Selling

TL;DR In Canada, the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) isn’t one website. It’s a co-operative network of regional databases run by local real estate boards/associations. REALTORS® use these systems to share listings, set up cooperation with other brokerages, and negotiate offers. REALTOR.ca is not an MLS® — it’s a national public portal that displays portions of MLS® listings from across...

When an Open House is Really Worth ItIn most cases, open houses aren’t your closing strategy — but there’s one clear exception: a hot market with more serious buyers than private showing slots.When inventory is low and buyer demand is surging, private showings can book up in hours. In these conditions, an open house can efficiently funnel dozens of buyers — and their agents — through in a single...

When selling a home, two viewing methods dominate: open houses and private showings.You’ve probably heard that open houses build excitement and private showings close the deal.That’s partly true — but there’s more to the story.This guide covers everything you’ve likely seen in Google search results about the topic, then adds proven research so you can decide which approach works best for your...

There is a very basic understanding of Discount and Full Service real estate agents, which is often reduced to a simple pros and cons list. However, due to shifts in the real estate market, many discount realtors are now offering similar — if not identical — services to their full-service counterparts.In this article, we answer three important questions:Does a higher commission translate to better...

In the complex landscape of Canadian real estate, one of the most persistent questions and sources of confusion for both buyers and sellers is this: What percentage do REALTORS® actually make from a home sale? While 5% has long been cited as the industry "norm," the reality is both more nuanced and increasingly negotiable.This guide cuts through the generalizations to examine how real estate agents are...

With discreet academic insights and trusted data integrationAs a licensed broker, I’ve spent years helping clients navigate one of the most confusing costs in real estate: commission. It’s often accepted as a given 5% split between agents but few sellers realize how much flexibility and strategy actually exist behind that number.This guide is written with sellers in mind. It breaks down how commission...

Selling your home in Canada doesn’t have to mean giving up 5% of your sale price!In today’s real estate landscape, there are other options known as flat fee or fixed real estate commission. This is an alternative to the traditional commission structure.However, the model is often misunderstood.In this article, I will break down what flat fee real estate actually is, examine the research behind it, and...

Disclosure & Compliance This article is authored by Faiza Ahmed (RECO #4791581), a licensed real estate broker with International Realty Firm, Inc. (Brokerage #4799095). It is intended to provide educational insights into commission structures and brokerage models in Canada. Purpose: The analysis compares traditional brokerages, discount models such as One Percent Realty, and hybrid platforms...

Quick Facts About Toronto Real Estate CommissionsTypical commission: Approximately 5% total (2.5% each for buyer and seller agents).Who pays it: Usually, the seller covers this fee.Negotiable? Yes — commissions can often be negotiated based on property, market conditions, and agent competition.Alternative Options: Models offering lower commissions, such as 1%, are increasingly available. Picture...

Major real estate brands in North America often charge sellers 5–6% commissions on a home's sale price – tens of thousands of dollars per transaction – yet much of this money goes toward broker profits and massive marketing budgets rather than directly improving the client's experience.1. Commission Structures: Where Your Money Really GoesSteep Commission Rates:In the U.S. and Canada, traditional...