NEW YORK – Don't be shy about haggling over what you pay your real estate agent.

A study released Monday by Consumer Reports found that 71 percent of sellers who negotiated for lower commissions with their brokers were successful. But only 46 percent of sellers tried.

Those who paid commissions of 3 percent were just as satisfied with their broker's performance as those who paid 6 percent, the study found.

In fact, those who paid higher commissions were more likely to have regrets about the selling experience. Nearly one-third said they should have been more aggressive in negotiating a fee.

Sellers were most likely to get lower fees from independent and Re/Max brokers, said Mark Kotkin, director of survey research at Consumer Re ports.

"But they will all negotiate. Just ask for it," he said. "It's like buying a car. A lot of people think [the price] is set, but it's not."

Independent brokers may be more likely to negotiate fees since they keep their entire commission, while those who work for other brokers typically split commissions with the broker in exchange for marketing and office support.

About half the home sellers surveyed paid less than 6 percent in commission. The study is being published in Consumer Reports' September issue.

The study found no significant gap in services for those who paid lower commissions. For example, 81 percent who paid 3 percent or less said the agent gave a competitive market analysis of their home, compared with 87 percent of people who paid 6 percent or more.

Mike Wright, managing broker at Prudential Georgia Realty, said a seller has a much better chance of negotiating a lower commission when the house is in good condition and priced aggressively.

Such houses sell faster, meaning the agent has to spend less money on marketing the home.

"If I could sell a house in two weeks rather than six months, I'd be more willing to negotiate," Mr. Wright said.