ABOUT 2% REALTY

How Does 2 Percent Realty Work in Calgary?

How 2 Percent Realty works: fees, savings & service.

Erick Dillmann, Calgary REALTOR®
Written by Erick Dillmann 500+ Homes Sold   |   15+ Years Experience
Calgary Specialists
Talk to Erick

Quick Answer: How Does 2 Percent Realty Work?

If you are asking how does 2 Percent Realty work, the simple answer is; 2% Realty is a full-service real estate brokerage with full MLS® exposure, but with a more efficient commission structure. Instead of the traditional 7% on the first $100,000 and 3% on the balance, 2% Realty structures all listing agreements with a total 2% commission on the sale price, typically split as 1% for the listing side and 1% for the buyer or cooperating brokerage side. On a $500,000 sale, that would be $5,000 for the listing side and $5,000 for the buyer side, or $10,000 total before GST. If a buyer’s agent requests a different commission during negotiations, the seller stays in control and can decide whether the offer price, conditions, possession date, and overall terms make that request worth accepting. Even in a higher buyer-agent-fee scenario, the seller will save thousands compared with a traditional commission model. On a $500,000 sale, estimated savings may range from about $4,500 to $9,000, depending on the final written agreement.

2% Realty-Find Your Calgary Group takes care of the upfront marketing costs needed to properly present your home and our marketing exceeds that of our competition. Our listing agreements are short in duration, and if we cannot sell your home, you owe us nothing. 2% Realty listings receive full MLS® exposure, and over 90% of 2% Realty listings are sold through cooperating brokerages. The brokerage receives thousands of showing requests each 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.

The commission savings come from a more efficient business model, not from cutting service. 2% Realty is Alberta-based, uses technology to reduce overhead, and avoids expensive brand-franchise costs, allowing sellers to receive full-service real estate, full MLS® exposure, lower commission, and keep more equity from the sale.

How the 2% Commission Structure Works

2% Realty commonly charges a total 2% commission on the sale price. That total is typically explained as 1% for the listing side and 1% for the buyer or cooperating brokerage side, subject to the written listing agreement and any negotiated terms during the offer process.

The traditional Calgary commission structure is often described as 7% on the first $100,000 and 3% on the balance. By comparison, the 2% Realty model is designed to be simpler, lower, and more aligned with modern home values.

The typical 2% Realty structure is:

  • 1% listing-side commission: paid for listing, marketing, pricing, negotiation, and seller representation.
  • 1% buyer/cooperating brokerage commission: offered to the brokerage representing the buyer, subject to the listing agreement and any negotiated offer terms.

If a buyer’s agent requests a different amount during negotiations, the seller stays in control. The seller can review the full offer, including price, conditions, possession date, deposit, and commission request, then decide whether to accept, reject, or counter.

How Fees Are Handled in Alberta

In Alberta, commission terms are set out in the written listing agreement. The seller agrees to pay the listing brokerage, and the agreement can also address what may be offered to a cooperating brokerage representing the buyer.

At closing, commission is typically paid from the sale proceeds. The listing brokerage then pays any cooperating brokerage amount according to the agreement and final transaction terms. This is why it is important for sellers to understand the full commission structure before listing their home.

All real estate fees are negotiable and must be confirmed in writing. The examples in this article are for explanation only and should not be treated as a guaranteed fee, guaranteed savings amount, or guaranteed sale outcome.

Compare 2% Realty vs Traditional Commission

The chart below compares the traditional commission structure with the 2% Realty model. These examples are intended to help you understand the difference in fee structure before GST, legal fees, mortgage payout costs, repairs, staging, moving costs, or other selling expenses.

2% Realty vs Traditional Brokerage
Service Factor
2% Realty
Traditional Brokerage
Buyer agent cooperation
Full cooperation
Full cooperation
MLS® exposure
Full MLS® access
Full MLS® access
Professional marketing
Included
Included
Pricing strategy
Agent-guided
Agent-guided
Showing coordination
ShowingTime®
ShowingTime®
Offer negotiation
Professional support
Professional support
Paperwork support
Agent-guided
Agent-guided
Commission structure
2% of sale price
7% / 3% traditional model
Buyer agent cooperation
2% Realty
Full cooperation
Traditional
Full cooperation
MLS® exposure
2% Realty
Full MLS® access
Traditional
Full MLS® access
Professional marketing
2% Realty
Included
Traditional
Included
Pricing strategy
2% Realty
Agent-guided
Traditional
Agent-guided
Showing coordination
2% Realty
ShowingTime®
Traditional
ShowingTime®
Offer negotiation
2% Realty
Professional support
Traditional
Professional support
Paperwork support
2% Realty
Agent-guided
Traditional
Agent-guided
Commission structure
2% Realty
2% of sale price
Traditional
7% / 3% traditional model
Examples are for illustration only. Service terms, marketing scope, and commission arrangements may vary by agent and written service agreement.

