Tucson Real Estate Agent?

[Planner]

The time has come to sell our former home in Tucson and we have been quoted 6% commission fee from the real estate whom we purchased our home through 9 years ago. Unfortunately, we now live overseas and are having a bit of trouble shopping around for real estate agents as a result. Does anyone have a good real estate agent that they have used in the Tucson area who might possibly charge less than 6%? Or are we stuck?

[arebelspy]

6% (3% to seller's agent, 3% to buyer's) is pretty typical.  Some will go down to maybe 5% (or less if they have some special deal with you or you bring them a lot of business).

I'd pick a good agent at 6% over a bad one at 5%.

[Planner]

Thanks for your reply arebeley! Agreed that I would rather use a good real estate agent at the standard fee of 6% over a bad one at 5% but just hoping someone might know a GREAT agent at 5%...! ;)

[shadowmoss]

Having just sold a house remotely, my thought is that 1 or 2 percent isn't what you might want to think about.  Being remote EVERYTHING is in the Realtor's hands.  Things you would do, small and large, will have to be done and arranged by someone, and that someone is the Realtor unless you have someone local to do it.  Getting paperwork arranged and signed, while much easier in this digital age, is still going to be more of a hassle for the Realtor with this sale than if they were dealing with a local seller.  So, that agent will be earning that 6 percent!

[Planner]

Agreed shadowmoss. I wish we were there to do the legwork but you are right- I think we will have to trust the realtor! Thanks for the feedback everyone- it's good just to know that we are paying the standard amount if nothing else. :)