By law, real estate commissions are negotiable.  This is clearly stated in the Listing Agreement which is the contract between you, the Seller, and your REALTOR(r).  On this contract, the commission is entered as a percentage of the sale price or as a fixed dollar amount.  Some REALTORS(r) demand special fees in addition to the commission.  We never charge special fees, and we specify in the Listing Agreement how the commission will be shared with the Buyer's Agent in order to attract the greatest number of Buyers to your property. What you don't know about commissions could cost you thousands of dollars.  If you think a lower commission will net you the most for your property, please consider that a lower commission could cost you more in the sale price than you save on the commission.  The effect on the Selling side as well as the Buying side could cost you dearly. Selling Side: If you shop for a lower commission, you may be shopping for lower service.  Lower service could translate to less advertising, fewer open houses, mediocre marketing materials, lack-luster coordination with other agents, and inattentive contract negotiations and transaction management.  You might be handled by an assistant that has neither the experience nor the personal qualities you found in your Agent.  Lower service can mean a lower sale price, a longer sale time, and some negative surprises during the escrow and beyond.  We always provide full service, full attention, and full communication.  And when you hire us, we are your agents full-time.  We do not use assistants, ever. Buying Side: The Agents who represent your potential Buyers have a number of properties to choose from, and a higher commission can attract more Agents to your property.  More Agents means more showings to more Buyers.  And exposure to a greater number of Buyers leads to a higher sale price and a quicker sale.  You improve your sale price, save potentially months of carrying costs, and get to move forward with your plans for the future. Don't be commission-wise and sale-foolish.