MONTREAL, Oct. 7, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - As the leading no-commission real estate company in Quebec, DuProprio is speaking out in defense of consumer interests. It denounces the real estate brokerage industry's desire to deprive homeowners in the province of the freedom to choose what they feel is the best way to sell their property.
The Organisme d'autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ) and the Quebec Federation of Real Estate Boards (QFREB) last week showed their determination to preserve and even expand real estate brokers' monopoly in the Quebec property resale market, to the detriment of consumer interests.
The two organizations simultaneously published their observations concerning the five-year report on the application of the Real Estate Brokerage Act, tabled this past May by Quebec's Finance Minister.
To protect its stranglehold on the real estate industry, the OACIQ is calling for an expansion of its monopoly by proposing a "more inclusive definition" of "brokerage operations" so that it encompasses any action or service aimed at concluding a real estate transaction, for example, the simple act of providing advice on how to market a property.
Protecting the public or protecting a monopoly?
On the pretext of protecting the public, the two organizations cited the supposed risks of selling a property without a broker.
"How can the OACIQ claim to act in the interest of consumer protection by proposing measures that, by all appearances, are aimed at forcing the hand of homeowners?" questions Marco Dodier, president and CEO of DuProprio.
"Is the OACIQ seeking to protect the public or protect the brokers' monopoly?" he adds, convinced that consumers will not be fooled.
OACIQ's governance mode raises serious questions
The content of the news releases issued by the two organizations, as well as the fact that they were issued almost simultaneously, creates the impression that the QFREB and the OACIQ are again joining forces with the aim of protecting the economic interests of real estate brokers.
"Quebeckers have every right to question whether it really benefits consumers to have the regulation of the real estate industry left to an organization whose governance is almost entirely in the hands of brokers", remarks Mr. Dodier. "This makes them both judge and defendant."
It should be borne in mind that 10 of the OACIQ's 13 directors are real estate brokers.
"Rather than taking aim at a well-established model that is highly regarded, the QFREB and the OACIQ should instead be seriously questioning the public's appreciation of the services and work of the members they represent", adds Mr. Dodier.
Based on the Leger polling firm's 2013 Quebec professions barometer, Quebeckers have a very low level of trust in real estate brokers. In answer to the question "Do you trust real estate agents?" only 28% of respondents said "Yes".
DuProprio, on the other hand, has helped thousands of owners sell their property on their own, with no commission and with peace of mind. In addition, DuProprio has a very high satisfaction rating, as shown in a recent CAA-Québec survey of its customers, which found that 100% of respondents said they would recommend its services.
DuProprio has always defended owners' legitimate right to sell their homes without an intermediary and regrets that the real estate brokerage industry is investing new efforts in a strategy that, once again, aims to deprive consumers of the freedom to choose what they feel is the best way to sell their property.
About DuProprio
With the help of a dedicated team comprised of notaries, real estate coaches and customer service specialists, DuProprio has embarked on a mission to provide an assisted real estate service that is human, professional, honest and innovative – one that empowers Quebec homeowners to sell their property in an informed manner and helps them achieve the best possible results.
Since its creation in 1997, more than 180,000 Canadians have sold their property using the services offered by the DuProprio network. Its website features 27,000 properties for sale across Canada. A survey conducted by CAA has revealed that 100% of clients would recommend DuProprio.
Visit blog.duproprio.com to read the latest DuProprio news.
SOURCE DuProprio
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