Robyn,
You were quoted the average rate for Texas - it is actually higher in many other states. Fees are always negotiable , a lot has to do with the area, the home, the seller and the selling agent. Remember the Listing agent represents you, the listing agent does not always aquire the sale quite often another agent that represents the buyer will sell the home.
If you home is in good condition and priced right you are in an area that the fee should not be a problem.
Good Luck
Margaret

To me, it is a matter of time vs money. If you spend more on marketing and advertising, it will likely sell faster. If you have more time, maybe you can spend less and net a little more at closing. Time vs money. An old friend of mine in the publishing business said "you can either get it cheap, fast, or quality, but not all three at once"

Robyn
Good question.
Be careful not to confuse commission with net proceeds. In most cases (but not all) you get what you pay for. In Real Estate, that means negotiating skills. Ask the REaltors they they are worth what they charge.

If they cannot persuade you to pay market rates, how can they defend your selling price?

By law brokers are not allowed to get together and set a certain rate that everyone must charge, so you can shop around and find a range of commission rates in The Woodlands or anywhere else. Be sure to keep in mind that you get what you pay for when comparing a discount brokerage with a full service one. At the price you are quoting your agent should provide full color flyers, professional quality photos, a virtual tour, a home book, an automated SUPRA keybox, a showing service, multiple website placements, custom signage, and have experience in the marketplace to guide you in terms of pricing and negotiations. While 6% seems like a lot, these dollars get split in half (3% goes to your buyer's agent); then split again between the broker and your Realtor, who also will pay for insurance, MLS costs, advertising, office fees, assistants, etc.,etc.,etc.

I would strongly encourage you to interview several Woodlands Realtors in regards to sevices and as well as commission rates, because having a great Realtor is the best way to be successful in your home sale.

Please note that Realtors are prohibited by anti-trust law from discussing commission rates with other Realtors, so you shouldn't see any specific numbers on this site.

Commissions are negotiable. Check the FCC site for more details. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2007/05/realestate.shtm
Don't forget most commissions get split a minimum of 4 times. So all the commission is not going to just one person.