I think it is fair to say that paying 6% commission to a Realtor is at this time, in Houston, "the standard" for the industry. However, it IS negotiable.... and it is always up to you to determine if you choose to pay full price or not. An increasing amount of discount Realtors are emerging.  I think it is a fair question to ask "What am I getting for the fee I am paying?" 

Its also reasonable to believe if you pay full commission, you can and should expect a level of service beyond that of the discount Realtors.

Buyers are now "e-enabled" and an increasing amount of Realty activity is sourced on the Internet. If you are paying full commission, ask your Realtor what value-added services they bring to the table for addressing the integrated online marketplace.

What NEW "eTools" will you use on my property to make it stand out ONLINE from the 42,000 other listings posted on the MLS? 

If the only eTool they are using is posting the listing and photos onto MLS ---- well.... so are the discount Realtors.... so your Realtor is no longer unique ..... or different....and in some markets --- not even competitive.

It's up to you.... do your home work and ask the right questions. Believe me, it is still quite possible to pay the full 6% and receive in return a lesser level of exposure for your property than others are getting .... at the same 6% you are paying.

[See: Buyers Have Changed, But Not Realtors?]

New tools are needed to excel in this changed marketplace.

[Select "Realtors Who Use SMARTePLANS" to see a selection of Agents in your area]