DO ALL REAL ESTATE AGENTS CHARGE THE SAME FEE?
Asking whether all real estate agents charge the same fee is like asking if Rolex and Timex are made the same way. Every Realtor is different and offers a wide variety of differing services and skill sets. Therefore real estate fees and commissions vary to a large degree.
In the province of Ontario, it is against the law for a Realtor to price fix. This gives the home seller the ability to discuss and negotiate the fee.
Real estate commissions are all over the map and so are the services the real estate agent can offer. Homeowners are encouraged to clarify what services are included in the real estate commission.
All home sellers should budget accordingly for their home sale. Real estate expenses such as lawyer fees and moving costs should also be considered. Your real estate broker should be able to share estimations with you.
If you think your home is tax deductible or has tax deductions, it’s best to speak to an accountant beforehand.
Hidden Traps of Realtor Advertising
Some real estate teams claim to have big advertising budgets and to do a lot of marketing. And many of them do. However, does their form of advertising benefit you, the home seller?
Often, the marketing budget is spent on advertising the Realtor so that they can get new business and sell other houses.
When selecting a Realtor make sure to study their real estate advertising and marketing habits. Does an advertisement claim their number one in a given the old or are they spending the marketing dollars on text that relates to drawing a buyer to your home?
Real estate agents make money off of developing leads. In turn, they take the lead and sell a home to another buyer. It’s important that your home is being marketed and targeted to the appropriate audience that is going to bring you the best price for your home.
Beware of agents that charge a flat fee for service. That could allude to the fact that they are not investing in the process. On the other hand, agents who charge a high fee but only advertise themselves with the hopes of getting a real estate lead, do not necessarily help you.
Agents that charge a low fee and insist on doing open houses may have a hidden agenda. You don’t want your house to become a store for that agent to pick up buyers that are not qualified to buy your home.
Why Do Real Estate Costs Differ Amongst Brokers?
Similar to the Rolex/Timex comparison, there are a lot of differentiators amongst real estate professionals. Like the old saying goes, you often get what you pay for.
Simply put, if you hire a full-time, full-service broker, you can expect many extra services that a low fee-for-service agent just cannot offer.
Like everyone in business, Realtors have expenses, such as home staging services to professional home improvement costs. Real estate marketing and advertising make up a large part of expenses.
As a home seller, if your goal is to maximize the price of a sale in the least amount of time, one needs to expose the home to the greatest number of qualified buyers. How do you do that? You need an agent who invests in the process.
Banks charge interest rates on mortgages so they can make a profit. Realtors charge a commission to cover their expenses and to make a profit. A profit for their ability to negotiate and for their tenure in the industry brings experience to the homeowner.
How Much Does It Cost to Sell a Home?
This answer usually lies in the quality of service a real estate agent is offering to the home seller. There are many moving parts and expenses to getting a home sold that a real estate brokerage takes on.
Generally speaking, a Realtor with a big advertising budget can increase the chances of getting a home in front of more qualified buyers.
What Costs Should a Home Seller Expect Beyond a Commission
Every home is different and therefore will have varying expenses including home staging and painting before going to the MLS or Realtor.ca. Some home sellers should consider having their home inspected prior to listing. This avoids any surprises later and can be done by a home inspector.
Property taxes should be brought up to date to avoid headaches on closing. Capital costs such as home renovations should be thoroughly talked through with a local Realtor and stacked up against other homes for sale in the area.
Repairs and maintenance are just parts of owning a home and a good seller’s agent will be able to distinguish between what should be improved and what is not necessary.
Sometimes in the commission rate the Realtor will play a hand in organizing and paying for minor repairs. If you’re going to sell your house, it’s often with the minor repairs.
Keep in mind real estate expenses such as lawyer fees and moving expenses. If you’re moving down the street versus across the country, costs can vary dramatically.
Most lawyers include in their fee ledger land transfer tax and title insurance. Make sure to get a breakdown from your lawyer ahead of time. Some sellers will need it for tax returns or income tax purposes.
If you have been receiving rental income from your home, you might consider speaking to your accountant. Also, if you buy and sell frequently, CRA may deem the net proceeds from your sale as income.
Advice in a Nutshell
- Not all Realtors are the same and neither are their fees
- Real estate fees and commissions are negotiable
- You generally get what you pay for
- It takes money to make money so if selling for a high price is important, make sure to choose an agent with a large marketing budget
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August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update | Regan Irish
The August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update reflects renewed momentum and affordability in Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, and Muskoka. Thanks to steady interest rates and appealing home prices, July proved surprisingly dynamic. Let’s dig into the numbers and what they mean for you.
Interest Rates Remain Stable — Affordability Fueling Activity
In July 2025, the Bank of Canada maintained its key rate at 2.75%, its third consecutive pause. With lower borrowing costs now more accessible, affordability is encouraging a wave of renewed buyer activity.
