Get real on Realtors

Re “Realtors abandon a listing ship,” May 25

The thinning ranks in the Realtor membership is not because of Internet-based brokerage, but rather the slowing economy.

With property values having fallen 50% or more in the last few years, the number of traditional sales has declined, requiring fewer agents to sell what is on the market.

The information available to the consumer has increased over the years, but what remains is the need for a professional to help that consumer evaluate the data, negotiate the best price for the home and provide counsel throughout the transaction.

Anyone can handle their taxes with off-the-shelf software, but I hire a skilled CPA because I don’t have the expertise to do the job right and maximize my legal rights within the tax code.

Jeff Haring

Agoura Hills

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There are a number of do-it-yourself legal websites. There are a number of medical advice websites. Some people are comfortable with limited insight, service and protection. These services have not put lawyers or physicians out of business. I suggest that your Realtor fits into this same category. Having been in this business since 1994, I know that technologies change; exceptional service does not.

Kathryn Werner

Valencia