I can only compare the UK and the US, but in the US realtors are more solo than in the UK. In the UK you'd typically go with a reputable firm of agents, and even then you'd not usually deal with the same agent all of the time. In the US, you would, so personal appeal stands for a lot more.
Ah interesting. I hadn't considered this. I wonder why there aren't realtor firms in the US. I'm much more comfortable dealing with a well known firm than a single individual. I wonder how the fees compare. UK it's typically 1-3% of sale price.
There are realtor firms in the US, like Century 21. However many of them still use pictures of the realtor, like "contact Jane Doe, your Century 21 representative".
I don't know much about this, but I believe most of these firms in the US and Canada are running franchise operations. There may be a nationally advertised logo, and some listing and referral services, but it still all depends on the realtor. They split the commission with the agency.
