<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>518795-00331</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD><b>Received Date:</b></TD> <TD>11/9/2005 2:43:52 PM</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD><b>Organization:</b></TD> <TD>Sentry Realty LC</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD><b>Commenter:</b></TD> <TD>Smiley, </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD><b>State:</b></TD> <TD>KY</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/> To: FTC I started my own real estate company in April, 2001, as a Limited Service Realtor. Since that time and over 420 listings later, I have never had a complaint from a customer that has used my service. In addition, I have never had a complaint from a fellow Realtor. But, I have had numerous complaints from the KY Real Estate Commission filed by the KY Real Estate Commission. All of the complaints have been dismissed by the KY Real Estate Commission after I obtained a lawyer to represent me and proved that their allegations were without merit. I feel that these formal complaints were simply harassment and that some of the Commission members (owners of traditional real estate companies) were hoping I would shut the door to my business. I am supporting the DOJ &amp; FTC and its efforts to allow all types of real estate business models to do business. The NAR claim that the consumer is not getting adequate representation and service is ludicrous. I also think a consumer should be able to have a choice and make their own decision as to the type of services they need to sell their home. My clients have been thrilled with my service. If you need any witnesses to substantiate your claims, I would be happy to supply you with names of past customers. Please keep up the great work! Sincerely, C. Smiley Sentry Realty LC http://www.sentryrealty500.com As you know, the KY Real Estate Commission has recently passed a new regulation that requires KY Listing Agents to perform certain tasks, such as requiring the Listing Agent to accept the Earnest Money Deposit when all Realtors (a Buyer's Agent or Seller's Agent) are bound by the same rules regarding escrow accounts (this requirement is not necessarily helpful to the customer). Without your help, the KY Real Estate Commission may keep passing new regulations. This could cause me to be unable to stay in business and consumers will be forced to pay much more for Realtor assistance in selling their home. </body> </HTML>