If real estate brokers charge 6% to sell a house, and home ownership over a long period of time averages about 6% growth a year, is it possible real estate agents are the real reason&#x2F;problem with out of control real estate prices?<p>Here is how I see it. Seller A is willing to take X amount for his house. Agent B marks it up 6% to cover his fees. Buyer C pays x + 6% for the property. Broker D uses x + 6% to comp a new listing and lists the next home at x + 6% + 6%, etc....<p>Essentially, if brokers use comps to value properties, and they mark up the &quot;net to seller&quot; by 6% and prices average a 6% growth a year, wouldn&#x27;t that mean that real estate agents are artificially inflating housing prices beyond what wages can justify and afford? 
Would cutting out real estate commissions bring housing prices back under control?
Ask HN: Are real estate agents the problem with out of control home prices?