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Why Cutting Commission Could Cost You Thousands When Selling Your Home.

Why Smart Sellers Are Raising Buyer Agent Commissions Right Now

Author

Cale Botha
December 05, 2025

Right now, everyone's talking about lowering realtors commissions…

But here's what most sellers don't realize.

If you want the highest price for your home, cutting commissions might actually cost you money.

Let me show you why offering more commission to the buyer's agent can put thousands of extra dollars in your pocket.

The numbers that change everything:

CREA (Canadian Real Estate Association) tracks about 130,000 Realtors across Canada.

The breakdown is eye-opening:

  • Half of all realtors close 0-1 deals per year

  • Only 10% close 10+ deals annually

  • Just 5% complete 15 or more transactions

  • The top 3-4% handle 19+ deals a year

That first stat is the one that matters most.

Over 65,000 Canadian realtors are doing one deal or less each year.

That's roughly $5,000-$10,000 in annual income before expenses.

These agents aren't part-timers by choice.

They're struggling, and they need their next commission check badly.

Why this affects your sale price:

Selling a home comes down to creating competition among buyers.

More showings mean more interested parties, which gives you leverage when offers come in.

But you need buyer agents to actually bring their clients through your door.

Picture an agent doing one deal a year reviewing listings with their buyer.

They see your home offering a commission of 2.25% or 2.5% to the buyer's agent, while most others offer 2%.

Which one gets shown first?

Which one gets talked up more enthusiastically?

Look, most agents are genuine professionals who truly prioritize their clients' best interests.

But human nature is human nature.

When an agent is struggling financially, a higher commission naturally creates more energy and urgency around your listing.

And when it comes time to negotiate, these agents are often more willing to work with you to get the deal done, even at a higher price, because they're mostly focused on the additional income they couldn't get from any other home around.

It's not about being greedy.

It's about basic motivation that you can use to your advantage.

What's a standard realtor commission in Ottawa:

Most Ottawa sellers offer 4-5% total commission, with 5% being about as high as it goes in our market.

The typical buyer agent side sits at 2%, which is basically the floor.

When you bump that to 2.25% or 2.5%, your listing immediately stands out.

Agents notice.

And remember, over half the agents who might show your home are doing one deal or less this year.

That extra 0.25%-0.5% makes your property the one they're excited to show.

My recommendation:

I typically suggest 2.25% buyers commission:

Here's what matters: If that extra 0.25% generates even one additional showing, and that showing leads to a competing offer, you could easily net thousands more on your final sale price.

One extra motivated agent.

One extra serious buyer.

That's all it takes.

The bottom line:

When half of Canada's realtors are surviving on one deal or less per year, every listing they show is a big decision.

You want them choosing yours.

Offering a competitive buyer agent commission isn't charity.

It's strategic pricing that creates the competition you need to maximize your sale price.

Want To Benefit In This Market?

I’ve got a beautiful track record with buying and selling in all kinds of markets. If you want a clear plan for today’s market, reply to this email to book a no-pressure home sale consultation.

Thank you!

Thank you for reading this week’s edition of my newsletter.

Sincerely,

Cale Botha

Cale’s Recent Awards

Nasby Knuckle Award 2025 - (Massive Door-knocking Achievement)

Top 5 Under 25 Years Old In Canada - EXIT REALTY

Our Fresh New Listings!

Featured Properties | EXIT Realty Matrix, Brokerage

Buy & Sell Real Estate with EXIT Realty Matrix, Brokerage

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