💰 How Much Do I Need To Sell My Calgary Home For To Keep What I Want To Keep?

Smart sellers start with their net — the amount they keep after commissions and closing costs. Here’s the easiest way to reverse-engineer the most common Calgary commission structure, 7% on the first $100K, 3% on the balance, plus GST. (We simplify that to 3% on the total sale price plus $4,000 to create the simple formula below)

(Seller Net + $4,200) ÷ 0.9685 = Your Required Sale Price

Why those weird numbers?
The $4,200 represents the fixed portion of commission + GST on the first $100K
The 0.9685 is the share of the remaining balance the seller keeps after a 3% commission + GST

📌 Example

You want to net $500,000 in your pocket.

Plug it in: ($500,000 + $4,200) ÷ 0.9685 ≈ $520,250

✅ You must sell for about $520,250
💵 That nets you $500,000
🧮 Commission + GST would be $20,250

Another Example:

You want to net $800,000?  ($800,000 + $4,200) ÷ 0.9685 ≈ $829,326

✅ Sell for ≈ $829,326 to walk away with $800,000

Commissions Are Negotiable - Let’s Have a Real Conversation

In Alberta, real estate commissions are 100% negotiable. There’s no set rate. It’s simply an agreement between you and me your Realtor. When you work with me, we talk openly about the services you need, the work required to get your home sold, and the results you expect. If you want to negotiate, tell me your goals and I’ll show you the strategies, marketing, and time investment that protect your bottom line and help you net the most money possible. No games, no pressure - just straight-up value for value.

📩 Contact me anytime at and let’s build a plan that works for you.

If you’ve been watching Calgary’s condo market climb over the past few years, you’ve probably wondered — is there anywhere left in this city where a buyer can still find a deal? The answer is yes.

Based on MLS® data from the past 12 months, these 10 Calgary communities offered some of the lowest average sold prices for apartment-style condos — and not just the odd one-off sale. Each community also saw a healthy number of transactions, proving there’s still real activity at the entry level.

1. $174,000 Forest Lawn

2. $192,000 Banff Trail

3. $202,000 Greenview

4. $208,000 Chinook Park

5. $208,000 Penbrooke Meadows

6. $210,000 Thorncliffe

7. $214,000 Bowness

8. $219,000 Canyon Meadows

9. $221,000 Southwood

10. $223,000 Rosscarrock
    

What These Numbers Tell Us

Each of these communities has its own character and advantages — but they share one thing in common: affordability with upside.

• Forest Lawn continues to be Calgary’s value leader. For buyers willing to look past reputation and focus on fundamentals, this area offers some of the best cash-flow potential in the city.

• Banff Trail and Chinook Park surprise many people by showing up on this list — proximity to the University of Calgary and Chinook Centre makes these pockets interesting for students, staff, and investors alike.

• Bowness and Canyon Meadows bring lifestyle value — near parks, transit, and established amenities — all while staying within reach of first-time buyers.

• Communities like Southwood, Rosscarrock, and Thorncliffe often attract renovators and smart investors looking for older buildings in strong, central locations.

📈 Why It Matters

Condos remain the gateway into Calgary real estate ownership, especially with detached and semi-detached homes now averaging well north of $700,000.
In a market where affordability is tightening, condos in these 10 communities continue to provide options for:

• First-time buyers priced out of other segments

• Downsizers looking to cash out equity but stay in Calgary

• Investors who want low maintenance and strong rental demand

With population growth and in-migration still fueling Calgary’s housing demand, today’s affordable condo could be tomorrow’s smart investment.

🤝 Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to get started in real estate ownership — or add a solid rental to your portfolio — these communities are where the smart money’s quietly moving in.

As always, I can help you dig deeper into each area’s current listings, building histories, condo fees, and rental potential before you write an offer.

Questions People Ask About Calgary Alberta Realtor® Fees and Commissions

Q: Can I sell my house in Calgary on MLS® and pay no Realtor® fees?

A: No. There are always some fees to pay.

Q: How are Realtor® fees calculated in Alberta?

A: The most common structure is 7% on the first $100,000 and 3% on the balance of the sale price.

Q: Does the buyer pay a Realtor® commission in Alberta?

A: Indirectly, yes. Commissions are usually built into the sale price.

Q: Who pays the Realtor® fee — the home buyer or the home seller?

A: The seller pays the Realtor® fees out of the sale proceeds.

Q: Why are Calgary real estate commissions so high?

A: Real estate is a business. No business works for free.

Q: Are 1% and 2% realty companies legit?

A: Yes — but “legit” doesn’t always mean “better.” The quality depends on the Realtor®, not the brand.

