If you are looking for the answer with this post, I will have to advise you to check back later to read the comments My intent in posting this is to gather information from Active Rain members around the globe (let's see how far this sphere of influence stretches).
I was in a Broker CE course yesterday, taught by the Professional Development & Standards 
Director for Dulles Area Association of Realtors, Allan R. Marteney. As a sideline to our training and discussion, he mentioned that one of his hobbies is gathering information about how real estate transactions are handled around the world. He read us some information that he had received from one of his students about how real estate was conducted in the Netherlands.
It seems that the Netherlands treats real estate as a degree-based training program and requires a 6 month apprenticeship before one can become a practitioner. That was interesting, since increased education requirements are often sited as a way of improving the quality of Real Estate practitioners here in the U.S.
Do you have any knowledge of Real Estate Practices in other parts of the world? What are some of the differences in background requirements for agents? Is the process different? How are Real Estate Agents paid? Are they required to join an association like National Association of Realtors? Have you worked in the Real Estate Industry in another country?
Since it would probably be difficult to have any substantive information in the comments, consider writing a post about your information and posting the link in the commments section of this post. I am looking forward to seeing the answers that are posted here...thanks in advance for sharing your information with us.
Holly Weatherwax, Associate Broker
EcoBroker,Graduate of Realtors Institute,Accredited Buyers Representative,e-pro
If I can assist you with the purchase or sale of property in Northern Virginia, please visit my website: www.greatexperience.net , my blog Real Estate and Reston or email me at hollyweatherwax@mris.com. My direct number is 571-643-4902.
I believe buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE!
Very interesting Holly. I think that here in the US, it's too easy to get a RE license. If licensure was made harder to obtain the general public would have a higher level of regard for what we do....AND, there wouldn't be so many "agents" getting in to the industry to "make a lot of money".
I've looked into buying some land in Belize and, from what I can understand (anyone who knows different feel free to correct me), it's customary to list property with several different brokers. Sometimes at different prices. Whichever broker brings in the buyer gets the commission which seems to be the difference between what the seller wanted to get and what the broker actually sold it for.
I was told by a Military officer/ Realtor that in the UK the commission is 2% and that is both sides.