Compare Our Rates

Use the comparison below to see how potential savings can change at different sale prices. The higher the sale price, the more important it becomes to understand what you are paying, what service is included, and how much equity you may keep after the sale.

Here’s What You Can Save
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.

Note: All real estate fees in Alberta are negotiable. Savings depend on the home’s sale price, the agreed fee structure, buyer/cooperating brokerage compensation, GST, and any negotiated terms in the final written agreement.

You can also use our Realtor Fees Calculator Calgary to estimate how different commission structures may affect your net proceeds.

What Is Included With 2% Realty?

A key part of how 2 Percent Realty works is that the lower commission does not mean limited service. The goal is full-service real estate with a more efficient fee structure.

Professional Marketing

  • Accurate pricing strategy and comparative market analysis
  • Professional photography and listing presentation
  • Full MLS® exposure
  • REALTOR.ca visibility
  • Online marketing and digital exposure
  • Showing strategy and buyer feedback review
  • Home preparation guidance before listing

Experienced Representation

  • Local Calgary market guidance
  • Offer review and negotiation support
  • Buyer-agent cooperation strategy
  • Condition and deadline management
  • Paperwork and transaction coordination
  • Support from listing through closing

Seller-Friendly Listing Terms

  • Upfront marketing costs handled by 2% Realty Find Your Calgary Group
  • Short-duration listing agreements
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee
  • No fee owed to us if we cannot sell your home
  • Clear commission breakdown before you list

For a deeper service comparison, read Is 2 Realty Full Service?

How 2 Percent Realty Saves Sellers Money

The savings come from a more efficient business model, not from cutting service. Home prices have increased substantially over the past few decades, but traditional percentage-based commission structures have not always changed in the same way. 2% Realty uses a lower commission model that better reflects today’s home values and modern marketing technology.

2% Realty is Alberta-based, uses technology to reduce overhead, and avoids expensive brand-franchise costs. That allows sellers to receive full-service real estate, full MLS® exposure, and professional representation while paying a lower commission.

For example, on a $500,000 sale, a total 2% commission would be $10,000 before GST. Under the traditional 7% on the first $100,000 and 3% on the balance structure, the commission example would be higher. Depending on the final written agreement and whether buyer-agent compensation is negotiated, the estimated savings on a $500,000 sale may range from about $4,500 to $9,000.

For a full breakdown, see 2 Percent Realty Fees and Commission Calgary.

Short Contract Terms + 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

2% Realty Find Your Calgary Group is confident in the service we provide, which is why our listing agreements are short in duration and backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You are not locked into a long-term listing agreement if the service does not meet expectations.

We also take care of the upfront marketing costs needed to properly present your home. If we cannot sell your home, you owe us nothing. This gives Calgary sellers a lower-risk way to test the market with professional marketing, full MLS® exposure, and experienced representation.

Do Other Realtors Show 2% Realty Listings?

Yes. 2% Realty listings receive full MLS® exposure and are available to cooperating brokerages. Buyer agents can find the listings, show the homes, and write offers just like they can with other MLS® listings.

Over 90% of 2% Realty listings are sold through cooperating brokerages, and the company receives thousands of showing requests each year. This is important because it shows that the 2% Realty model does not remove the listing from the wider real estate marketplace.

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. That supports the point that lower commission does not mean weaker exposure or weaker results.

How Buyer-Agent Compensation Works

2% Realty commonly explains its total 2% commission as 1% for the listing side and 1% for the buyer or cooperating brokerage side. However, buyer-agent compensation can become part of offer negotiations.

If a buyer’s agent requests a different amount, the seller decides whether the total offer is worth accepting. A seller may choose to accept a higher buyer-agent commission if the price and terms are strong enough to justify it. The seller may also reject or counter the offer.

