A recent industry survey of recent home sellers found something striking: 68% had little or no awareness that discount brokerages even exist, and 39% did not know real estate commission was negotiable at all. Yet when asked directly, 72% said they would trust an agent charging 1.5% just as much as one charging 3%. The information gap, not the service gap, is the real reason most Ontario sellers still pay full commission.
If you have started researching 1% commission realtors in Ontario, you have probably noticed the offers are not all structured the same way. Here is what actually varies between discount brokerages in 2026, and what to check before you sign anything.
Some Ontario discount brokerages advertise a single flat 1% listing rate. Others use tiered pricing that ranges anywhere from 0.5% to 5% depending on your home value, whether you also buy through them, or how many services you opt into. A few require you to also purchase your next home through the same brokerage to unlock a reduced or waived fee on the sale side. None of these structures are wrong, but they mean the number in the ad is not always the number you will actually pay.
Is the rate flat or conditional? Ask directly whether 1% applies to your specific home value and situation, or whether it is a starting point that can move.
What is included? MLS listing, professional photography, offer negotiation, and full transaction management should all be standard, not add-ons.
Is the buyer-side commission separate and clearly disclosed? The seller pays both the listing commission and the buyer agent commission in Ontario. Make sure both numbers are shown, not just the 1%.
Are there conditions tied to another transaction? Some offers only apply if you buy and sell with the same brokerage. If you are only selling, confirm the rate applies on its own.
Is the brokerage RECO-licensed? Every legitimate Ontario brokerage must be. Confirm the licence and read the written disclosure before signing a listing agreement.
| What sellers ask | onepercentsold.ca |
|---|---|
| Is the 1% flat or tiered? | Flat 1% listing commission, no tiers, regardless of home value |
| Conditional on also buying with us? | No — applies to sellers on its own |
| What is included | Full MLS listing, professional photography, CMA pricing, offer negotiation, full transaction management |
| Buyer-side commission | Separate and disclosed upfront — typically 2% to 2.5%, paid by the seller as is standard in Ontario |
| RECO-licensed | Yes — Aakash Jangra and Rohit Yadav, Home Choice Realty Inc., Brokerage |
| Buyer rebate available | Yes — up to 50% of buyer agent commission back as cash at closing (conditions apply) |
On the current Ontario average resale price of roughly $811,868, a traditional 2.5% listing commission runs $20,297. At 1%, that same listing costs $8,119 — a savings of $12,178 before HST, kept in your pocket at closing regardless of which discount brokerage you ultimately choose. The commission structure matters more than most sellers realize going in.
Get the full commission structure in writing before signing. Ask what happens if your home does not sell in the listing period. Confirm who pays for professional photography and MLS syndication. And ask directly how many transactions the agent has closed in your specific area in the last 12 months — local, current experience matters more than a national brand name.
Flat 1% listing commission, no tiers, no conditions tied to a second transaction. Free evaluation, no obligation.
