One Percent Commission FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Thinking about selling your home with one percent commission but not sure how it works? I'm Michael Bortolin, a REALTOR® with One Percent Realty Ltd. in New Westminster. Below are the questions I hear most from sellers in New Westminster, Burnaby, the Tri-Cities, and Vancouver.
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. I'm a fully licensed agent providing the same services any other realtor would.
How does one percent commission work?
With One Percent Realty, the seller pays one percent to the listing agent and one percent to the buyer's agent. That's 2% total. For homes listed under $500,000, the total commission is a flat $9,950 plus tax. Compare that to the traditional BC structure of 7% on the first $100,000 plus 2.5% on the balance, and you save thousands on every sale. On a $1,000,000 home, the savings are roughly $9,500. As a disclaimer not all agents charge the same rate, not meant to to interfere with any agency relationship, this is for general informational purposes only.
Do buyer's agents still show one percent listings?
Yes. Your listing appears on MLS and Realtor.ca, the exact same systems every buyer and every agent uses to search for homes. Buyer's agents receive their full one percent commission, and about three-quarters of One Percent Realty 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: 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 only 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 working in your favor.
What's included in the one percent commission?
Everything. This is full-service representation:
- 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
- Complete closing support through to possession day
- Contract preparation and review
How is this different from a discount brokerage or flat-fee service?
Discount brokerages and flat-fee services often provide limited support. You might get listed on MLS but have to 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.
Will my home sell as fast with one percent commission?
Yes. Your home gets the same MLS exposure, the same Realtor.ca visibility, and the same marketing as any other listing. Buyer's agents cooperate with our listings the same way they do with any other brokerage. The speed of your sale depends on pricing, condition, and market conditions, not the commission model.
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.
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. Whether you're selling a condo in Metrotown, a townhome in Queensborough, or a detached home in Burke Mountain, I can help.
How much can I save compared to a traditional agent?
It depends on your home's sale price. On a $750,000 townhome, you save about $8,250. On a $1,000,000 home, you save about $9,500. On a $1,500,000 home, you save about $12,000. Use the commission savings calculator to see your exact number.
How do I get started?
Call or text me at 604-446-1535. I offer a free, no-obligation consultation where we'll go over your home, your goals, and exactly what you'd save with one percent commission. No pressure, no commitment. You can also get a free home evaluation online.
Michael Bortolin, REALTOR® | One Percent Realty Ltd. | 604-446-1535 | michaelbortolin.com