The important point is that the seller remains in control. The decision is not made by the buyer’s agent. It is reviewed as part of the full offer.

Commission Transparency

2% Realty is designed to be easy for sellers to understand. The typical structure is a total 2% commission, usually explained as 1% listing side and 1% buyer/cooperating brokerage side, subject to written agreement and negotiated terms.

Commission ItemHow It WorksWhat Sellers Should Know
Listing SideTypically 1% of the sale price.This covers the listing, marketing, pricing, negotiation, and seller representation side.
Buyer/Cooperating Brokerage SideTypically 1% of the sale price.This may be negotiated during an offer, and the seller stays in control of the decision.
GSTGST applies to REALTOR® fees.This applies across real estate transactions and should be included in net-proceeds planning.
Other Selling CostsLegal fees, mortgage payout costs, repairs, moving costs, and adjustments may apply.Commission is only one part of the total net-proceeds calculation.

Any final commission terms should be reviewed before signing the listing agreement. If buyer-agent compensation changes during negotiations, the seller decides whether the overall offer still makes sense.

No Hidden Fees

2% Realty Find Your Calgary Group believes sellers should understand the fee structure before signing a listing agreement. The typical 2% commission structure is explained upfront, and there are no hidden fees added by surprise during the listing process.

The commission model commonly includes the listing-side commission and buyer/cooperating brokerage side as part of the total 2% structure, subject to the written agreement and any negotiated offer terms. GST applies to REALTOR® fees, and standard seller costs such as legal fees, mortgage payout costs, repairs, moving costs, and adjustments may still apply.

If buyer-agent compensation changes during negotiations, the seller remains in control. You can decide whether the offer price, terms, conditions, possession date, and overall net result make that request worth accepting.

2% Realty vs For Sale By Owner

Some sellers consider selling privately to avoid commission. The issue is that selling without professional representation can create extra work and risk. Pricing, marketing, showings, buyer screening, negotiation, conditions, paperwork, and closing coordination all matter.

2% Realty gives sellers a way to reduce commission while still receiving full-service representation.

2% Realty vs For Sale By Owner
Service Factor
2% Realty
For Sale By Owner
MLS® exposure
Full access
Limited or no access
Marketing
Professional photography, virtual tours, advertising
DIY
Agent expertise
Experienced Calgary agents
Self-managed
Buyer agent cooperation
Full MLS® cooperation
Often limited
Time commitment
Agent handles showings, calls, paperwork
Full owner responsibility
Negotiation
Professional agent support
Self-negotiation
Commission cost
2% of sale price
? May pay buyer agent fee
Legal/contract support
Agent guidance throughout
Self-managed or lawyer only
MLS® exposure
2% Realty
Full access
For Sale By Owner
Limited or no access
Marketing
2% Realty
Professional photography, virtual tours, advertising
For Sale By Owner
DIY
Agent expertise
2% Realty
Experienced Calgary agents
For Sale By Owner
Self-managed
Buyer agent cooperation
2% Realty
Full MLS® cooperation
For Sale By Owner
Often limited
Time commitment
2% Realty
Agent handles showings, calls, paperwork
For Sale By Owner
Full owner responsibility
Negotiation
2% Realty
Professional agent support
For Sale By Owner
Self-negotiation
Commission cost
2% Realty
2% of sale price
For Sale By Owner
?May pay buyer agent fee
Legal/contract support
2% Realty
Agent guidance throughout
For Sale By Owner
Self-managed or lawyer only
Examples are for illustration only. Service terms, marketing scope, buyer-agent cooperation, and legal support may vary by brokerage and listing agreement.

How the 2% Realty Home Evaluation Process Works

If you are considering listing your Calgary home with 2% Realty, the process starts with a free home evaluation.

Step 1: Book Your Free Evaluation

  • No obligation to list
  • Book online, call, or text to schedule
  • Ask questions about commission, marketing, and timing

Step 2: Review Your Home and Market Position

  • In-home or virtual consultation
  • Comparable sales review
  • Current competition review
  • Pricing and preparation discussion

Step 3: Receive a Clear Commission Breakdown

  • Estimated home value range
  • Traditional commission comparison
  • 2% Realty commission example
  • Estimated savings range
  • Marketing strategy preview

Step 4: Decide When You Are Ready

  • No pressure to list immediately
  • Review the numbers before making a decision
  • Choose the timing that works for your situation

This process helps you understand your home’s value, your potential savings, and the marketing plan before committing to anything.

