How Real Estate Commissions Work in BC
When you sell a home in British Columbia, the seller pays the entire real estate commission. This covers both the listing agent (your agent) and the buyer's agent (the agent who brings the buyer). The commission comes off the sale proceeds at closing, so you never write a separate cheque for it.
With One Percent Realty, the structure is designed to let you keep more of your hard earned equity in your pocket. I charge one percent to list your home and one percent is offered to the buyer's agent. That's 2% total, plus tax. For homes listed under $500,000, it's a flat $9,950 total plus tax. The result is thousands of dollars in savings on every sale.
I'm Michael Bortolin, a REALTOR® with One Percent Realty Ltd., serving New Westminster, Burnaby, the Tri-Cities (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody), Vancouver, Pitt Meadows, and Maple Ridge. I provide full-service representation at a fraction of the traditional cost.
What's Included in the One Percent Commission?
This is full-service representation. You get everything a traditional agent provides:
- Full MLS listing on your local real estate board and Realtor.ca
- Professional photography of your home
- Open house events to attract buyers
- All showings coordinated and managed
- Expert negotiation to get you the best price
- Strategic advertising across multiple channels
- For sale signage on your property
- Full cooperation with buyer's agents (they see your listing everywhere)
- Complete closing support through to possession day
- Contract preparation and review
The only difference between me and a traditional agent is what you pay. The service, the marketing, the negotiation, and the results are the same.
Common Questions About One Percent Commission
Is One Percent Realty legit?
Yes. One Percent Realty Ltd. has been operating in British Columbia for over 20 years. All agents are fully licensed REALTORS® and members of their local real estate board. The brokerage is regulated by the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA). The lower commission is possible because of reduced office overhead and technology, not reduced service.
Do buyer's agents still show one percent listings?
Yes. Your listing appears on MLS and Realtor.ca, the same systems every buyer and agent uses. Buyer's agents receive their full one percent commission, and about three-quarters of our sales involve a cooperating buyer's agent bringing the purchaser. Buyers don't ask how much commission is being paid. They care about the home itself: bedrooms, bathrooms, location, and price.
What's the catch?
There isn't one. You receive the same full-service listing as any other agent would provide. The difference is the commission rate. One Percent Realty agents make it work through higher volume: by charging less per sale, we handle more transactions, which means more experience and more market knowledge.
How is this different from a discount brokerage or flat-fee service?
Discount brokerages and flat-fee services often provide limited support. You might list on MLS but handle your own showings, negotiation, and paperwork. With One Percent Realty, you get a dedicated, licensed REALTOR® who handles everything from listing to closing. It's full service at a lower price, not less service for a lower price.
What areas do you serve?
I serve New Westminster, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Vancouver, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and Richmond. My primary area is New Westminster and the surrounding Lower Mainland cities.
How much does it cost to sell a home under $500,000?
For homes listed under $500,000, the total commission is a flat $9,950 plus tax. This covers both the listing agent and the buyer's agent. For homes at $500,000 and above, the total commission is 2% of the sale price (one percent to each agent) plus tax.
Michael Bortolin, REALTOR® | One Percent Realty Ltd. | 604-446-1535 | michaelbortolin.com
Serving New Westminster, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Vancouver, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and Richmond.
