Is this agent commission ok/normal?

[Derrick R.]

Here's the deal: I just got married and my wife owns a house in Southern Indiana, right across the river from Louisville. We are going to sell the house but she will be moving in with me soon and will no be present for us to do a FSBO. Friends of ours recommended an agent to us who is supposed to be very good. The problem is the agent charges 8%. He said that he will take care of general care (lawn/cleanliness) around the house without viva thing extra. He told me that the average commission is 7% split between the listing/buying agent. If this agent has a good reputation and can sell this property fast, is the 8% worth it? Thanks!

[Adam Gerig]

Our market here is typically 6%. 3% buyer broker & 3% selling broker. Now it's always a point of negotiation I've seen where they throw in extras for buyer's agent just to get the thing sold, but I'd concur that I think 8% is really high(and that's coming from a realtor!!)