The short answer
There is no single mandatory realtor commission in Cambridge, Kitchener or Waterloo. Fees are negotiated. FourCities charges 1% on the listing side. Any compensation offered to a brokerage representing the buyer is separate and negotiable.
To compare two proposals fairly, hold the buyer-agent amount equal and compare only the listing-side fees, HST and included services.
Commission example on an $800,000 home
$24,000
Listing-side commission before HST.
$8,000
Listing-side commission before HST.
$18,080
Estimated difference after 13% HST. Buyer-agent compensation is unchanged.
This is an illustration, not a claim that every brokerage charges 3%. Enter your own expected price and fee assumptions for a property-specific comparison.
Calculate commission savings on my home →What to compare before choosing a listing agent
Separate the two sides. Confirm the listing-brokerage fee and any proposed cooperating-brokerage amount rather than relying on a combined headline number.
Add HST. A before-tax percentage does not show the full commission expense. The FourCities calculator adds 13% HST to both examples.
Compare the selling plan. Ask how pricing, preparation, professional marketing, MLS® exposure, showings, offer analysis and negotiation will be handled.
Compare estimated net proceeds. Commission is only one selling cost. Include the mortgage payout, legal work, preparation, moving and relevant closing adjustments.
Frequently asked commission questions
What are realtor commissions in Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo?
Real estate commissions are negotiable and are not set by law. A fee agreement may include a listing-brokerage fee and a separate amount offered to a cooperating brokerage representing a buyer. FourCities charges a 1% listing-side fee; any buyer-agent compensation is separate and negotiable.
How much can a seller save with a 1% listing fee?
Using an $800,000 sale price, a 3% listing-side example is $24,000 and a 1% listing-side fee is $8,000. The difference is $16,000 before HST, or $18,080 when 13% HST on those fees is included. Any buyer-agent amount is kept identical in both examples.
Does the FourCities 1% fee include the buyer's agent?
No. The 1% is the FourCities listing-side fee. Any cooperating-brokerage commission is separate, negotiable and confirmed in the listing agreement.
Is HST charged on real estate commission in Ontario?
The FourCities calculator applies 13% HST to the commission assumptions so sellers can compare the estimated after-tax difference.
Does a lower listing fee mean fewer selling services?
The FourCities selling plan can include pricing and positioning, preparation guidance, professional marketing, MLS® exposure, showing coordination, offer analysis, negotiation and transaction support. Property-specific services are confirmed before signing.