Consumer Reports recently did a study about commissions and the bargain interaction between sellers and Realtors. Based on the results, they found that only 46% of sellers polled tried to negotiate a lower commission with their Realtors. Of those 46%, 71% had successfully brokered the deal. Almost half of those surveyed paid less then 6% in commission.

What was remarkable was that of those polled, the sellers whose commission was at 3% and those whose were at 6%, reported the same level of satisfaction with their broker even though the difference between the two percentages is a lot of money. The only difference was that 1/3 of those who did not try to bargain a lower commission, felt regretful that they did not try to lower the figure more.

According to Mark Kotkin, director of survey research with Consumer Reports, lower fees were seen from independent brokers and those from RE/MAX. Independents normally negotiate more as they keep all the commission without having to split it with brokers. If trying to work with a Realtor who is not independent or from RE/MAX, Kotkin´s advice was that, ¨they will all negotiate. Just ask for it,...It’s like buying a car. A lot of people think (pricing) is set, but it’s not.”

While the report´s results showed that 77% of RE/MAX agents polled agreed to lower commission, Coldwell Banker weighed in at 64%. Alex Perriello, President/CEO of Realogy Franchise Group, the parent company of Coldwell and Century 21 Real Estate, remarked that “Real estate commissions are determined between the sellers and their agents, but the best advice I can give home sellers is that it is far more important to focus on an agent’s performance, especially in today’s housing market,”.

The managing broker for Prudential Georgia Realty, Mike Wright, remarked that another key factor in being able to negotiate a low commission is the condition of the home. Homes in good condition and smartly priced, sell faster which means less marketing money that the Realtor has to spend. Wright said that, “If I could sell a house in two weeks rather than six months, I’d be more willing to negotiate,”.

Of all those polled, 86% off all homeowners that listed, were able to sell their home.