In the Greater Vancouver market, realtor commission on a resale home typically runs 7% on the first $100,000 and 2.5% on the balance — shared between the listing agent and the co-operating buyer's agent. Commission is negotiable, disclosed in writing before you sign, and subject to 5% GST. This page breaks down exactly what you pay, who gets what, and the levers you can negotiate.
Every number below reflects the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) disclosure rules, the Real Estate Services Rules, and the standard Greater Vancouver REALTORS® listing agreement template. Nothing here is industry mystery — it's the math printed on the Working With a REALTOR form every client signs.
Most Coquitlam listings use the long-standing Greater Vancouver formula of 7% on the first $100,000 of sale price and 2.5% on the balance. On a $1,200,000 home, that is $7,000 plus $27,500 equals $34,500 — then 5% GST on commission adds $1,725. The co-operating commission (paid to the buyer's agent) is disclosed on MLS when the home is listed, and the split between listing side and buying side is typically 3.255% / 1.1625% of that same formula, though the listing agreement can specify any split.
Every figure on this page is drawn from primary BC and federal sources listed below. For a live, government-maintained version of each rule, click through — the internet can drift, the official source is always authoritative.
| Sale price | Commission (7%/2.5%) | GST (5%) | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| $700,000 | $22,000 | $1,100 | $23,100 |
| $900,000 | $27,000 | $1,350 | $28,350 |
| $1,100,000 | $32,000 | $1,600 | $33,600 |
| $1,400,000 | $39,500 | $1,975 | $41,475 |
| $1,800,000 | $49,500 | $2,475 | $51,975 |
| $2,400,000 | $64,500 | $3,225 | $67,725 |
Commission isn't the place to shave pennies. A listing agent who drops a point but doesn't pay for professional photos, staging consultation, MLS video, and a three-week offer-date campaign will cost you far more than the 'savings' in final sale price. The right question isn't 'what's your rate' — it's 'what does your rate actually buy me.'
— Craig Johnston, REALTOR® · Macdonald Realty · Tri-Cities resident 44+ years
Whether you're a first-time buyer trying to master the rules or a move-up family planning your next step, a 30-minute strategy call maps out exactly what applies to your situation.
Yes. BC's Real Estate Services Rules require commission to be disclosed and agreed in writing on the listing agreement before any representation begins. There is no regulated rate — brokerages set their own.
In a standard MLS transaction, the seller pays both sides of the commission, and the co-operating commission offered to the buyer's agent is published on MLS at listing. Some buyer-agency agreements let the buyer pay their agent directly if a seller declines to offer co-op.
Commission itself does not include GST. 5% GST is added on top and is fully payable by the seller on closing. There is no rebate for private-residence sales.
On a 7/2.5 listing in Coquitlam, the common split is 3.255% / 1.1625% of the same formula — i.e., 3.725% on the first $100K and 1.1625% on the balance goes to each side. Splits are negotiable and disclosed before you sign.
Sometimes, yes — but the math depends on whether the lower fee is offset by a weaker marketing package, slower response time, or fewer showings. On a $1.2M home, 1% in fee savings equals $12,000. The question is whether the home sells for $12,001 more with full service.
On a detached home in the $1.6M–$2.4M range, total commission (both sides, plus GST) typically lands between $45,000 and $70,000. Condos in the $600K–$900K range typically run $23,000–$30,000 total including GST.
Yes — this is called FSBO (For Sale By Owner). You still need a BC lawyer for conveyancing, you won't have direct MLS access (you'd use a mere-posting service), and you negotiate directly with buyers and their agents. Studies consistently show FSBO homes sell for 5%–12% less, which is why the practice is rare in competitive markets.
Commission is not deductible against personal income, but it reduces the capital gain on a non-principal-residence sale. On your primary residence, the sale is usually tax-exempt, so deductibility is moot.
In the standard MLS transaction, no — the seller pays the co-op commission offered at listing. On off-market or builder-direct purchases, buyer-paid commission is more common and is spelled out in the Buyer's Agency Agreement.
Commission is only earned and paid when the deal completes on closing day. If subjects are not removed and the deal collapses, no commission is owed under the standard BC listing agreement.
BCFSA-licensed REALTOR® (V99960). 44+ years Tri-Cities. Top 2% Nationwide Team. Specialist in Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Port Coquitlam transactions across resale, new construction, and strata. The same rules above apply on every single deal — the difference is having someone who's done them hundreds of times in your corner.