How Does 2 Percent Realty Work? Frequently Asked Questions

How does 2 Percent Realty work?

2 Percent Realty works by offering full-service real estate representation with a more efficient commission structure. The model commonly charges a total 2% commission on the 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 terms.

Is 2% Realty full service?

Yes. 2% Realty is a full-service brokerage with full MLS® exposure. Sellers receive pricing guidance, professional marketing, MLS® exposure, buyer-agent cooperation, negotiation support, paperwork guidance, and transaction coordination.

Will buyer agents cooperate and show my home?

Yes. 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 each year.

How much can I save with 2% Realty in Calgary?

Savings depend on the sale price, written commission agreement, buyer/cooperating brokerage compensation, GST, and other selling costs. On a $500,000 sale, estimated savings may range from about $4,500 to $9,000, depending on the final written agreement.

Are there upfront marketing costs?

2% Realty Find Your Calgary Group takes care of the upfront marketing costs needed to properly present your home. Our listing agreements are short in duration, and if we cannot sell your home, you owe us nothing.

Does 2% Realty have hidden fees?

No. 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.

What is the 100% satisfaction guarantee?

The 100% satisfaction guarantee means our service is designed around earning your confidence, not locking you into a long-term commitment. Our listing agreements are short in duration, and if we cannot sell your home, you owe us nothing.

What happens if a buyer’s agent asks for more than 1%?

The seller stays in control. If a buyer’s agent requests a different commission amount during negotiations, the seller can review the full offer and decide whether the price, terms, conditions, possession date, and overall net result make that request worth accepting.

Is 2% Realty the same as For Sale By Owner?

No. For Sale By Owner usually means the seller handles much of the process alone. 2% Realty provides professional representation, MLS® exposure, marketing, negotiation support, and transaction coordination while still using a reduced-fee model.

How do I book a free home evaluation?

You can start by requesting a free Calgary home evaluation. There is no obligation to list, and you will receive a clear market analysis, commission breakdown, and marketing strategy.

Why Calgary Sellers Choose 2% Realty

Calgary sellers choose 2% Realty because it combines lower commission with full-service representation. The model is designed to help sellers keep more equity without giving up MLS® exposure, professional marketing, buyer-agent cooperation, negotiation support, or transaction guidance.

How does 2 Percent Realty work in practice? It works by using a smarter business model, lowering unnecessary overhead, and focusing on the services that matter most to sellers: pricing, exposure, marketing, negotiation, and net proceeds.

We Are Local and Alberta Founded

Where Major Alberta Real Estate Brands Started
Brokerage Brand
Origin
Headquarters Location
2% Realty
Alberta flag Alberta
Calgary, AB
CIR Realty
Alberta flag Alberta
Calgary, AB
RE/MAX
United States flag United States
Denver, CO
eXp Realty
United States flag United States
Bellingham, WA
Real Broker
United States flag United States
New York, NY
Century 21
United States flag United States
Madison, NJ
Coldwell Banker
United States flag United States
Madison, NJ
Royal LePage
Ontario flag Ontario
Toronto, ON
Sutton Group
British Columbia flag British Columbia
British Columbia
2% Realty
Origin
Alberta flag Alberta
Headquarters
Calgary, AB
CIR Realty
Origin
Alberta flag Alberta
Headquarters
Calgary, AB
RE/MAX
Origin
United States flag United States
Headquarters
Denver, CO
eXp Realty
Origin
United States flag United States
Headquarters
Bellingham, WA
Real Broker
Origin
United States flag United States
Headquarters
New York, NY
Century 21
Origin
United States flag United States
Headquarters
Madison, NJ
Coldwell Banker
Origin
United States flag United States
Headquarters
Madison, NJ
Royal LePage
Origin
Ontario flag Ontario
Headquarters
Toronto, ON
Sutton Group
Origin
British Columbia flag British Columbia
Headquarters
British Columbia
Brand origin and headquarters location do not determine the quality of an individual REALTOR® or local office.

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For informational purposes only. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional, trades professional, home inspector, tax advisor and lawyer before proceeding with any real estate transaction.