There goes my commission

[Shawn Ackerman]

So I'm negotiating with a seller as a RE agent representing myself. Initially, in this deal and according to MLS Seller buyer agency commission is split 50/50 (ok great) I submit my offer $9,500 below asking( including my commission in the purchase price to lower the purchase price and the seller counters with "I'm not paying any of the buyers expenses including commission. Is that even possible? The fact that the 50/50 split was on the original listing (on MLS) I'm wondering if in there counter the seller is breaking the law. p.s. he counter came in the form of an email not in an official contract. Any Thoughts?