Real Estate Co-ops? Good or bad?

We posted on our site blog tonight regarding a co-op we started up earlier this year. We feel it a definite positive. Our client's listings receive added exposure, we allow potential buyers to become interested in our listings, and we are keenly aware of the other co-op agent's listings. It is almost a sort of "mini-caravan". We are all aware of the other agent's listings, and while we would love to sell our own listings, our buyers may not see it that way. Frankly, one our competitor's listings may suit the taste of our buyer better than our own listing. The bottom line is we want to get our listings noticed and sold (check!), and we want to attract buyers due to a variety of listings (check!).

I realize not everyone is going to agree with this approach. I am really interested in hearing what other agents have to say regarding this. Feel free to visit our site at: http://ibamountainhomes.com/wordpress/big-canoe-real-estate-co-op and comment on this. I would value some more input!

Thanks,

-Karin Elliott