Picture this: you’ve spent countless hours scouring real estate listings, attending open houses, and finally, you’ve found it—the perfect home that checks all your boxes. You’re ready to take the plunge and make an offer, but before you do, there’s something crucial you need to understand: Real estate commission.
In this article, we’re going to be your trusty guide, shedding light on how real estate commissions work in Ontario. So, grab a cup of coffee, kick back, and get ready to unravel the secrets behind those numbers and percentages.
What is a Real Estate Commission?
Real estate commission is the compensation paid to real estate agents or real estate brokerages for their real estate services in facilitating the sale or purchase of a property.
When selling a property, the seller typically agrees to pay a commission to their listing brokerage or agent. The commission is usually calculated as a percentage of the property’s final sale price and is negotiated between the agent and the seller. Sometimes, it may also be a fixed or flat fee.
For buyers, the services of a buyer’s agent are often provided at no direct cost, as their commission is typically paid by the seller’s agent out of the overall commission. The specific percentage of the commission can vary and may be subject to negotiation.
How Much Real Estate Commission Do Home Sellers Pay?
In Ontario, the typical real estate commission rate is 5% of the final sale price of the property. This commission is usually divided equally between the seller’s real estate broker or agent and the buyer’s agent, with each receiving 2.5%.
Companies, such as Modern Solution Realty can also offer an alternative that is even better than other brokerages in Ontario as they offer an enticing total 2% commission ! This means 1% to the selling agent and 1% to the buying agent. This way you minimise the total you pay when you sell your property! You may find out more information by checking out their selling process
It’s important to note that the seller is also responsible for paying HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) on the real estate commission, which is added on top of the commission amount.
How Much Have Real Estate Commission Increased?
There has been outrage by a large number of the public over how much real estate commissions have increased over the past decade.
In fact, according to reports, “a brokerage representing a buyer in the Greater Toronto Area earned about $8,795 on the average single-family home in 2005, but in December 2021, that commission increased to about $36,230, which is four times more, while median household income only increased by 14% during the same period.”
This has resulted in various lawsuits, including one on behalf of Toronto resident Mark Sunderland, that alleges that some of Canada’s largest brokerages, including ReMax, Century 21, and IproRealty Ltd., as well as real estate associations, conspired to fix, maintain, increase, or control the price for buyer brokerage services in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area).
The lawsuit focuses on the buyer brokerage commission rule, which forces sellers to pay the commission of the buyer’s real estate brokerage. This practice is said to thwart competition in the market by pushing sellers to pay for something they wouldn’t otherwise pay for, effectively negating the ability to negotiate the price or quality of the service.
Do Homebuyers Pay Real Estate Commissions?
Typically, homebuyers do not directly pay real estate commissions. The commissions are primarily paid by the seller as part of the transaction. The seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent agree on the commission split, which is usually a percentage of the final sale price of the property.
The seller pays the agreed-upon commission, and it is typically divided between the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent. In some cases, the commission paid by the seller’s agent may indirectly affect the overall price of the property, but it is not a separate, direct cost borne by the buyer.
Is Real Estate Commission Fees Negotiable?
Yes, real estate commissions are negotiable. The specific commission rate can be subject to negotiation between the seller and their real estate agent. While there is typically a standard commission percentage in a given market, it is not set in stone.
Sellers can discuss and negotiate the commission rate with their agent based on factors such as the property’s value, local market conditions, the level of services provided, and the agent’s experience.
It’s important for sellers to have open and transparent communication with their agent to determine a commission rate that aligns with their needs and expectations.
What is Double-ending? Is it Legal in Ontario?
Double-ending, also known as dual agency, refers to a situation in real estate where a single agent or real estate brokerage represents both the buyer and the seller in a transaction. In other words, the agent or brokerage acts as a mediator between the two parties involved in the sale.
In Ontario, double-ending is legal, but there are specific rules and regulations in place to ensure transparency and protect the interests of both the buyer and the seller. The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) and Canadian real estate association has established guidelines to govern double-ending transactions.
According to these guidelines, the agent or brokerage must obtain informed written consent from both the buyer and the seller before proceeding with dual agency representation. The agent must disclose the potential conflicts of interest and explain the implications of dual agency to both parties.
It’s worth noting that some real estate professionals prefer to avoid double-ending situations altogether in order to maintain clear and separate representation for buyers and sellers. However, if both parties provide informed consent, double-ending can occur within the legal framework in Ontario.
Benefits of Double-Ending to the Buyers
When it comes to double-ending in real estate transactions, there can be potential benefits for buyers. Here are a few advantages that buyers may experience in a double-ending scenario:
- Efficient and Convenient Process: Working with a single agent who represents both the buyer and the seller can make the process more streamlined and convenient.
- Access to Information: As the dual agent represents both parties, buyers may have access to more comprehensive information about the property and the seller’s motivations.
- Strong Understanding of the Property: The dual agent, having represented the seller as well, may have an in-depth understanding of the property’s history, condition, and unique features.
- Potential for Negotiation Leverage: In some cases, a dual agent may have a better grasp of the seller’s desired outcome and pricing expectations.
Despite these potential benefits, it’s crucial for buyers to be aware of the potential conflicts of interest and limitations associated with dual agency. Loyalty and impartiality can be compromised, confidential information may impact negotiations, and information asymmetry can arise.
Conclusion
The world of real estate commission in Ontario, Canada may seem complex, but with the right knowledge and understanding, buyers and sellers can navigate it successfully.
Real estate agent fees are negotiable, and it is important for sellers to have open discussions with their agents to determine a fair rate. While double-ending is legal, buyers should carefully consider the potential conflicts of interest involved. Transparency and communication are essential throughout the process.
By being informed and proactive, individuals can make confident decisions and ensure a rewarding real estate experience in Ontario.
