Core Viewpoint - The real estate agency industry in Ruian is undergoing a fierce "survival battle" amid prolonged transaction cycles and increasing difficulty in sales, leading to a significant rise in intermediary fees for second-hand housing transactions [1][3]. Group 1: Changes in Intermediary Fees - The intermediary fee for second-hand housing transactions in Ruian has increased from a combined 1.5% to 3%, reflecting a shift towards "rigid payment by sellers and flexible payment by buyers" [1][3]. - The adjustment of intermediary fees to 3% has been in effect for nearly two years, initiated by the entry of "Beike Zhaofang" into Ruian, prompting local agencies to follow suit [3]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Challenges - The total intermediary fee for a property priced at 1.5 million yuan has risen from 22,500 yuan to 45,000 yuan, indicating a significant increase in transaction costs for real estate agencies [5]. - The time required for property viewings has extended to 3 months or even half a year, increasing the workload for real estate agents, while the number of agency storefronts has decreased, intensifying industry competition [5]. Group 3: Buyer-Seller Fee Discrepancy - Many real estate agencies offer discounts on intermediary fees for buyers to facilitate transactions, resulting in a model where sellers pay the full fee while buyers often pay only half [7]. - The current market conditions have led to a situation where the supply of second-hand homes exceeds demand, with over 10,000 listings but only about 200 transactions per month, further skewing the fee structure in favor of buyers [7].