The question includes an incorrect assumption that foreclosed homes (REO's) sell for less money, and therefore result in smaller commissions. Two problems with this logic:Homebuyers usually buy as much home as their banker tells them they can afford. As such if they are approved for a $300,000 home they'll spend $300,000. If foreclosures actually sold at a discount, the buyer would spend the same amount but get a better home - good for home buyer and good for agent (or at least the same).Most people believe REO's sell at a discount because of poor analysis that is continually repeated in the press. One particular foreclosure data provider has pushed the idea that foreclosures sell at big discounts. The problem is that they are comparing the median price of market sales, to the median price of foreclosure sales. That's akin to comparing the average price of used Mercedes to the average price of used Hondas and telling the world that used Honda's can be purchased for a big discount. The banks just aren't foreclosing on higher end homes as fast as low end homes. So a high percentage of foreclosure sales are on low end homes. At the same time a far greater percentage of market sales are high end homes. Even when you do see what appears to be a discount on an REO sale it is usually because the property has deferred maintenance and is in need of repairs. That's an opportunity for sweat equity, but not a discount.If real estate agents occasionally show reluctance to show a foreclosed home, it may be because they know you as a buyer aren't in a position to both come up with a down payment and make the repairs REOs often require. In some instances it may also be because they've had some bad experiences working with lenders and their agents, and a few may even feel its beneath them. Still with as much as 50% of sales being on distressed properties, the vast majority of agents are more than willing to help you buy any home you want, foreclosure or not.