[Barefoot]

It has been my experience that most flat-fee real estate companies charge a fee which is non refundable and they do nothing other than list your house on MLS. In tough times, more is required.

Owners often end up listing with a full-commission real estate company when their house doesn't sell. So they end up paying the flat fee plus the commission amount of the new listing broker.

It also depends on how long the owner is willing to wait for a sale. Assuming we're all in our "golden years", moving ahead with plans may be an incentive to "githerdone".

I was an agent for 20 years, but am retired. I certainly have the knowledge to sell my house myself. Even though the real estate market in Canada is healthy right now, I currently have my house listed with a full commission broker because I know I'll get the highest price that way. I received an offer two weeks after listing.

The best suggestion I can make: try to negotiate a lower commission rate with your full-commission real estate broker. Especially if you are trying to sell a "luxury" type home. Many agents are willing to negotiate commission.