Q: Which Calgary real estate company has the lowest commissions?

A: None of them set commissions. Individual Realtors® negotiate their own fees.

Q: Are CIR Realty and eXp Realty discount brokerages?

A: Both have Realtors® who offer discounts and others who don’t. It depends on the individual agent.

Q: Are RE/MAX commissions worth it?

A: RE/MAX doesn’t set commissions — Realtors® do.

Q: How are Realtor® commissions calculated?

A: They can be a flat rate, a percentage of the sale price, or a mix of both. Commissions are always negotiable.

Q: Can you negotiate your Realtor®’s commission?

A: Absolutely.

Q: How much are closing costs in Alberta?

A: Set aside around $1,800 plus GST for legal fees and you should be fine.

Q: Is there GST on Realtor® fees in Alberta?

A: Yes, GST applies to the fees — but not to the price of a resale home.

Q: Does the buyer pay Realtor® fees in Canada?

A: Yes — indirectly, because fees are included in the selling price.

Q: How much are lawyer fees when buying a Calgary home?

A: They vary, but usually involve a flat fee plus disbursements.

Q: What percentage do most Realtors® charge?

A: Commissions are negotiable. In Calgary, 7% and 3% is the most common structure.

Q: Are commissions paid on the gross or net sale price?

A: Gross sale price.

Q: How are commission disputes solved?

A: Usually between the Realtor® and their brokerage.

Q: How do Calgary Realtor® commissions work?

A: Very well, in my experience.

Q: Do Realtors® keep 100% of their commissions?

A: No. They split commissions with their brokerage, and also pay fees, taxes, and expenses.

Q: Is it against the law to have fixed Realtor® fees and commissions in Calgary?

A: Yes. Fees are always negotiable between Calgary home sellers, buyers, and Realtors®.

The Truth About Realtor® Fees in Calgary

Every home listed on the Alberta MLS® System includes Realtor® commissions plus GST — whether it’s 1%, 2%, 7% and 3%, or any other arrangement.

There’s no standard rate in Calgary or anywhere in Alberta.
Brands like RE/MAX, Century 21, Royal LePage, CIR Realty, eXp Realty, Sotheby’s, and 1% or 2% Realty are prohibited by law from fixing commission rates.

Each Realtor® negotiates their own deal.
Some are flexible, others aren’t. Some follow scripts from pricey coaching programs that teach them how to “protect commissions.” You’ll hear the same lines about “If I don’t defend my commission, I won’t defend your price.”

Here’s the bottom line:
✅ All Realtor® commissions in Calgary are negotiable.
✅ The brand means nothing — results and relationships mean everything.
✅ Calgary home prices drive the market, not slogans or percentages.

Talk to Someone Who Tells It Like It Is

If you want the truth about Calgary Realtor® fees and commissions, I’m your guy.

Jerry Charlton
📞 403-831-0842
📧 Jerry@JerryCharlton.com
Calgary Realtor® – eXp Realty

When you list your home with me, you can count on loyalty, honesty, full service, and complete transparency — every step of the way.
And if no other agent is involved in the successful sale of your home, you keep half the commission!

💰 My Commission Structure

• 7% on the first $100,000

• 3% on the balance of the sale price

💼 We Cover the Cost of the Essentials

You pay nothing upfront. I invest in your success by covering the key listing costs:

• High-quality professional photography

• Accurate property measurements

• MLS® listing and associated fees

• Online marketing & advertising

• “For Sale” sign and secure lockbox installation

Extras like drone photography, home staging, and custom video tours are available and negotiable.

🤝 My No Double-Ending Policy

• If a buyer comes directly without a Realtor, you receive half of the total commission.

• I never double-end a transaction. The buyer is unrepresented — I assist with paperwork only.

• My loyalty is never compromised. You get my full commitment, expert negotiation, and protection from start to finish.

Every year, thousands of people dream of becoming a real estate agent in Calgary. The promise of flexible hours, high commissions, and an exciting industry full of possibilities seems like an irresistible career path. But before you jump in, let’s take a closer look at the reality of being a Realtor in Calgary—especially when it comes to the brutal imbalance between demand and supply.

The Hard Truth: More Realtors Than Deals

A quick glance at the latest data reveals a startling truth: the supply of real estate agents far exceeds the number of actual sales happening in the market. Take a look at these numbers:

• As of early 2025, Calgary has 8,528 Realtors, including 8,229 associates and 299 brokers.

• In December 2024, only 1,319 homes were sold in Calgary.

• Even in peak months like May and June, the number of transactions barely exceeds 3,000.

