There are different ways to look at this proposition. There is only one commission and the listing broker would like all of it. He/she will do what it takes to get that commission. It’s not that he is looking out for the seller vs the buyer. He is looking out for the sale. If there is no sale he gets nothing. If you as a buyer show up with another broker what do you think “your” broker will do besides share in the commission? Tell you this is a good buy or not? That is the job of the surveyor. I think if the listing broker will commission out at 100% he will do his best to make a sale happen. The listing broker has the ear of the seller. He could be a big influence on whether the seller accepts your offer. He could even discourage a sale if he thought his commission would be cut in half. He could do things like not make the boat available. If you read the forums, there are constant complaints about listing brokers being poorly or completely unresponsive. For my money, I would try to establish a good rapport with the listing broker and let him do his job. Just my 2 cents.....Dick Heinsite DF43 Lying New Bern Don't regret growing older, it's a privilege denied to many. Sent from my iPad