I have operated successfull real estate & Mortgage operations in both the traditional and non-traditional venues. As a Traditional agent, I found myself always defending 6%, and quite often discounting my commission. I began a search for an alternitive operating enviornment. I did not feel that the " Do it your self and charge up-front" systems were viable, for me. I wanted a Full service with savings system, that would provide consumer benifits, volume and net profits. I purchased an Assist 2 Sell Franchise in Dec. 1999, opened my doors in Jan. 2000. My transaction volume increased by 635%. My per transaction gross commission fell by 58%, but my net profit grew by 295%. Industry insiders state that 60% of all real estate brokerages nationwide fail to make a profit, and the remaining 40% average 3% to 7% net profit. My target is 35% to 50% net profit. However more importantly, I now love what I do for the consumer !. Home sellers get really excited about putting more dollars in their pocket. Traditional agents in my marketplace have attempted to use " Negative selling" ( such as the comments made in your article) against my program; however, my success speaks for itself. The testimonials I recieve are so powerfull, that my Presentation to list ratio is 96.8%. My sellers are actually offended by negative comments offered by competing agents, and this helps my success. I never say anything negative about my fellow traditional real estate professionals. I use the anology of Charles Schwabb and Merrill Lynch, both are quite successfull and each have a loyal following. Our industry is stronger because we offer the consumer a myriad of choices . Rather than articles such as this one, defending the status quo, It would serve our ever changing industry to celebrate the diversity of options available to the consumer. To the extent that as an industry, we offer the consumer: choice, value, and results; will we mark our true success.