They Charge WHAT? The Real GTA Commission — What Georgetown Sellers Must Know

How much commission do real estate agents charge in the GTA?

They Charge WHAT? How much commission do real estate agents charge in the GTA — and how it hits Georgetown sellers’ wallets

Quick answer: What sellers in Georgetown, ON can expect to pay

Most agents in the Greater Toronto Area charge a total commission around 4%–5% of the sale price, commonly split 50/50 between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent (2%–2.5% each). In Georgetown, Ontario — part of Halton Hills and the GTA west market — the same norms apply. Expect the range, not a fixed number. The final rate depends on the agent, brokerage, marketing plan and the home’s price.

Why this matters: the math every Georgetown seller should know

If your house sells for $900,000 and your total commission is 5%, that’s $45,000 off the top. Drop the commission to 4% and you keep an extra $9,000. That’s real money. But cheaper doesn’t always equal smarter. A lower fee that reduces marketing and exposure can cost you far more in sale price.

How commission structure works in the GTA (and Georgetown)

• Typical split: Listing agent and buyer’s agent share the total commission — usually 50/50. If total is 5%, each gets 2.5%.
• Negotiable fee: Commissions are not set by law. Sellers can negotiate based on service and market.
• Service levels: Full-service agents who handle staging, professional photography, targeted online ads and open houses usually charge closer to the 4–5% range. Discount or flat-fee services reduce upfront cost but limit marketing.

Common commission models you’ll see in Georgetown

• Flat percentage (most common): 4%–5% of sale price.
• Reduced commission: 3%–4% — usually for motivated sellers or repeat clients.
• Flat-fee MLS listing: Fixed fee for listing only; buyer’s agent still earns their share. Works if you handle everything else.
• Tiered or sliding commission: Higher percentage on first portion of the sale price, lower on remainder. Less common now, but used sometimes.

What determines the right commission for your Georgetown home

• Sale price: Higher-value homes often have more negotiation room.
• Competition and demand: In a seller’s market, you might net more despite a higher commission because the agent drives a bidding environment.
• Marketing needs: Luxury listings or unique homes require more investment (drone, staging, targeted social ads).
• Agent track record: Proven agents who sell faster and at higher prices justify higher fees.
• Time sensitivity: If you need a quick sale, you may pay a premium.

Local context: Georgetown, Ontario market specifics

Georgetown sits inside Halton Hills and benefits from strong commuter demand to Toronto, Oakville and Milton. Buyers here value school zones, transit access (GO service through Georgetown GO) and green space. That makes downtown Georgetown and surrounding neighborhoods desirable.

Local agents follow GTA commission norms, but the final fee depends on the home type and neighbourhood micro-market. For example:

• Starter homes in Georgetown can sell quickly with modest marketing — some sellers negotiate down to 3.5%–4%.
• Higher-end or rare properties need aggressive marketing and often justify 4.5%–5%.

Real examples: commission impact on actual sale prices

• Example A — Modest home: Sale price $650,000 at 5% = $32,500 in commission. At 4% = $26,000. Net difference = $6,500.
• Example B — Higher-end: Sale price $1,200,000 at 5% = $60,000. At 4% = $48,000. Net difference = $12,000.

Don’t fixate on the fee percentage alone. Focus on net proceeds — what you walk away with after commission, closing costs, legal fees and any repairs.

Questions every Georgetown seller should ask before signing

• What exact services are included for this commission? (photos, staging, ads, open houses)
• What is your marketing plan for Georgetown buyers and GTA commuters?
• How long will it take to sell at current market conditions?
• How do you handle offers and multiple-offer scenarios?
• What are the expected closing costs and adjustments specific to Georgetown (e.g., property taxes, hydro adjustments)?

How to evaluate offers from agents — a practical approach

1. Ask for a net proceeds worksheet at multiple commission rates (5%, 4%, 3%).
2. Compare marketing spend and expected timeline.
3. Check the agent’s local sales in Georgetown and Halton Hills from the past 12 months.
4. Demand references from recent sellers in your neighbourhood.

An agent who won’t show local results or be transparent on marketing is a risk to your final price.

