Quick Answer
If you’re selling a $500,000 home in Calgary, a traditional-style commission example using 7% on the first $100,000 and 3% on the balance would be $19,000 before GST. 2% Realty commonly charges a total 2% commission, typically split as 1% for the listing side and 1% for the buyer or cooperating brokerage side, subject to the written agreement and any negotiated offer terms. On a $500,000 sale, that would be $10,000 before GST, creating an estimated commission difference of about $9,000 before GST and other selling costs.
If you’re selling a home in Calgary, one of the biggest costs to understand is Calgary realtor fees. Commission can have a major effect on your net proceeds, especially as home prices increase.
This guide explains how real estate commission in Calgary works, why the traditional 7/3 structure exists, how 2% Realty compares, and how sellers can make an informed decision that protects more of their equity.
What Are Realtor Fees in Calgary?
Calgary realtor fees are the commission paid to real estate brokerages when a home is sold. In Alberta, there is no standard or legally mandated commission rate. All real estate commissions are negotiable between the seller and their chosen brokerage.
The most commonly referenced traditional structure in Calgary is known as the 7/3 split:
- 7% on the first $100,000 of the sale price
- 3% on the remaining balance
The Traditional 7/3 Commission Structure
On a $500,000 home sale using the 7/3 model:
- $100,000 × 7% = $7,000
- $400,000 × 3% = $12,000
- Total commission: $19,000 before GST
This total is typically split between the listing brokerage representing the seller and the buyer or cooperating brokerage. In this example, each side would receive approximately $9,500 before GST treatment, internal brokerage splits, and other brokerage-level fees.
How Calgary Realtor Fees Are Split
Commission is paid to brokerages, not directly to individual agents. The seller usually pays the total commission to the listing brokerage at closing from the sale proceeds. The listing brokerage then shares the cooperating brokerage portion according to the terms in the listing agreement and final transaction documents.
After the brokerages receive their portions, each brokerage pays its respective agents according to internal agreements. GST and written agreement terms may affect final costs, so always review your listing agreement carefully before signing.
Who Pays Realtor Fees in Alberta?
In most Alberta resale transactions, the seller pays the commission from the sale proceeds. The seller agrees to a commission structure in the listing agreement, and that structure can include compensation for both the listing brokerage and the buyer or cooperating brokerage.
Buyers should still review their own representation agreements carefully. Some buyer agreements may explain what happens if the compensation offered by the seller does not match what the buyer’s agent expects.
Why Do Most Calgary Sellers Pay 7/3?
The 7/3 structure is not a legal requirement. It is an industry convention that has been used for many years.
Many sellers accept it because it is familiar. But familiar does not mean mandatory, and it does not always mean it is the best fit for every seller.
Calgary realtor commission structures can vary, and sellers who understand their options may be able to reduce costs without sacrificing service, marketing, MLS® exposure, or professional representation.
The 2% Realty Alternative
An alternative to the traditional 7/3 model is the 2% Realty commission structure. Under this model, 2% Realty commonly charges a total 2% commission on the final sale price, typically split as 1% for the listing side and 1% for the buyer or cooperating brokerage side, subject to the written agreement and any negotiated offer terms.
Using the same $500,000 home example:
- $500,000 × 2% = $10,000 total commission before GST
- Estimated commission difference: $9,000 before GST and other selling costs
Find Your Calgary Group operates under 2% Realty Calgary, a brokerage model that offers lower total commission while maintaining full-service real estate representation, full MLS® exposure, professional marketing, pricing strategy, negotiation support, and transaction coordination.
This is not a limited-service or MLS-only model. It is a full-service, reduced-fee model designed to help sellers keep more of their equity while still receiving professional representation.
For a detailed fee breakdown, read 2 Percent Realty Fees and Commission Calgary. You can also estimate potential differences with the Realtor Fees Calculator Calgary.
How 2% Commission Works in Calgary
Properties listed with 2% Realty receive full MLS® exposure and REALTOR.ca visibility, just like other professionally listed properties. The lower total commission does not remove the listing from the real estate system used by buyers and cooperating brokerages.
The primary difference is the commission structure, not the platform exposure or the level of service provided.
Will Buyer Agents Show My 2% Realty Listing?
Yes. Buyer agents will show your property. 2% Realty listings receive full MLS® exposure and are available to cooperating brokerages, just like other professionally listed homes.
