After yesterday's post about discount brokerage offices, I thought it worth expanding on the discount commission issue.  Commissions (from every agency) are ALWAYS negotiable.  Each office may have it's own company "policy" but the fees are still negotiable and you can ask for a discount regardless of who you work with.   It doesn't mean you will get a discount from everyone, but you can ask.    This being said, it makes sense to " shop" for your discount if you're determined to get one. 

In my experience, the difference in getting a fee reduction from a more "conventional" real estate office is that the listing agent generally takes the discount.  This means the listing agent does not discount the commission paid to the buyers agent, but reduces his or her own fee.    Therefore, all agents have equal incentive to sell your listing as compared to any other.   This gives you the advantages of saving money (theoretically) and the advantage of working with an agency who cooperates fully with the entire roster of Multiple Listing Service agents.  

The problem with making a decision solely on the listing and selling fee is the intangible factors involved in the marketing and sale of a home.  There are a multitude of ways to lose ALL the money you "saved" (and more)... but that is a discussion for another day.   Just remember, make your decision based on who you determine will do the best job of marketing your home.    Balance the pros and cons the best you can.