Quick disclaimer…I used to be a “parasite” in my past life and my wife is still at it, but I moved on to work at a tech company!
Commissions are negotiable so you can negotiate with anyone on the rate and how willing they will be is going to be directly related to how busy they are.
The lowest number would be to do it yourself and cut the agent/brokerage out completely and just use a title and/or escrow company. Personally (being a bit busy), I’d add 10-15% to my price and give an agent 5% of that (split equally with the buyers agent/broker) in exchange for them doing all the work and I’d let them know there will be no price reductions. Let them know you are going with them to sell at full price (actually a little above) and if they cannot get it your going to cancel the listing and do it yourself at market value. There are nuances to this in that you might get a full price offer, but the appraisal could come in low and you could mention that if they find the buyer they will agree to do it for 4% or something. Again…everything is negotiable.
I know some would disagree, but I really look at Realtors and Brokers like Attorneys. No…I’d rather not use one, but if I do I definitely want a competent one. I’d think they are even better in a way because they work for free until the deal closes as opposed to attorneys who send you a bill even when nothing has been accomplished.
I believe there are some parasites in real estate and there are some parasites in other industries too. I never assume everyone in a certain industry is anything just like I do not assume everyone in New York is an a-hole. I’m sure there are some and maybe a higher concentration, but there are a-holes in San Diego and every other city/country/land too.
It might not be a bad idea to interview a couple people with the intention of doing it yourself and just seeing how it goes. Maybe you gain some knowledge (for free) of what your list price could be even if you do it yourself or maybe you meet someone that you might want to work with.
I think the reason inventory is so low is because people are getting a good enough return on their investment and feel other options would be more risky than assuming rents will continue to go up like they have for quite a while.
Good luck to you whatever you do and feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions I can help with. I know you have chimed in with useful information that I have appreciated over time.
