent involved. -- You as a buyer have the legal right to represent yourself in purchasing a home. -- You, as buyer or seller, likely have multiple options either lawyers or real estate agents in the place you live who could facilitate a transaction. -- If you choose to work with a brokerage / agent, you will likely find a range of commission price points as well as levels of service available to you. Want a "listing only" service? I've seen people in my community offer that for a nominal fixed price. Want the full monty or have a unique property? I've seen 10% commissions to both sides. -- Think it is unfair that you can't list your property directly with an MLS? Become a licensed agent, pay your membership dues, and you too can have direct access to the MLS. Listing services are owned by (read: costs paid by) real estate brokerages, just like any other market, IE: Nasdaq, NYSE, etc.