[eweissenbach]

In some markets you can do an "open" listing, which is listing with multiple companies, and only paying the commission to the company that actually closes the sale. In this market I am relatively certain that you must sign an "exclusive" listing, meaning you are listing the property only with that company for a stated period of time (sixty - ninety days). That gives the listing company some assurance that the money they spend on advertising and the time spent marketing your property will not be done in vain. With an MLS realtor you property can be shown by all the cooperating MLS realty associates and the listing and selling agents split the commission. As some have suggested, you may want to list FSBO for thirty days or so to see if you can sell without the commission. A title company can and will do all the paperwork and take care of the closing details for about 2% or less. If you go that route don't overprice your property, and advertise everywhere you can, hold regular open houses (you can get signs at most hardware and home stores). Good luck!