Seeley Swan Pathfinder -

Realtor Kevin Wetherell has noted home prices in the Seeley area have jumped by 53%...to an average price of $399,000. So much for affordable housing in Seeley Lake. 

What he does not mention, discuss or analyze is the impact realtors’ sales commissions have on housing prices. I would submit realtors’ commissions have a direct effect on the increased cost of housing AND the growth of local government.

Here’s how:

The realtors commission becomes part of the sales price of a home. That 4-6% increase in cost translates as a direct increase on any “comparable” house sales in the area...