The percentage is not fixed by law
Each seller and brokerage agree on the fee and services in the listing agreement. A comparison should separate the listing brokerage’s fee from any amount offered to a cooperating brokerage, then account for HST.
Compare deliverables, not promises
Ask how pricing will be supported, who pays for photography, where the property will be marketed, who handles showings and feedback, how offers will be reviewed, and who remains responsible through closing. Confirm the answers in writing.
A lower fee can come from lower overhead
A percentage does not automatically measure effort or exposure. Business structure, team splits, franchise expenses and marketing choices can influence what an agent charges. The Fourcities model uses a leaner 1% listing-side fee while the property-specific plan is agreed before listing.
Keep the buyer side equal when comparing
The Fourcities calculator holds the buyer-agent example equal in both scenarios. That isolates the difference between a 3% and 1% listing-side example, instead of presenting savings created by changing two variables at once.
Run the commission comparison →