They're also a thing in Boston and a few other areas in the US. It's blatantly exploitative, to say nothing of the obvious corruption pointed out in other comme

They're also a thing in Boston and a few other areas in the US. It's blatantly exploitative, to say nothing of the obvious corruption pointed out in other comments. There was supposed to be a crackdown on the practice in NYC in 2020, but the brokers lobby was too powerful.[0] One can only hope that such legislation eventually passes -- and has teeth. [0]: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/27/nyregion/broker-fees-real-estate.html https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/27/nyregion/broker-fees-real...