Real Estate Brokerage Fees Explained
If you are selling your home, you should know how real estate brokerage fees work. In the province of Ontario, there are no hard and fast real estate fee rules.
With one exception. Price fixing is not allowed which means there is no manual explaining how real estate fees work. Here it is in simple terms.
How Are Real Estate Fees Determined?
Real estate fees are most often a percentage of the sale price of a home. Which is kind of cool because the more money a Realtor can sell your home for, the better for everyone involved. In other words, the percentage model incentivizes a real estate agent to get higher prices for the seller.
Are There Other Ways Realtors Charge?
In other models, there is a flat fee for service. Though not as prevalent, flat fee models usually are just that. Sometimes based on the real estate brokerage business model, a single price or tiered pricing based on what the seller wants from the brokerage they have selected to help them sell a house. In Ontario, this is less common than in other western provinces.
How Does My Realtor Get Paid?
What’s important to know is there are usually two sides to the transaction. The listing brokerage side (represents the home seller) and cooperating broker aka the buyer’s broker (represents the home buyer). Both parties get paid and it’s usually handled on the listing brokerage side.
When the seller signs a listing agreement with a brokerage to sell their home, the listing brokerage discusses with the seller how much their fee is and a discussion of how much to offer the buyer’s broker as an incentive to bring buyers. These are not fixed costs so you are best to discuss this with your listing brokerage as soon as you meet with them to discuss the selling process.
How Do I Determine What Commission To Offer The Buyer’s Agent?
I had a client once who described through her lens how she viewed the buyer’s brokerage incentive fee. She said it was like buying insurance.
Though agents are not allowed to discriminate against a lower fee and not show a particular home, agents are human. And Humans are driven by incentives. Consult with your local agent beforehand and ask what the going rate being offered is in your marketplace.
Do All Realtors Charge The Same Fee?
Real estate fees are all over the map. There are no two real estate brokers that are the same and all of them provide different services such as how they market and advertise your home. Home staging, decluttering services, home improvement contacts are but a few of the services a full service broker can offer. Needless to say, these services cost money.
How Do I Choose The Best Broker For My Needs?
A seller is advised to choose a broker that best meets their needs. Oftentimes a real estate agent has trusted contacts that have worked with other clients in the past. This can bring assurances and trust to the decision of whether to apply these services to your needs.
If selling your home for the most amount of money is important, then remember, you often get what you pay for. A low service fee agent will provide just that, oftentimes low service. On the other hand, A real estate brokerage that charges a high fee better be able to back up why they do so. Often these answers and a clear decision is made when interviewing and understanding what the Realtor provides.
How Long Does It Take To Sell My House?
There are many factors that determine how long a house might take to sell. A low-fee agent may put your home on the MLS (multiple listing services) website and wait. Also referred to as a passive agent.
Sticking to the theme of you get what you pay for, a higher service fee agent will expose your home on more websites to more potential buyers. Generally speaking, the more people that know your home is for sale, the more likely you are to sell it quicker and for more money.
Advice In A Nutshell
- Do your homework
- Meet with an agent that you feel can best deliver on your needs
- Be wary of discount brokers
- You get what you pay for
- What may feel like savings on fees could cost you more in the long run if the sale price is not maximized
Matthew Regan
CEO & Team Leader - Broker
Matthew Regan started his first business at the age of 12 and sold it at 17 making his first six figures. Today he owns and operates 4 different companies in the real estate sector. Five times his companies have been recognized by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business Magazine as one of Canada’s top growing companies. Basl.ai, an up and coming tech and marketing platform powered by ai for Realtors, is in proud partnership with the Royal Bank Of Canada’s RBCx – the bank’s tech banking and innovation arm.
At the age of 19 while attending the University of Toronto he began a career in real estate. Today, Regan Irish & Associates transacts $500m in annual sales volume and is recognized by Re/Max as a top 5 Team in Canada for GCI and top 1% globally. The company ranks in the top 10 for TRREB agents both in units sold and sales volume.
Every February marks Regan Irish & Associates Kindness Tour. Launched in 2017 every member of the company participates in supporting 28 local charities. In May 2018, they were nominated for a Community Spirit Award.
Matthew is a Believer, husband and father of 3. He lives out a dream of living on a retired dairy farm in the Muskoka Lakes. He’s an avid reader and enjoys anything outside that involves a good sweat, dirt, grease and a John Deere tractor.
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Rate Cut Ignites GTA Real Estate
Market Snapshot
The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) September 2025 Market Watch report shows early signs of a GTA rebound.
- 5,592 sales, up 8.5% YoY
- 19,260 new listings, +4% YoY
- Average price ≈ $1,059,377, down 4.7% YoY
- MLS® HPI ↓ 5.5% YoY
- Sales up MoM, listings down MoM → tighter market forming
These numbers point to a slow but steady market recovery. But what’s really fueling the conversation now is the Bank of Canada’s latest decision.
