Comments:

From: LionDotti@cs.com [mailto:LionDotti@cs.com]
Sent: Wednesday, November 02, 2005 7:17 PM
To: ATR-Real Estate Workshop
Cc: FTCDOJworkshop@realtors.org
Subject: MLSs are cooperatives, not public utilities

From my personal 39 years of real estate perspective, the MLS is an evolved cooperative, broker-to-broker offer of cooperation and compensation that help both brokers and customers buy and sell homes. In Park Ridge, IL, outside of Chicago, it started out with Realtors sending postcard descriptions to each other of their listings with a personal invitation of commission cooperation. It is not like a public utility at all. The beauty of the MLS is that it allows real estate brokerages of every size and type 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. Thank you for paying attention to this important topic. Dotti Ellis, Broker-Owner (since 1966)

mail to: dotti.ellis@remax.net www.dottiellis.com

RE/MAX Properties Northwest