You've decided to sell your home, and while you're sure that you don't want to do it yourself, you'd prefer not to pay the full broker's fee, either.

WHAT TO CONSIDER: Brokers are reluctant to shave their commission (typically around 6 percent), but many will nevertheless do it, because they don't want the listing to go to a competitor. Others will try to convince you that it's a bad idea, arguing that you'll get less service and ultimately less money. A successful Dallas agent, Eleanor Mowery Sheets, who does not cut her fee, says, "With me you're going to get every resource imaginable, from staging your house to extensive advertising. Brokers who readily cut their commission aren't going to do as much for you. They'll just stick a sign in your front yard." (And you could almost certainly swing that yourself.) Other agents point out that the prospect of a reduced fee can deter them from showing a property to as many clients as possible. Still, despite these risks, some sellers are taking their business to discount brokers who explicitly offer a reduced level of service in exchange for fees as low as 2 percent.

WHAT TO SAY: You can tell a broker that her fee is too high, you need to clear more money, and you'll shop around for another broker. But if you are offered a discounted rate, ask the broker to be specific about what services she will and will not provide.