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Some people keep comparing real estate transactions in Belize to those in the Unitied States. These are two different countries and although Belize follows British common law, certain things are different.
I just started to look into real estate in Belize this year and have quickly found out many of the things that have already been mentioned (no regulation, licensing, ect.) I've never seen any comission price written in stone so as far as I am aware, everything is negotiable. With all the talk of how Belize is so laid back, I'm shocked to see why some people can't imagine why agents there aren't hustling for the clients. Maybe because people there are not money hungry like they are in CA (where I live). It's a different lifestyle and a different culture. It seems like most of the people selling real estate of value are American anyway. I have no idea what there backgrounds are or how knowledgable they were in their field anyway. One might ask, if they were very successful, why did they leave. If they did leave, maybe they really don't need the money and choose to charge higher comissions. There is truth that if people quit buying because of the high comissions, more agents would lower their rate. The problem is that you are not going to get that to happen (especially, since people have been known to buy these properties sight unseen).
I am currently pursuing my real estate license and even with that added knowledge, I don't feel I have much of an advantage when I am there.

Nate

GENERALLY SPEAKING .........here is how they do it in Belize:

COMMISSION RATES - VARY WITH TYPE OF PROPERTY AND SERVICES RENDERED BY LISTING AGENCY:
Raw Land - 10% (same as California)
Condos/Homes - 6-8%
"Other" - multi-million / remote / unusual properties ........ as may be negotiated.

BROKER CO-OP:
Some do and some don't. Of those who do, they co-operate only with other brokers they consider reputable and honest. When they split commissions, it is generally a 50-50 split.

CHARGING TO SHOW PROPERTY:
A "discount" broker may not have enough money to own a means of transportation, and therefore may be charging for every showing.
On the other hand - some of the more exotic properties like private islands, etc. have hard costs upwards of $500 US per showing and take a day or two to see. In this case it is customary for the prospective buyer to pay boat, plane or 4X4 rental/charter costs, and to be re-imbursed at closing if they buy.
On AC some brokers charge a small fee for places like Robles and Palm Bay Club as a way of of "qualifying" buyers, and to ensure they are not inadvertently operating as "tour guides" instead of real estate agencies.

Hope that information helps.