Over 90% of 2% Realty listings are sold through cooperating brokerages, and the company receives thousands of showing requests every year.
In 2025, 2% Realty sold homes faster and at a better price than the Calgary Real Estate Board average, based on analysis across 26,451 MLS® transactions.
If a buyer’s agent requests a different commission amount during negotiations, the seller stays in control. The seller can review the full offer, including price, conditions, possession date, deposit, and overall terms, then decide whether that request is worth accepting, rejecting, or countering.
For a dedicated explanation, read Do Other Realtors Show 2 Percent Realty Listings?.
Do I Get Less Service with 2% Realty Calgary?
No. A 2% Realty Calgary listing includes full-service representation. Sellers receive the core services needed to properly prepare, market, negotiate, and complete a sale.
- Full MLS® exposure
- REALTOR.ca visibility
- Professional listing presentation
- Pricing strategy and market analysis
- Negotiation and transaction management
- Marketing coordination
- Buyer-agent cooperation strategy
- Paperwork and closing coordination
The difference is in the business model, not the service level. 2% Realty is Alberta-based, uses technology to reduce overhead, and avoids expensive brand-franchise costs. The savings come from a more efficient business model, not from cutting service.
For more detail, see Is 2 Realty Full Service?.
No Hidden Fees, Short Agreements, and 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
2% Realty Find Your Calgary Group has no hidden fees. The commission structure is explained upfront, and sellers receive a clear breakdown before signing. GST and standard seller costs such as legal fees, mortgage payout costs, repairs, moving costs, and adjustments may still apply.
2% Realty Find Your Calgary Group also takes care of the upfront marketing costs needed to properly present your home. Our listing agreements are short in duration, include a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and if we cannot sell your home, you owe us nothing.
Real Savings at Common Calgary Price Points
| Selling Price Price | Traditional 7/3 Fee 7/3 Fee | 2% Realty Fee 2% Fee | Potential Savings Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | $13,000 | $6,000 | $7,000 |
| $400,000 | $16,000 | $8,000 | $8,000 |
| $500,000 | $19,000 | $10,000 | $9,000 |
| $600,000 | $22,000 | $12,000 | $10,000 |
| $700,000 | $25,000 | $14,000 | $11,000 |
| $800,000 | $28,000 | $16,000 | $12,000 |
| $900,000 | $31,000 | $18,000 | $13,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $34,000 | $20,000 | $14,000 |
Examples are for illustration only. All real estate fees are negotiable. GST, agreed buyer-agent compensation, property price, and written service terms may affect final selling costs.
At higher price points, the savings can become more substantial. On an $800,000 home, the estimated difference between the traditional-style 7/3 model and a total 2% commission example is about $12,000 before GST and any negotiated adjustments.
How to Negotiate Realtor Fees in Calgary
Even if you are working with a traditional brokerage, Calgary realtor fees are negotiable. Sellers should compare fee structure, service level, marketing plan, experience, and estimated net proceeds before signing.
1. Shop Around and Compare Offers
Interview more than one agent or brokerage before making a decision. Ask each one to clearly outline their commission structure, what services are included, how buyer or cooperating brokerage compensation is handled, and what results they have achieved for similar properties.
2. Understand What Services You Are Paying For
Not all realtors offer the same level of service. Some include professional photography, detailed pricing strategy, strong listing presentation, and proactive marketing. Others may offer more basic support while charging higher rates.
Make sure the commission aligns with the value being delivered.
3. Compare Net Proceeds, Not Just Commission
The goal is not only to pay less. The goal is to keep more after the sale. Compare your estimated sale price, commission, GST, legal fees, mortgage payout costs, buyer/cooperating brokerage compensation, and other selling expenses.
If you want a clear starting point, request a free Calgary home evaluation and commission breakdown.
Understanding Buyer Representation Fees in Alberta
While this guide focuses primarily on sellers, both buyers and sellers should understand how buyer representation works in Alberta.
How Buyer Agreements Affect Commission
When a buyer hires a real estate agent, they may sign a buyer representation agreement. This agreement outlines the services the agent will provide and the compensation the agent expects to receive.
In many resale transactions, the buyer’s brokerage is compensated from the commission structure agreed to by the seller in the listing agreement. However, if the compensation offered in the listing is less than what the buyer’s agreement requires, the buyer may need to review whether they are responsible for any difference.
