While I agree with making this information more open, claiming that real estate agents are getting their percentage from just accessing the database is wrong. There is a significant element of service that I have experienced that transcends just having the listing. I have worked with one real estate agent for multiple houses now and gladly pay a percentage to understand the flavor neighborhood, the history of the house, getting the transaction done, helping with the move.

If the information would be free, then I would certainly be ok with paying less, but there is more to the real estate service than just the data.

I would imagine you are familiar with Zillow?