Brokerages come in different formsResale Homes Report

While traveling across country this week, I ran into several people who brought up a story that aired nationally on last Sunday's edition of the CBS news program "60 Minutes." The story touched on questions buyers have about using a Realtor, as opposed to brokers and other companies that offer some form of self-service, Internet-based or discounted service to help people buy and sell homes.

Such questions are to be expected. As more people use the Internet to access information and buy goods and services, it's only natural for consumers to shop for a home online.

Real estate professionals deal with this daily. In fact, Realtors adopted this technology early on and continue to use it in creative ways to help buyers and sellers.

There certainly is a place for all types of brokerage models in today's market. Since real estate is both high-tech and "high-touch," it requires both electronic and personal interaction. So make sure whatever company and agent you use to help you buy or sell a home provides the right level of service for you.

Here are some other things to consider:

There is no correlation between the fees or commissions charged and the service you receive. That is, all companies, whether large or small, Internet-based or full-service, have their own business model that allows them to provide services based on their fee structure. Likewise, every agent personalizes their own marketing plan and services.

There is no such thing as a standard real estate commission. Commissions are negotiable and prices vary. If you don't agree with the commission proposed by your Realtor, feel free to negotiate or find one whose fees and services match your needs.

Decide if you're a "do-it-yourself" person or not. Will it be you or your agent who will make the marketing materials, advertise, host an open house, prequalify buyers, show your property while ensuring the security of your home and family, present and negotiate offers and counter-offers, meet inspectors, write addendums and make sure you're complying with state law. In any case, make sure you know what services you are getting for the fee charged.

Whatever you decide, know that choices are good for consumers. As always, the best advice may be to do your homework and find the expert who will work best for you.

For more information on this and related topics, check out the NAR Web site at Realtor.com.

Devin Reiss is the president of the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors (GLVAR) and has worked in the real estate market for more than a decade. GLVAR has more than 17,500 members. To ask Reiss a question, e-mail him at ask@glvar.org. For more information, visit lasvegasrealtor.com.