What Buyers Should Know About Realtor Fees
Buyers should carefully review their representation agreements to understand:
- What compensation their agent expects
- Whether they could be responsible for any portion of the fee
- How commission may affect negotiation strategy
Transparency benefits everyone. Buyers who understand commission structures can make more informed decisions, and sellers who structure their listings strategically can attract serious buyers without overpaying on commission.
Total Cost to Sell a Home in Calgary
Calgary realtor commission is often the largest cost when selling a home, but it is not the only expense. Sellers should also budget for other costs that may apply.
Beyond Commission: Legal, Mortgage, and Moving Costs
- Legal fees: vary depending on the lawyer and transaction complexity.
- Mortgage discharge penalties: vary by lender and mortgage terms, especially if breaking a fixed-rate term early.
- Property tax adjustments: prorated based on possession date.
- Moving costs: vary depending on distance, volume, and service level.
- Repairs or staging: optional and dependent on property condition and seller goals.
When calculating your net proceeds, factor in all applicable costs. A lower Calgary realtor commission structure can directly increase the amount you walk away with at closing, but it should still be paired with strong pricing, marketing, negotiation, and transaction support.
Want to see what you may net from your sale? Get a free home evaluation and personalized cost breakdown.
FAQ: Calgary Realtor Fees
How much do realtors charge in Calgary?
There is no standard rate. A common traditional Calgary realtor commission structure is 7% on the first $100,000 and 3% on the remaining balance. 2% Realty Calgary commonly charges a total 2% commission, typically split as 1% for the listing side and 1% for the buyer or cooperating brokerage side, subject to the written agreement and any negotiated offer terms. All fees are negotiable.
Can I negotiate realtor fees in Calgary?
Yes. Commission is negotiable in Alberta. Sellers can compare brokerages, discuss service levels, and choose the structure that makes the most sense for their situation.
Who pays the buyer’s agent commission?
In most Calgary resale transactions, the seller pays the total commission from the sale proceeds. That total can include compensation for both the listing brokerage and the buyer or cooperating brokerage, according to the listing agreement and final transaction terms.
What is included in realtor fees?
Realtor fees can cover marketing, MLS® listing exposure, professional photography, negotiations, transaction coordination, paperwork guidance, and administrative support. The exact services vary by brokerage, so confirm what is included before signing. Higher fees do not necessarily mean better service.
Are 2% Realty services the same as traditional brokerages?
2% Realty Calgary offers full-service representation, full MLS® exposure, professional marketing, negotiation support, and transaction management. The business model is different, but the service level is designed to meet or exceed what sellers expect from a traditional brokerage.
Will agents show my home if I list with 2% Realty?
Yes. Buyer agents will show your property. 2% Realty listings receive full MLS® exposure and are available to cooperating brokerages. Over 90% of 2% Realty listings are sold through cooperating brokerages, and the company receives thousands of showing requests every year. In 2025, 2% Realty sold homes faster and at a better price than the Calgary Real Estate Board average, based on analysis across 26,451 MLS® transactions.
How do buyer representation agreements work in Alberta?
Buyer representation agreements outline the services a buyer’s agent provides and the compensation they expect. This compensation is often paid through the seller’s listing agreement, but buyers should review their agreements carefully to understand any potential financial responsibility.
What are the other costs when selling a home in Calgary?
Beyond commission, sellers may need to account for GST, legal fees, mortgage discharge costs, property tax adjustments, moving expenses, and optional costs such as staging or repairs.
Final Thoughts: Transparency Saves You Money
Understanding Calgary realtor fees is one of the most important steps in preparing to sell your home. The traditional 7/3 commission structure is not a legal requirement. It is a convention, and sellers have options.
At Find Your Calgary Group, we believe in leading with transparency. Our 2% Realty Calgary model is designed to maximize your net proceeds without compromising on service, exposure, or results.
Whether you are ready to list or just starting your research, we are here to answer your questions and help you make the most informed decision for your situation.
For related reading, explore:
- How Does 2 Percent Realty Work in Calgary?
- 2 Percent Realty Fees and Commission Calgary
- Realtor Fees Calculator Calgary
- Discount Realtor Calgary
- Flat Fee Realtor Calgary vs 2% Realty
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Commission structures, market conditions, and regulations may change. Consult with a licensed real estate professional and legal advisor for guidance specific to your situation. REALTOR® is a trademark of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) in Canada.
Get a free, no-obligation home evaluation based on the latest Calgary market data.