Alternatives to the traditional commission model

• Sell yourself (FSBO): Avoid commission but expect a longer timeline and limited buyer exposure.
• Discount brokers: Lower fee but often lower marketing. Good only if you’re fine doing work yourself.
• Hybrid models: Pay a flat fee for listing, then offer a buyer’s agent commission to attract buyers’ agents.

Each option trades cost for control. If you want top dollar, invest in exposure and professional negotiation.

Negotiation tactics Georgetown sellers can use

• Leverage local competition: Multiple agents might propose different strategies. Choose the one with the best local track record, not the cheapest pitch.
• Offer an incentive for faster closing instead of lowering commission.
• Ask for a performance clause: If the agent doesn’t hit agreed marketing milestones, reduce the commission.
• Consider a short-term listing at a slightly higher price; renegotiate if no serious interest arrives.

Why choosing the right agent beats chasing the lowest commission

A capable agent sells faster and for more. An extra percentage point on commission might cost you less than one compromised sale price. Good agents bring buyers, negotiate terms, reduce risk and handle legal details. In Georgetown, local knowledge — school boundaries, commuter patterns, and downtown pocket pricing — matters.

Tony Sousa is the local expert who knows this market. Tony’s track record in Georgetown and Halton Hills demonstrates how strategic marketing and negotiation can offset commission costs and increase net proceeds.

Call to action — get a real, no-BS evaluation

Want a clear number? Email tony@sousasells.ca or call 416-477-2620. Tony Sousa will provide:

• A free, no-obligation net proceeds worksheet for your Georgetown address
• A clear marketing plan tailored to local buyers and GTA commuters
• Real comparisons: what other Georgetown homes sold for, and why

Make decisions based on data, not sales pitches.

FAQ — Common questions about selling in Georgetown, Ontario

What is the average commission in the GTA and Georgetown?

Average total commission in the GTA, including Georgetown, sits around 4%–5%. Splits typically give 2%–2.5% to the listing agent and 2%–2.5% to the buyer’s agent. These are starting points for negotiation.

Can I negotiate commission with my agent?

Yes. Commission is negotiable. Present competitive offers and demand a breakdown of services. A top-performing agent will justify their fee with a marketing plan and recent results.

Will a lower commission get my home sold faster in Georgetown?

Not usually. Lower commission can reduce buyer agent incentive and limit marketing. Seller should balance cost savings against potential drop in sale price or longer days on market.

How much will I net after selling costs in Georgetown?

Use a net proceeds worksheet. Typical costs: commission (4%–5%), legal fees ($800–$1,500), possible closing adjustments, minor repairs or staging costs. Tony Sousa provides customized net sheets for Georgetown addresses.

Do I have to pay both listing and buyer agent commissions?

Yes. The seller typically pays the total commission, which the brokerage splits with the buyer’s agent. The commission is paid from sale proceeds at closing.

Are there local fees or taxes specific to Georgetown?

You’ll face standard Ontario closing costs, plus potential local adjustments for taxes or utilities. Land transfer tax applies in Ontario (regional exemptions vary). Tony will walk you through exact local costs for Halton Hills.

What if my home is unique or luxury priced?

Unique listings need extra marketing (drone photography, targeted online campaigns, luxury staging). Expect commission closer to the higher end (4.5%–5%), but the right strategy can increase sale price enough to justify the investment.

How long will it take to sell in Georgetown?

Time varies by price, condition and market. Well-priced homes with strong marketing often sell in weeks; others may take months. Tony provides median days-on-market data for your specific neighbourhood.

Should I accept the first offer?

Not automatically. Evaluate net proceeds, conditions (financing, closing date) and the buyer’s seriousness. Multiple offers often push the price higher.

How can I get the highest net proceeds?

Price correctly, stage professionally, and hire an agent who markets to GTA commuters and local buyers. Focus on negotiation skills and timing.

Selling a home isn’t about finding the cheapest path. It’s about getting the right buyer at the right price. In Georgetown, local knowledge wins. Tony Sousa has the experience, local network and negotiation skills to maximize your net proceeds. Email tony@sousasells.ca or call 416-477-2620 for a no-nonsense, local market plan today.