Realtor® Fees in Ottawa -
Matthäus Group
We've compiled this commission and fee guide for you. When you are working with a REALTOR®, there could be fees and commissions involved. We want to help bring clarity to what you could expect selling your home could cost so take a look at the REALTOR® Fee Calculator below. Quick side not before you keep reading, if you are a buyer, you are not responsible for paying the commission, the seller is!
One of the biggest questions we have as agents is, “How much are REALTOR® fees when selling your home?” As much as we’d love to give you a straightforward answer, the reality is—it depends. Not all agents charge the same fees, and more importantly, not all agents provide the same level of service for the fees they do charge. There’s no set commission rate across the board.
Think of it like this: Two REALTORS® may offer the same core service—helping you sell your home—but what’s included in that service, how they market your property, their negotiation skills, and the overall experience they provide can vary significantly.
That’s why it’s important to look beyond just the commission rate and ask the right questions. What’s included in their service? Do they offer professional photography, staging advice, or a strong marketing plan? How experienced are they in negotiating the best possible price?
It’s not about one agent being better than another—it’s about finding the right fit for your specific needs and goals. Some sellers may prioritize saving on commission, while others may focus on maximizing their sale price with a more comprehensive marketing strategy.
At the end of the day, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. So when interviewing REALTORS®, don’t just ask about the fees—ask about the value they bring to the table.
Average REALTOR® Fees
There is no average or set fees for a REALTOR® in Ontario. Commissions do range based typically on what the agent is providing as a service to the client and is negotiable. A general rule of thumb is more work you as the homeowner are doing the less you should potentially pay. This is something that you should discuss upfront prior to signing any paperwork with your agent just so the duties and roles of everyone involved are outlined and clear.
How REALTOR® Fees Are Calculated
Unlike some provinces, Ontario does not have a set or regulated commission structure, meaning fees can vary between agents and brokerages. However, the most typical structure you’ll see is a flat percentage of the final sale price rather than a tiered or split-rate system.
Let’s break this down with an example. Suppose your home sells for $550,000 and your listing agreement states a 5% total commission. The commission is calculated as follows:
$550,000 x 5% = $27,500
This total commission is then split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent—typically on a 50/50 basis, but this can vary depending on the agreement.
Here's how the breakdown could look:
Listing Agent Commission: $13,750
Buyer’s Agent Commission: $13,750
Note: HST (13%) is applied to real estate commissions in Ontario, so the final cost will be slightly higher.
The seller is responsible for paying the total commission out of the proceeds from the sale. The commission is then distributed to the brokerages involved in the transaction.
Matthäus Group do things differently
When sellers ask, “How much do you charge?”, the typical answer you’ll hear is 5% split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. But here’s the problem—most agents charge that fee while doing the exact same thing as everyone else, which is not much and in many cases, with little to no results.
We don’t believe in charging more just because “that’s what everyone does.” Instead, we charge a lower commission of just 4.25%—but here’s the key difference: we focus our efforts on meeting the buyers where they are. Our marketing plan puts your hard earned dollar in a place where they make an actual difference.
If you want to know more about our proven process, just book a meeting - donuts are on us!
Book a coffee with one of our advisors.
We know that making a decision to work with a REALTOR® is a big decision. You need to ensure that who you are working with is going to work in your best effort and put you and your family's needs first.
You need someone who is available to bounce ideas around, able to show you homes last minute and has a plethora of knowledge in this industry.
We can assure you that everyone in our team are all of these things and much more.
We only work with the best of the best in our city to ensure an incredible home buying and selling experience for you.