I have no idea what Amazon "sees." I don't even shop there more than once every 12-15 months. I think the Amazons and Zillows of this world are turning themselves inside out to find things to satisfy shareholders that their income will keep increasing.

They're tapped into the Millenial market of internet shopping and socialism

They see what they saw when they realized "why stop at books?"

They see what Lyft saw and Uber saw. They see what Expedia saw when they branched out to become Zillow.

It's on us as Realtors to educate the public better than Amazons and Zillows market the public. Don't waste time complaining, start explaining!

Many good responses so far and I'll be back to monitor the responses as this is at the height of discussion in our business.  Personally I think it's a market that will appeal to some, however I don't see it as a threat to us for the long term.  Many jumping on the train for online home sales will soon see that it's tough to do.  I've talked about this with my clients and all so far think it's a gimmick and nit something they would even consider.  I see most jumping in in a market they think can be controlled on line.  Personally I don't see the traditional real estate agent being replaced anytime soon

People who are not in Real Estate simply have no clue as to How Hard it is to Make a PROFIT owning a real estate office/company !!!

Consumer dependence on web-based information

it makes no difference to me.... a strong, well-versed real estate agent will always have a value....just my opinion...maybe the weak agents will join forces with the Z's and Amazon groups.... not the top dogs...

They see what Z is doing and see an opportunity. As Barbara Todaro said, it won't impact the top agents.

Better, faster & cheaper is no respecter of anyone. Jump in for your share

Annette,

I think this whole Amazon thing is much ado about nothing, but I may be wrong about that.  It does not fit into their business model, and with the recent acquisition of Whole Foods, they have their hands full.  Furthermore, they have not done anything similar to creating a referral type of business like Zillow.  A

That's a very good question Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041 it's not easy trying to understand their position or view, once they get into the real physical process, they realize that the process is not as easy as they though.  Failure will teach them a lesson.

When Amazon starts taking over brain surgeries ... I will be concerned. 

I cannot figure that out so I'm of no help. I think they see Z as something on the horizon but they have actually yet to make a profit so why follow a model that is not proven?

I am convinced Amazon has people sitting in a room writing a plan to tak over every business. Not all will work, not all will make money, but they are exploring. NOW people are looking for savings, what they are missing is that you get what you pay for, you can pay a lower fee to an internet giant, but get no service and a lower sales price. As a buyer that internet co will not stand with you for your inspection, negotiate a solution and let Aunt Betty and your mom in 3 times to measure for curtains. 

Profits

Amazon sees need and opportunity.  I'm sort of secretly hoping they buy out NAR and start to run it right.  Sshhhh.  Don't tell anyone.  

What Amazon sees is opportunity! Are we ready for the competition?

I think it's simple...just go back to Porter's 5 Forces.

1.  Low bargaining power of suppliers

2.  High barriers to entry (for them, it's easy to compete w/ Z, for others it's not).  For realtors, Low barrier of entry.

3.  High threat of substitutes (at least for 1/3 of the market)...and it's a big market

4.  Low bargaining

5.  Threat of new entrants -not sure on this one

Probably the same stats we see that home buyers and now sellers begin their searches ONLINE

Happy New Year hope 2017 was great and 2018 will be better for you.

They see potential

Price.

Reminds me CA residents, every second has a RE license. Does not really mean every licensee is doing it or should be doing real estate. 

Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041 - we need some topic to discuss, and Amazon does help us with this 'RE' business!

I think as long as we raise the bar in our own business, using all the technology tools that are available to us, we can stay on the cutting edge with personal service, unlike some corporate machine. 

$$$ always drive these things.

Sadly I believe the consumer will be the one getting hurt.  REal Estate is not like fast food shopping

They are feeling all powerful and have pretty much perfected the online predictive marketing systems. It looks like it is a smart decision for them. Will they have roadblocks, yes of course.

I couldn't say it any better than Kenneth J. Jones, Director did.

The public in many cases is driven strictly by their pocketbook.  They feel as though they can do the same thing as a Realtor with the use of the internet so why not pay less and get more is their attitude.  It's our job and chance of survival to show what we bring to the table and find the clients that know the benefits we bring.

they see world domination

Changes will provide a constant supply of challenges for real estate professionals.

The enormous nationwide commission pie is tempting big companies to gobble it up. 

What  Kenneth J. Jones, Director said.

     My brother was telling me the other day that his neighbor was upset, because the Realtors want $40,000 in commission to sell his house.    It's a hot market, the house will sell with multiple offers.  Why should they pay $40K, etc.?  

really?

I think Zillow is driving other companies to look into it.

Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041 Amazon sees the success Z is having. They see gulible agents who are willing to pay for cold leads. It's a cash cow.

Control of data is the future battle coupled with aritifical intelligence.

I will wait and see.