I don't understand why people don't negotiate more on this. I paid 3.5% total commission (1.5% listing and 2% buyer agent) on the last 2 homes I sold. One in 2012 and one earlier this year. In both cases the homes sold quickly and above asking.
My understanding is that in some markets if you try to negotiate anything less that 6% you're just blacklisted. They lock arms and no one will accept it.
Do you know anyone this has actually happened to? Quite honestly it sounds more like fud spread by realtors.