[OrwellianChild]

This is not how contract negotiation works. In a market where housing demand is weak, it would be perfectly reasonable and possible to propose terms of sale which reduce the seller's agent fee or return it to the buyer in the form of a discount. Worth remembering in all forms of contract negotiation (buying cars, etc.) - just because they write it down doesn't mean you (the buyer) have to agree to it.

[URSpider94]

You're absolutely right that you can negotiate, but one of the consequences of regulatory capture (real estate agents must be licensed by the state, and may be required to complete a transaction) is that agents are disincentivized to negotiate on commission. Also agree that when the market is soft, you're more likely to be able to win a concession.