Each agent is in practice for themselves under guidelines of their broker and statues of State. Contact an interview agents choice of what each agent provides you.

Example here in Dallas: can offer a flat fee listing broker which saves seller $1000 at closing

Good luck on sale of your home, if your choice do a FSBO you must comply with State guidelines sale any home.

I am not one to rain on anybody's parade...but as a homeowner...you are better off selling to an investor for a quick sale if you are ready than let it sit on the market with an agent months down the road. In this market buyers are not qualifying so you need to get the best advice from a real estate investor and get more than one option in just listing...I hope you are not in pre-foreclosure cause you have a looooooong wait with realtors selling your home....this is an honest satement.

Go online, get recommendations from friends/family, go visit an open house or other activity where you'd find agents... and then invite them to your home and talk to them about what you want to do - you want to sell your home, but what's the most important thing to you? price, net proceeds, quick sale / strict moving date, security, etc. Make sure you chose an agent that you trust and like because you will probably spend a lot of time with them and you are selling one of your biggest assets. Good luck!

Hi Rachelle -
I completely agree with Debbie.
It's important to interview several agents in your area to choose the one that you not only feel will represent your property in the best way but that you are comfortable with as well.
The best of luck to you!
Debbie

Excerpt from an atricle dealing with anti-trust laws: "Agents and brokers in any setting, business or social, should take great care to never even discuss commission rates in any context. It's much better to be safe than sorry in this case."
"Never use the word "standard" or "prevailing" when describing your fees and services"
.................................................................
Rachelle, you ask how to start the process - Call in, and interview several local agents. They will happily explain the home selling process to you, step by stpe. They will also discuss their respective marketing plans, commission structures and answer all your questions.
Once informed, you can move forward with confidence.

Best wishes....
Debbie Rose
Prudnetial NJ Properties

Commission rates my vary, you can contact a flat listing agent, to full commission interview the candidates.

As example here in Dallas we are flat fee listing service however we structure our services as full rate, however allows seller save $1000's at closing.

ONE RECOMMENDATION go with standard % paid to buyers agent who work extremely hard bring in buyers. Buyers agent in many instances will skip your home not forward to buyer for showing approval based on reduced commissions.

National Featured Realtor and Consultant, Mortgage Loan Officer, Credit Repair Lecturer
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Lynn911
Lynn911

You may wish to browse through this Question.(Over 700 Comments..Current..Couple hundred agents)

The Discussion covers how agents feel about Commissions, showing or not showing homes based on Commission, what Commission many agents expect and much more pertaining to Commissions.

I think you will find it a very informative and interesting Read.

http://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Selling/Can_low_commission…

It's kinda like the one-stop shopping question about Commissions.

There is no standard commission rate throughout this area. Each agency can charge what they wish. What is most important to you is ....what is your agent going to do to market your home for a successful sale? Any agent can put up a sign and enter the information on MLS. I put my marketing emphasis on getting the information about your home presented to the potential buyer in a way that makes the home appealing and attractive to them. Knowing where buyers are seeking information and presenting it to them in the best possible manner creates successful marketing. I'd love to assist you in getting your home sold. Union County is my backyard and I have the tools and resources to get your home sold. Give me a call and we'll discuss my plan and my commission rate. My website name says it all. Thanks.

Hi Rachelle,
Want something to bargain the commission with as you sell yours? Are you also buying in the same area/city?
If I were your selling agent AND ALSO YOUR BUYING AGENT (TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR PURCHASE), see what that will do to the listing agent who comes to talk with you!!! The Broker-in-Charge will make the final decision in the agents' office. Wish you were coming to Cashiers.

Eddie

"The standard is 6%, but it can be all over the board depending on the level of service you require."
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BOING, BOING, BOING....Sherman Antitrust Violation Alert.

Deletion in order.

Rachelle,

The fee for professional services(commission) is negotiable. With this said however, there is a range that normally hovers between 5 and 8 percent. Of course there can be exceptions that are both higher and lower than the normal range.

Most full service agencies are in the 6-7 percent of the sale price range.

Hey Rachelle,

The first step is to set up an appointment for an agent to come to your house to discuss everything as the commission is definitely negotiable. The standard is 6%, but it can be all over the board depending on the level of service you require. Would love to assist you!

Jen Mildenberger http://www.WithJenYouWin.com

There is no set rate. Each agency is free to set their own rates.

Rachelle,

It's doubtful anyone of the realtors will comment much on the commission rate as it is negotiable. You might want to check out the link below. Good luck.

http://www.trulia.com/blog/rockinblu/2008/12/i_ve_got_my_fin…