Realtors in Crisis – What Freakonomics Reveals and Why ComFree is the Future

The real estate industry is having an identity crisis — and the rest of us are footing the bill. A recent Freakonomics podcast titled “Why Are Realtors Still a Thing?” dives deep into a market that hasn’t evolved with the times. Commissions are high, transparency is low, and the average Canadian is paying tens of thousands just to move down the street. Why? Because the system is designed to protect middlemen — not consumers.

In the episode, experts point out that unlike most other industries, real estate hasn’t seen the kind of digital disruption that leads to better prices, smarter tools, or more empowered customers. The 5% commission structure hasn’t changed in decades, despite rising home prices and online listing platforms doing much of the heavy lifting. Meanwhile, many realtors are doing fewer deals and providing less value — but collecting the same oversized fees.

Consumers are starting to wake up. Just like how Uber challenged taxis or how Airbnb reshaped travel, Canadians are realizing that there is a smarter way to buy and sell a home — and it doesn’t involve handing over $25,000 in commission for tasks that tech and guided self-service can now handle.

ComFree exists because the system needs to change. We believe homeownership shouldn’t come with unnecessary overhead. With ComFree, you get MLS exposure, expert guidance, legal support, and marketing tools — without the bloated commission. It’s simple. It’s proven. And it’s about time.

It’s not just about saving money — it’s about shifting power back to the people who actually own the homes. The real estate world is evolving. The only question is: will you be part of the shift, or keep paying for a model that’s long past its prime?