I’m sure you have heard the news lately about real estate commissions. It’s all over the news. However, there does seem to be a lot of confusion.

What has been reported in some newspapers is not entirely correct, or it hasn’t made it’s points very clearly.

Do you know not much  has really changed?
The new rules say:
1. The listing agent can charge even $100 (for example) to list a property. That was ALWAYS true.
2. The buyer agent commission (which in most cities has been 2.5%) is negotiable as well. The seller can offer as little as $1. That was ALWAYS true.
Sellers have always had the freedom to offer whatever they wanted. The sellers just felt discriminated against because they thought agents weren’t showing their houses.

Now what the Competition Bearue is saying is that agents can’t discriminate against the one house offering $50 commission.

Now there are some companies who will charge you $500 to list your property on MLS. This fee is paid upfront whether the house sells or not.

What kind of service is that? Wouldn’t you want an agent who only makes money when the house is sold? These new companies offer no service, no support, don’t care if the house sells. It’s $500 down the toilet!

Do your research before signing up with anyone. Remember you get what you pay for.
You can check out my Brampton real estate site. I offer a nice middle ground. Good service at fair prices.