New Mls Rules Promote Anti-competitive Activity: Competition Minister

The Canadian Competition Minister says that the Canadian Real Estate Association is engaging in anti-competitive activities with the Multi-Listing Service. Melanie Aitken commented that recent amendments to the MLS rules could hamper competition even more.

Speaking at a March 23 luncheon of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Aitken said that the MLS sought a carte-blanche option to pass any regulations it desired with its amendments. She said that an independent tribunal under her ministry would address the topic.

Aitken said that the MLS has made it possible for even more restrictions upon real estate agents and decrease options for property sellers. Owned by CREA, the Canadian MLS accounts for some 90 percent of all residential real estate transactions.
CREA contends its amendments simply clarify existing regulations, and would permit sellers to pay realtors a flat fee to list a residence on the MLS. The amendments would also make it possible for potential homebuyers to contact sellers directly by telephone. Aitken contends that the current rules make it difficult for real estate agents to offer creative service and pricing to home sellers, as well as for customers to be able to pay only for services they desire.

CREA’s vice president, Becky Walters, said that realtors believe they are in compliance with all of Aitken’s requests on this subject. Walters said that the industry has always offered flexibility, and that the amendments seek to make that flexibility clearer to consumers. She noted that the opportunity to use a flat fee to market a home on MLS is completely optional on the part of realtors and their selling clients.

By: Marlene Alcon

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