In 2007, listings by full-service brokers were 34% less likely to expire than the top 5 limited-service brokers.

• Full-service: 18% expirations  (26% - 2006)
• Limited-service: 27% expirations (33% - 2006)

In 2007, homes sold by full-service brokers were 14% higher than the top 5 limited-service brokers.

• Full-service: $339,645
• Limited-service: $297,769

The Top 5 Limited Service brokers’ market share has fallen from 5% in 2005 to just over 2% in 2007. The number of limite brokers nationally decresed by 8%.

Foxtons a discount brokerage company that operated primarily in NJ, NY and CT - announced its intent to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Bankruptcy court allowed them to auction off about 4,300 of listing agreements to the highest bidder.

The median commission rate for full service brokers was 5.09% in 2007, down from a high of 5.21% in 2003.

Conclusions reached:

• Full Service Agents bring their seller more money and a much greater likelihood that the home will sell
• There is an apparent decreasing number of discounting agencies and with declining market share.
• Commission rates and income per sale are stable

Data Sources: NAR & KW Realty

2007 Real Estate 2008

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3
• Part 4
• Part 5
• Part 6

Click Here to Get In-Depth Local Real Estate Market Data - Updated Weekly

For those of considering the use of an Internet discount brokerage, I recommend reading this post - 

Is A Listing Agreement A Gentlemans Agreement? Ask The Customers Of The Fox!

Real estate is a relationship business. It's personal and requires actual human interaction to produce the results sane people want. Living in the modern schizoid shell of anonymity that technology makes possible is neither living a real life nor satisfying in any deep or meaningful way. 

Image by Peter Sharpe