As a consequence, customers are likely to demand lower pricing for the services of brokers. There are too many things that the Web does. Indeed, some start-ups aren't only replacing traditional brokerage services, but offering new ones. Realcentric, a Los Gatos, Calif.-based Internet firm, will not only help corporate tenants find space, but also office furniture, accountants and telephone service. It will also refer companies to brokers.
Brokers argue they are protected because they already offer more sophisticated consulting services.
What customers really value is our ability to advise them and negotiate a transaction. And in some cases, brokers are willing to give up deals altogether. What brokers most hope to get from the Internet is raw data. Real estate is a fragmented market with no centralized database. With such services, tenants can survey office sites online before setting foot in a building.