Bank of Canada’s October 2025 Interest Rate Decision
On October 29 2025, the Bank of Canada cut its policy rate by 25 basis points to 2.25% — the second consecutive cut and the lowest level since 2022.
The Bank signaled that this may mark the end of its easing cycle unless inflation weakens further.
Why it matters:
- Borrowing costs drop, boosting affordability for buyers.
- Confidence returns to sellers and investors after months of hesitation.
- Refinancing and investment opportunities reopen for savvy property owners.
In short, this move has re-energized housing markets across Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, and even Muskoka, where buyers and investors had been waiting for the right signal.
What Buyers Should Do Now
- Act strategically: With rates lower and listings up, this is a golden moment to negotiate.
- Get pre-approved quickly — competition could ramp up by early 2026.
- Focus on quality locations like south Oakville, Lorne Park (Mississauga), and core Burlington — where long-term equity growth outperforms.
- For investors: Explore Muskoka vacation homes or rental-ready units before rising demand drives prices back up.
What Sellers Should Know
- Sales are rising despite lower average prices — buyers are re-entering the market.
- Presentation and pricing are everything. Professional staging, premium photography, and data-backed pricing attract serious offers.
- Upsizing or downsizing? With lower mortgage costs, you can move equity efficiently while conditions remain favourable.
- Luxury sellers: Demand for turnkey listings is picking up again — especially in Oakville and Mississauga.
Local Insights
Mississauga & Oakville: Still among the GTA’s most resilient sub-markets. Expect balanced conditions through Q4 2025.
Burlington: Family buyers are back — affordability plus lifestyle make it a top performer.
Toronto: Core condos are stabilizing; investors are returning to well-located downtown units.
Muskoka: Cottage and short-term rental demand remains strong — ideal for diversification and passive-income seekers.
Investor Takeaway
With the policy rate at 2.25% and inflation under control, investment real estate looks compelling again. Expect:
- Better cash-flow margins with cheaper financing
- Gradual price stabilization through 2026
- Long-term upside as population growth and housing supply constraints persist
What To Do Next
- Buyers: Review your mortgage options now — lenders are updating rates.
- Sellers: Get a current market evaluation to plan your listing window.
- Investors: Compare cap rates and projected yields across GTA vs Muskoka.
Need a strategy tailored to your goals? Let’s make your next move your smartest yet.
About Regan Irish & Associates
We specialize in luxury homes, resale properties, and investment real estate across the GTA and Muskoka. Our team’s market insight and negotiation expertise deliver results — whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or investing.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville ON L6J 7W5
905-842-7677
reganirish.com
Call to Action
The market has shifted — don’t wait for the crowd.
Contact Regan Irish & Associates today for a personalized market plan that helps you buy, sell or invest with confidence in Mississauga, Oakville, Toronto, Burlington or Muskoka.
FALL MARKET KICKOFF: September 2025 Real Estate Market Update
As summer winds down, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market is shifting once again—this time with an important boost from the Bank of Canada’s recent interest rate cut. On September 17, 2025, the Bank lowered its policy interest rate to 2.5%, marking a significant move that is expected to reinvigorate buying activity across the region.
Market Snapshot: August 2025 (TRREB)
According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), August brought encouraging signs of stability:
- Sales: 6,232 transactions across the GTA, a 4.6% increase from August 2024.
- New Listings: 13,119, down slightly year-over-year, helping balance supply.
- Average Selling Price: $982,880, nearly flat compared to last year (+0.4%).
- Trend: Balanced conditions are giving both buyers and sellers room to maneuver, with the recent rate cut expected to stimulate fall demand.
City & Regional Highlights
Toronto 
Toronto continues to see steady demand for condos and townhomes, appealing to buyers looking for affordability in the core. Detached homes are moving more cautiously, but price stability suggests confidence returning to the market.
Mississauga 
Mississauga remains a buyer-friendly market, especially in the detached and semi-detached segments. With borrowing costs easing, families upsizing or relocating may find strong value in the fall.
Oakville 
Luxury demand in Oakville is regaining traction. The combination of limited inventory and lower financing costs positions this market for an active fall season, especially for executive homes and lakefront properties.
Burlington 
Burlington continues to attract buyers migrating west from Toronto. The city’s blend of affordability, lifestyle, and community feel has kept prices steady and competitive.
Muskoka 
Cottage country remains strong, with buyers eyeing investment properties and second homes. While activity softened slightly through the summer, the rate drop could encourage more buyers to act before year-end.
What This Means for Buyers & Sellers
With interest rates now at their lowest level in two years, affordability is improving across the GTA and Muskoka. Buyers who were waiting on the sidelines are expected to re-enter the market this fall, while sellers may benefit from increased competition for well-priced homes.
At Regan Irish & Associates, we specialize in helping clients navigate market shifts with confidence. Whether you’re buying a luxury home, selling a family property, or investing in Muskoka, our market insight and negotiation expertise ensure you get the best results.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5
905.842.7677
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!