Commission is the most misunderstood part of the broker's job. The myth: “the broker takes 5% just to put up a sign.” The reality: the commission pays for a full service that usually includes more than 50 hours of specialized work, professional marketing tools and a qualified buyer network.
Typical rate in Quebec in 2026
Residential commission generally falls between 4% and 5% of the final sale price, plus applicable taxes. It is paid by the seller through the exclusive brokerage contract and is negotiable depending on the mandate. Since June 2022, a buyer may also owe a fee under their own buyer brokerage contract; in practice, this is usually covered in whole or in part by the fee split offered by the seller's listing broker.
Worked example: sale at $600,000
| Element | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross commission (5%) | 30 000 $ |
| + GST (5%) | 1 500 $ |
| + QST (9.975%) | 2 992 $ |
| Total payable | 34 492 $ |
How the commission is shared
In 92% of transactions, two brokers are involved:
LISTING BROKER
- Represents the seller
- ~50% of the gross commission
- Evaluation, marketing, negotiation
- Notary coordination
CO-OPERATING BROKER
- Brings the buyer
- ~50% of the gross commission
- Buyer support
- Offer-to-purchase management
Each broker then passes on part to their banner and agency. The net income the listing broker's share of a $30,000 commission is around $9,000-12,000.
What's included in my commission
- Comparative evaluation before listing (48 h report)
- 4K HDR photos, drone video, 2D floor plan, 360° virtual tour
- Centris listing + international RE/MAX network
- Social campaign (Facebook + Instagram + LinkedIn) with ad budget
- Brochure printed on site
- Pre-marketing to a network of active North Shore buyers
- Full management of showings and structured feedback
- Negotiation of all offers and counter-offers
- Inspection, financing, notary coordination
- Presence at the notary's on signing day
What's negotiable
The overall rate
Depending on the property price. Sales above $1M are often at 3-4%.
The split with the co-operating broker
Determines how motivated other brokers are to bring their buyers to your home.
The term of the mandate
3, 6 or 12 months depending on the context. Variable exclusivity clauses.
My approach. I always propose the structure that maximizes your net price, not the one that maximizes my commission. Sometimes that means raising the co-broke split to mobilize more buyer agents.
FAQ — commission
Can I sell without a broker to save money?
You can. For-sale-by-owner (FSBO) remains a legal option. It does, however, mean managing the marketing, the showings, qualifying buyers, drafting offers, counter-offers, the inspection, notarial coordination and financing timelines. My role is to take all of that on and structure a pricing strategy that maximizes your net price after commission — let's talk to see whether my added value fits your situation.
What if my house doesn't sell — do I still pay?
No. The commission is paid only at the signing of the deed of sale. If nothing sells, you owe nothing.
Can I negotiate a staged commission?
Yes — it's advisable in certain cases. Book an appointment to discuss it.