When selling a home in Hamilton, the commission rate matters—but the more useful number is what you expect to keep after the sale.
Start with a realistic selling price supported by comparable properties. Then subtract the proposed commission, HST on that commission, and your other selling expenses. This gives you a clearer basis for comparing your options.
A lower fee produces a measurable saving when the sale price and other costs stay the same. However, nobody can honestly guarantee that a particular agent or commission structure will produce the highest sale price.
What should you compare?
Ask each brokerage to explain its listing fee, any commission offered to a cooperating buyer brokerage, and what happens if the buyer approaches the listing agent directly. Make sure you understand the services included and any additional charges.
My listing fee is $6,500 plus HST for homes under $1 million, or 0.65% plus HST for homes priced at $1 million or more. If the buyer is represented by another brokerage, an additional 2% cooperating commission applies under my listing arrangement. If no other brokerage is involved, only my listing fee applies.
For a $750,000 Hamilton sale involving another buyer brokerage, that means a $6,500 listing fee plus $15,000 cooperating commission: $21,500 before HST.
Full-service representation includes preparation advice, professional photography, listing exposure, showing coordination, negotiation and guidance through closing.
I’m Stephen Paige, Broker of Record and a full-time REALTOR® since 2007. My approach is straightforward: explain the costs clearly, prepare the home thoughtfully and help you assess offers based on the complete outcome.