What's the value of a real estate agent?

Their level of service can range from haphazard to astonishingly complete. I can almost swear I've shown up at houses where the client and agent have just stepped out of the shower - together.

And I know that asking many Canadians to volunteer their opinions on that service is like throwing a bucket of chum to ravenous sharks. Nevertheless, let's enter the water.

Since the Competition Bureau announced yesterday that its sending the Canadian Real Estate Association before the Competition Tribunal to debate the rules around how houses are bought and sold in this country, the conversation has become even more divisive.

But please weigh in.

Is Canada's real estate market competitive? Are agents worth their fees? Have you been impressed or embittered by your dealings with real estate agents?

Let us know what you think - post a comment or send an email to cireland@globeandmail.com.