GTA Market Overview: Sales Surge, Prices Slightly Dip
- Home Sales: 6,100+ transactions region-wide, marking a 10.9% increase YoY and the strongest July since 2021.
- Month-over-Month: Seasonally adjusted sales rose 13% from June to approximately 5,744 units, the biggest monthly gain in nine months.
- New Listings: Up 5.7% YoY, totaling 17,613 new offers.
- Price Trends:
- The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark fell 5.4% YoY.
- The average GTA selling price dropped 5.5% YoY to around $1,051,719.
- Word on the street indicates the HPI drifted slightly lower—about $979,000, down 0.2% from June.
What It Adds Up To: Buyers are back in force—sales are outpacing new listings while prices softened, creating renewed market opportunities.
City Highlights
Toronto
A more balanced landscape—but some segments remain soft. Condos and detached homes see inventory rising; semis are steadier.
Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington & Muskoka
While TRREB doesn’t break down by city in these reports, regional trends suggest:
- Mississauga & Burlington: Strong rise in listings and dipping average prices give buyers leverage.
- Oakville: Stability in demand for luxury keeps discounts modest.
- Muskoka: Continued strong interest in sub-$2M waterfront properties should benefit from broader GTA momentum.
What This Means for You
- For Buyers:
Renewed affordability, rising inventory, and favorable interest rates make August a prime time to move. - For Sellers:
A more balanced market—strategic pricing and quick response will be key to success. - For Investors & Cottage Buyers:
Strong July sales in the GTA point to increasing investor interest; Muskoka remains a high-value lifestyle and investment destination.
Work With the GTA Real Estate Experts
Whether you’re planning to buy a Muskoka cottage, invest in a luxurious Oakville property, or explore options across Toronto, Mississauga, or Burlington, now is the time to act.
Regan Irish & Associates specializes in luxury, resale, and investment properties across the GTA and Muskoka. Our market insight and negotiation skills help you get the best results—whether buying, selling, or investing.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5
905.842.7677
Visit reganirish.com
Let’s make today’s market your opportunity—contact us today!
Ultimate Guide to Downsizing Your Home in Canada
Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team Announce Strategic Merger
Two of the most respected names in real estate, Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team, are excited to announce a strategic merger that will combine their expertise, resources, and market reach. This partnership of Regan Irish & Associates brings together the strengths of both firms, offering an enhanced real estate experience for clients across Southern Ontario, including expanding into new regions like Collingwood and Muskoka. The merger reflects both brokerages’ long-standing commitment to providing high-quality, relationship-focused service while leveraging new technologies and business strategies to ensure their clients receive unparalleled support.
“Alex is the consummate professional,” said Matthew Regan, CEO of The Regan Team. “She embodies the qualities of a person I would trust with my own home sale, and I am excited to partner with her to combine the best of both our brokerages. Our goal is to create a work culture that allows our agents to thrive, while being confident and equipped to provide the service our clients deserve. Our clients are going to benefit immensely with a wider and deeper net of potential buyers and an even further reach in marketing and advertising.”
Alex Irish, Founder of Alex Irish & Associates, emphasized that this partnership is the next natural step for her business. “By combining our resources and efforts we knew we’d be able to create a better real estate experience for our clients, our agents and business partners.” she explained. “This merger allows me to focus more on client relationships while also mentoring our agents who can continue to offer that same high level of service. Matthew has built a business model that aligns with my long-term vision, allowing us to scale while still maintaining the personal touch. Simply put, we are better together.”
Alex has built her brand over decades, particularly in the Oakville area, where her name is synonymous with excellence in real estate. Her personal approach, based on referrals and repeat business, has earned her a loyal clientele. Matthew has focused on recruiting top agents and scaling his business, growing The Regan Team to one of the top brokerages in Canada. This merger offers an exciting opportunity to grow into new territories. Together, the merged brokerage will have 15 offices spanning from Niagara to Toronto to Muskoka. This expanded presence means more resources for clients, from enhanced marketing capabilities to a wider net of potential buyers.
The merger will officially take effect on October 31, 2024, and the new branding and operations will be rolled out in the coming months.
About Alex Irish & Associates
Alex Irish & Associates, led by Alex Irish, is a highly respected name in Oakville, known for its personalized, referral-based business model and long-standing relationships with clients. Alex has built her brand on trust, excellence, and attention to detail, qualities that will remain at the forefront of the merged firm.
About The Regan Team
The Regan Team has a long-standing reputation for innovation, process-driven operations, and a focus on agent recruitment and development to provide the highest level of service for their clients. Under Matthew’s leadership, the brokerage has expanded its presence across Ontario, providing agents with the tools and support needed to succeed in a competitive market. For more information on this exciting merger, please contact Matthew Regan.