<HTML> <HEAD> <title>WebForm1</title> <meta name="GENERATOR" content="Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 7.1"> <meta name="CODE_LANGUAGE" content="Visual Basic .NET 7.1"> <meta name="vs_defaultClientScript" content="JavaScript"> <meta name="vs_targetSchema" content="http://schemas.microsoft.com/intellisense/ie5"> <META http-equiv=Content-Type content='text/html; charset=UTF-8'> </HEAD> <body > <TABLE id="Table1" cellSpacing="1" cellPadding="1" width="100%" border="0"> <TR> <TD><b>Comment Number:</b></TD> <TD>518795-00177</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD><b>Received Date:</b></TD> <TD>10/22/2005 2:29:22 PM</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD><b>Organization:</b></TD> <TD>Coldwell Banker Bain Associates</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD><b>Commenter:</b></TD> <TD>Warnock, Victoria</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD><b>State:</b></TD> <TD>WA</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD><b>Agency:</b></TD> <TD>Federal Trade Commission</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD><b>Rule:</b></TD> <TD>Competition Policy and the Real Estate Industry</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD><b>Docket ID:</b></TD> <TD>To Be Added</TD> </TR> <TR> <td colspan='2'>No Attachments</td> </TR> </TABLE> <hr/> <b>Comments:</b><br/><br/> The MLS is a cooperative, broker-to-broker offer of cooperation and compensation that help both brokers and customers buy and sell homes. It is not a public utility, nor should it be. The beauty of the MLS is that it allows real estate brokerages of every size to compete on a level playing field. It gives all of us access to an inventory of property listings that we are able to show and sell to our clients. The MLS doesn't discriminate. All MLS members are treated equally, regardless of their size or their business model, and yet the rights of property owners and their listing brokers are respected. The rules of the MLS achieve a delicate balance between respecting the rights of listing brokers so they will continue to be willing to contribute their inventory of listings and permitting cooperating brokers the ability to show those listings and be assured of receiving compensation if they bring about a successful sale. This model has worked well for me personally, both before and after licensing as a home seller and home buyer, and professionally. Realtors assist sellers to creatively prepare and market their homes and walk them through the complex process of contract and inspection negotiation and closing. We assist buyers in identifying their complex home needs and match a property to those needs as we also help them with negotiation and closing. As important, we support our clients emotionally. A great many people buy and sell reluctantly. There may be a death, divorce, illness, growing or shrinking family, unwelcome job transfer, promotion or unexpected financial crisis that necessitates a move. Realtors uphold their fellow human beings throughout the process, making the process more bearable. Even those excited about a move are usually stressed greatly as they must maintain all their present activities even while adding the time-consuming activities buying, selling and moving demand. Our present model is win/win. Please defend it. Sincerely, Vicky Warnock, CRS Associate Broker Coldwell Banker Bain Associates&nbsp;&nbsp;<A name=RDACT1></A> </body> </HTML>