[rabbimarshak]

Very valid points here Neuen. But most programmers are paid by the hour - not by lines of code. My argument is that agents should be compensated hourly as well.

Programming is something that is taught at the highest level of academia, and requires a tremendous amount of skill, brainpower and discipline to deliver a quality product. I don't think you can compare it to to showing apartments. There is not much skill required or education to be a rental agent (a few weeks of school and written exam, like a driving test). If you can operate the camera on a mobile device, post an ad on craigslist, and open a door lock - you are in business.

My argument is that renting out an apartment in Manhattan is similar to selling the latest iPhones as soon as they hit store shelves. The product sells itself because of the high demand and limited supply. The skill of the salesperson at the Apple store is not very relevant, which is why they are compensated hourly and not on commission.