[TezzellEnt]

Technically it's illegal to set commission rates, but 6 percent was the norm. In the Bay Area however, it's the new norm to offer 2.5-2.0% to Selling agents (those bringing buyers to the deal). I'm not sure exactly what the Listing agents put as the commission fee, but I'd imagine they're likely splitting it 50/50.

[cschmidt]

That wouldn't fly in Boston. I imagine the listing agent is also making 2.5%, giving a total of 5%.