Cutting Commissions

The era of the standard 6% realestate agency commission is in decline,with some agents willing to sell yourhouse for a commission of as low as2.5%. If your agent is sticking to a 6%deal, it may be time to look elsewhere, orat least haggle for better terms. If yourhouse has gone up in value by 20% ormore in the past couple of years, theargument that the agent is making 20%more for the same amount of work mayscore you a lower commission rate. Youmay also want to shop for an agentthrough Web sites like HomeGain(www.homegain.com) and Lending Tree(www.lendingtree.com), which may offeryou rebates or frequent flyer miles.