I think this system is somewhat ubiquitous, using the database(s) colloquially known as MLS databases. The original idea was helpful in the pre-internet age because it encouraged fee sharing between realtors ("You help me sell my houses, and I will help you sell yours"). But in today's information age, it has unfortunately become a bit of a protectionist racket as the need for realtors to help you find houses diminishes, because to get access to the data and set it up for consumers you have to (in Texas at least) be a licensed real estate agent. You cannot simply pay a fee to access the listings.

National Association of Realtors (NAR) who handles the MLS listings under a system known as Internet Data Exchange (IDX) was actually involved in a lawsuit from the DOJ several years ago about their protectionist policies. They were preventing online-only brokers such as Redfin from sharing MLS listings in favor of traditional brick and mortar brokerages.

It will be quite interesting to see how the field of real estate evolves. I'd like to see it shift more toward the Redfin model, where the consumer has the power to look at whatever houses they want and the realtor is simply there to act as a fiduciary and facilitate the transaction between buyer and seller. It certainly seems to help avoid conflicts of interest in that case.