Every Question People Ask About Calgary Realtor® Fees — Answered Honestly

Straight answers about Realtor® commissions and fees in Calgary, Alberta — no scripts, no spin.

Last updated: March 2026

Can I sell my house in Calgary on MLS® and pay no Realtor® fees?

No. There are always some fees to pay.

How are Realtor® fees calculated in Alberta?

The most common structure is 7% on the first $100,000 and 3% on the balance of the sale price. That said, commissions are always negotiable — there is no fixed or standard rate in Alberta.

Who pays the Realtor® fee — the home buyer or the home seller?

The seller pays Realtor® fees out of the sale proceeds. Buyers pay indirectly because commissions are typically built into the sale price.

Are Realtor® commissions negotiable in Calgary?

Absolutely. Every commission in Calgary is negotiable between the seller, buyer, and their Realtor®. It is actually against the law for real estate brokerages to fix or set standard commission rates.

Which Calgary real estate company has the lowest commissions?

None of them set commissions. Individual Realtors® negotiate their own fees — the brokerage brand has nothing to do with it. RE/MAX, Century 21, Royal LePage, CIR Realty, eXp Realty, Sotheby’s, and every other brand are all legally prohibited from fixing rates.

Are 1% and 2% realty companies legitimate?

Yes — but legitimate doesn’t automatically mean better. The quality of service depends on the individual Realtor®, not the brand or the rate they advertise.

Are CIR Realty and eXp Realty discount brokerages?

Both have Realtors® who offer discounts and Realtors® who don’t. It depends entirely on the individual agent, not the brokerage.

Is there GST on Realtor® fees in Alberta?

Yes — GST applies to Realtor® fees. It does not apply to the price of a resale home.

How much are closing costs in Alberta?

Set aside around $1,800 plus GST for legal fees and you should be covered in most straightforward transactions. Additional disbursements may apply depending on your situation.

How much are lawyer fees when buying a Calgary home?

They vary by lawyer and transaction complexity, but most involve a flat professional fee plus disbursements for title searches, title insurance, registration, and related costs.

Are commissions paid on the gross or net sale price?

Gross sale price.

Do Realtors® keep 100% of their commissions?

No. Realtors® split their commission with their brokerage, then pay fees, taxes, and business expenses out of their share. What lands in their pocket is a fraction of the total commission.

Why are Calgary real estate commissions so high?

Real estate is a business. No business works for free. That said, commissions are negotiable — and if you’re buying and selling at the same time, you’re in a strong position to negotiate with your Realtor® on both sides of the transaction.

How are commission disputes resolved?

Usually between the Realtor® and their brokerage. If a dispute involves a consumer, RECA (Real Estate Council of Alberta) is the regulatory body that handles complaints.

The Bottom Line on Calgary Realtor® Fees

Every home listed on the Alberta MLS® System includes Realtor® commissions plus GST — whether it’s 1%, 2%, 7% and 3%, or any other arrangement the parties agreed to.

There is no standard rate in Calgary or anywhere in Alberta. Every brokerage brand — RE/MAX, Century 21, Royal LePage, CIR Realty, eXp Realty, Sotheby’s, 1% Realty, 2% Realty — is prohibited by law from fixing commission rates. Each Realtor® negotiates their own deal.

Some Realtors® are flexible. Others follow scripts from coaching programs designed to teach them how to protect their commission. You’ll hear the same lines about defending commissions and defending your price. Decide for yourself how much that’s worth.

• All Realtor® commissions in Calgary are negotiable
• The brand means nothing — results and relationships mean everything
• Calgary home prices drive the market, not slogans or percentages