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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
