Core Insights - The real estate agency industry in China has rapidly expanded, with over two million practitioners, but there is a growing call for the abolition of real estate agents due to widespread consumer dissatisfaction [1][3] Group 1: Consumer Dissatisfaction - A survey indicates that 85% of respondents are dissatisfied with agency services, and 73% support the cancellation of real estate agents [1] - Key issues include the prevalence of false or outdated property listings, leading to feelings of deception among consumers when agents redirect them to less favorable options [3] - Some unscrupulous agents encourage buyers and sellers to sign "yin-yang contracts" to evade taxes, which can lead to legal repercussions for the parties involved [5] Group 2: Market Disruption - Real estate agents are accused of artificially inflating prices, disrupting the normal market order by persuading homeowners to raise prices based on exaggerated market trends [7] - This manipulation has led many homeowners, who initially had no intention to increase prices, to raise their selling or rental prices [7] Group 3: Regulatory Environment - The call for the abolition of real estate agents may be unrealistic, but the industry is expected to face stricter regulations and oversight in the future [9] - A notice issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development and eight other departments emphasizes the need to address significant issues in the real estate market within three years [9] - Major cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, and Nanjing have begun implementing comprehensive regulations on real estate agencies to tackle existing market chaos [9] Group 4: Future Trends - The future of the real estate industry is becoming clearer, with increased regulatory efforts leading to a more standardized market, potentially eliminating non-compliant second-hand agencies [10] - The influx of private capital into online real estate trading platforms is expected to reduce reliance on traditional agents by providing easier access to information for buyers and sellers [10] - Local governments are establishing second-hand housing transaction centers to alleviate information asymmetry between buyers, sellers, and agents, as seen in Yongcheng, Henan Province [10]

Core Viewpoint - The Beijing Real Estate Brokerage Industry Association has issued a set of 10 initiatives aimed at promoting ethical practices and transparency within the real estate market, focusing on accurate information dissemination and fair business operations. Group 1: Correct Public Opinion Guidance - Avoid negative market narratives: Members should not publish or spread exaggerated risks or create market panic, and should interpret market data objectively [2] - Reflect true market information: Members must not selectively choose low-priced properties with significant flaws as representative cases, avoiding misleading generalizations [2] - Standardize information release: The use of sensationalist headlines like "housing prices plummet" is prohibited, ensuring that market data and interpretations are accurate and reliable [2] Group 2: Standardize Business Operations - Prohibit false showings and low-price inducements: Members must not create false showing volumes to meet KPIs or entice homeowners to list properties at lower prices [3] - Ban malicious price suppression: Properties should be evaluated scientifically, and members must not use manipulative tactics to pressure homeowners into lowering prices [3] - Standardize pricing negotiations: Members must accurately reflect market prices and cannot lower quotes to disrupt market order without client authorization [3] Group 3: Standardize Charging Practices - Clear pricing: Members must strictly adhere to transparent pricing practices, publicly displaying service items, content, and fee standards [4] - Regulate commission collection: Members should not engage in improper competition through promises of rebates or commissions, and must avoid any form of improper benefit transfer [4] Group 4: Promote Fair Competition - Ban exclusive agreements: In new property agency and channel businesses, members must not leverage their position to require developers to sign exclusive agreements, ensuring fair competition [5] - Reasonable fee determination: Fees should be based on the quality and content of real estate brokerage services, and should not be determined through low-price competition [5]

Core Viewpoint - The Beijing Real Estate Brokerage Industry Association has issued a set of 10 initiatives aimed at promoting ethical practices and transparency within the real estate market, emphasizing the need to avoid sensationalism and ensure fair competition [1][2][3][4][5]. Group 1: Correct Public Opinion Guidance - Avoid negative market narratives: Members should refrain from spreading exaggerated risks or creating panic in the real estate market, and instead provide objective interpretations of market data [2]. - Accurate market representation: Members must not selectively present low-priced properties as representative cases, which could lead to misleading conclusions about market conditions [2]. - Regulate information dissemination: The use of sensationalist headlines like "housing prices plummet" is prohibited, ensuring that all market data shared is accurate, comprehensive, and sourced reliably [2]. Group 2: Standardize Business Operations - Prohibit false showings and low-price inducements: Members must not create fake property viewings to meet KPIs or entice homeowners to list properties at lower prices [3]. - Ban malicious price suppression: Properties should be evaluated scientifically, and members must not use manipulative tactics to pressure homeowners into lowering prices [3]. - Regulate property pricing negotiations: Members must accurately reflect market prices and cannot engage in lowball negotiations without client authorization [3]. Group 3: Standardize Charging Practices - Clear pricing policies: Members are required to adhere to transparent pricing practices, publicly displaying service items, content, and fee standards without hidden charges [4]. - Regulate commission practices: Members must not engage in improper competition through promises of rebates or commissions, and should avoid any form of improper benefit transfer [4]. Group 4: Promote Fair Competition - Ban exclusive agreements: In new property agency and channel operations, members should not leverage their position to enforce exclusive agreements with developers, ensuring fair market competition [5]. - Reasonable fee determination: Fees should be based on the quality and content of real estate services, and members must not resort to price-cutting strategies to gain business [5].