This means that, on average, a vast majority of Realtors aren’t closing deals every month. If every Realtor were to get an equal share of the market (which they don’t), the numbers would still be incredibly discouraging. The reality? A small percentage of top producers dominate the market, while many agents struggle to get even a few sales per year.

The Hidden Costs of Being a Realtor

Beyond the scarcity of sales, being a Realtor comes with a host of ongoing expenses:

• Brokerage Fees – Many brokerages charge monthly desk fees, transaction fees, and other costs that don’t go away even if you’re not making sales.

• Industry Memberships – You’ll be paying annual fees to the real estate board, CREA, and other required associations.

• Marketing Expenses – Websites, business cards, social media ads, signs, and professional photography all add up.

• Education & Licensing – Initial training and ongoing professional development come with hefty price tags.

• No Steady Paycheck – Unlike a salaried job, real estate income is commission-based, meaning months with no deals mean months with no income.

The Industry's Real Business Model: Recruitment

You’d think the real estate industry would focus on helping existing agents succeed, but instead, the real money is in recruitment. Brokerages and real estate boards rely on a constant influx of new agents to sustain their revenue model. Why?

• Brokerages thrive on monthly fees – Even if an agent isn’t selling, their brokerage is still collecting fees.

• Industry associations profit from annual dues – More members mean more revenue, regardless of whether those members are making money.

This creates a cycle where new agents are constantly lured in with promises of success, only to discover that making a sustainable income is far harder than they were led to believe.

So, You Still Want to Be a Realtor?

If you’re thinking about becoming a Realtor in Calgary, take a hard look at the numbers and realities of the industry. It’s not just about selling homes—it’s about competing in an oversaturated market, managing high costs, and enduring the stress of unpredictable income.

For those who are business-savvy, relentless, and willing to put in the work, there is potential for success. But for many, the dream of real estate quickly turns into a financial and emotional drain.

Before you take the plunge, ask yourself: Do I want to sell homes, or am I just being sold on a dream?

As we welcome the warmth of spring in Calgary, the real estate market is showing signs of renewed activity. In this article, we'll delve into the current state of the market, exploring trends, statistics, and expert insights to help you make informed decisions.

Market Overview

The Calgary real estate market has experienced a steady recovery since the pandemic. According to the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB), April 2024 saw a 12% increase in sales compared to the same period last year. This growth is largely driven by the detached home sector, which accounts for over 60% of total sales.

Detached Homes

The detached home market is leading the charge, with a 13% year-over-year increase in sales. The benchmark price for detached homes rose 1.3% month-over-month to $749,000, and 13% year-over-year. This growth can be attributed to increased demand, particularly in the $500,000 to $1,000,000 price range.

Semi-Detached and Row Homes

Semi-detached and row home sales have also seen a significant uptick, with a 15% year-over-year increase. The benchmark price for semi-detached homes rose 1.5% month-over-month to $520,000, and 10% year-over-year. Row home prices saw a 1.2% month-over-month increase to $430,000, and a 9% year-over-year increase.

Condominiums

The condominium market is slowly gaining momentum, with a 5% year-over-year increase in sales. The benchmark price for condominiums remained stable, with a 0.5% month-over-month decrease to $270,000, but a 3% year-over-year increase.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Beltline and Downtown

The Beltline and Downtown areas are experiencing a surge in popularity, driven by the demand for inner-city living and proximity to amenities. Sales in these areas have increased by 20% year-over-year, with the benchmark price for detached homes rising 15% to $1,200,000, and condominium prices increasing 5% to $400,000.

Expert Insights

"Calgary's real estate market is showing promising signs of growth, particularly in the detached home sector," says Jerry Charlton, a seasoned real estate agent with years of experience in the Calgary market. "As the economy continues to recover, we expect to see increased demand and prices stabilizing. It's an excellent time for buyers to explore their options and for sellers to capitalize on the growing market."

What's Next?

As we move into the summer months, we anticipate the market to remain active, with continued growth in the detached home sector. Interest rates are expected to remain stable, making it an attractive time for buyers to enter the market. Sellers, on the other hand, should consider pricing their properties competitively to attract potential buyers.

Conclusion

The Calgary real estate market is poised for a strong summer season, driven by the detached home sector and growing demand in popular neighborhoods like Beltline and Downtown. Whether you're a buyer or seller, it's essential to stay informed and adapt to the changing market conditions. Contact Jerry Charlton and his team to navigate the market with confidence and expertise.

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Get in Touch

Contact Jerry Charlton and his team to discuss your real estate needs and goals. Call (403) 123-4567 or email jerry@jerrycharlton.com to schedule a consultation today!