Agent commission

[travelbee]

I got in touch with a real estate agent who can help me with my apartment search, once I arrive in HK. I know that we'll have to pay 50% of one month's rent as a commission to the agent that shows us the apartment if we end up renting it. I tried to negotiate the commission prior to meeting the agent and made clear that I know that commissions are negotiable in HK. The agent does not say that she's not willing to lower it but wants me to meet her first upon our arrival to talk about my requirements etc..
So, my questions is now: If she's willing to lower her commission, do I need in writing what percentage she will be taking from us? I don't like the idea of verbal agreements but I am not sure what the common procedure is in HK prior to viewing the apartments.

TIA!

[hlfo718]

Why would you risk it? Get everything in writing and make sure she signs it and is on company letter head.

[travelbee]

Ok, I wasn't sure if it is standard to have the percentage of the commission in writing, cuz I read in many posts here on geo that people write "negots" or something like that prior to start the apartment hunt.