broker commission

Yes, it's both legal and standard practice.

The seller agreed to x% commission with her broker. How the broker divvies it up with the buyer's broker (if any) is up to the broker.

Not an issue for the buyer.

Yet another reason why a "buyers broker" can add value to your purchase if offering a rebate. Umbrella: Do you feel you received a better deal (financially speaking) going in unrepresented?

Definitely did. The broker was more motivated to push me b/c he gets the entire commission

Pushing harder was of some importance during the "bubble years", with less buyers bidding not quite as important in today's market. Also any good(honest) broker presents all offers to the owner, whom makes the final decision about all offers. Most owners base this on the price being offered, qualification of the buyer(if there are multiple bids).
But do you feel the "owner" reduced the price more aggressively since she/he could theoretically save 3% since you were unrepresented.

Or would you say the broker simply "pushed" harder for you to serve his own needs(more money).

theburkhardtgroup, what is the difference between you and any other broker? Are you saying that a buyer's interest supersedes your own, like that of an attorney's?

umbrella -- You may have been the best offer on various front. Why are you concerned about the commission when it is paid by the seller?