Buying or selling a home is one of life’s biggest financial decisions — and one of the most common questions we hear from clients is:
“How do real estate agents actually get paid in Ontario?”
At The Fisher Group, we believe in full transparency. As one of Royal LePage’s Top 50 Teams nationwide (#41 out of 20,000+ agents) and #2 in Oakville, we’ve helped hundreds of families move with confidence. Here’s a clear breakdown of how realtor commissions work in Ontario — and what you’re really paying for when you hire a top-performing team.
💰 Who Pays the Commission?
In Ontario, the seller pays the commission, which is shared between:
-
the listing agent (representing the seller), and
-
the buyer’s agent (representing the buyer).
Buyers typically don’t pay their agent directly — their agent’s commission is paid out of the seller’s total commission once the transaction closes.
📊 Typical Commission Structure
There’s no fixed rate — commissions are fully negotiable — but most follow this structure:
-
5% of the total sale price, split 2.5% to the listing agent and 2.5% to the buyer’s agent
Example:
A $1,000,000 home with a 5% commission = $50,000 total.
Each side (buyer’s and seller’s) gets $25,000.
Commission rates may differ depending on the region, brokerage, market conditions, property type, and the level of service provided.
🧾 How and when Agents Get Paid
All real estate agents in Ontario must work under a licensed brokerage, which handles the trust accounts and releases commissions after closing. When a deal closes, the commission is first paid to the brokerage, which then distributes the agent’s share based on their internal agreement.
Agents are only paid once the transaction closes — when ownership transfers and lawyers release the funds.
If a deal doesn’t close, neither the buyer’s nor the seller’s agent receives payment. This structure ensures your agent’s success is tied directly to yours — they only get paid when you do.
🏡 What You Get When You Hire The Fisher Group
Commission covers far more than just a “For Sale” sign. When you work with The Fisher Group, you’re investing in:
-
Professional marketing & staging strategy to showcase your home at its best
-
High-quality photography, video, and social media campaigns that reach qualified buyers
-
Expert negotiation skills to secure the highest possible price
-
Data-driven market insights and personalized guidance every step of the way
As one of Royal LePage’s top-performing teams in Oakville, our results speak for themselves — but our true value lies in helping clients move confidently, with clarity and peace of mind.
✨ The Bottom Line
In Ontario, real estate agents are paid through commission — but behind every percentage point is a team working tirelessly to make your goals a reality.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Oakville, Burlington, or the GTA, connect with The Fisher Group today. We’re here to help you make your next move a successful one.
📞 Contact The Fisher Group to start your home journey.
