Buyer & Seller Advice
REALTOR® Commissions in BC Explained: Who Pays, How It’s Split, and What You Actually Get
One of the most common questions I hear from both buyers and sellers in Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Port Coquitlam is: who actually pays the REALTOR®? The short answer is that the seller typically pays the commission for both sides of the transaction — but understanding exactly how that works, what it covers, and why it’s structured that way will help you negotiate smarter and avoid surprises. Whether you’re listing your home or shopping for one in the Tri-Cities, here’s what you need to know. You can also explore how realtor commission in Coquitlam applies to your specific situation, or use a commission calculator to estimate the numbers on your own sale. Browse current Tri-Cities listings →
In British Columbia, commission is almost always paid by the seller out of the proceeds of the sale at closing. When a seller lists their home, they agree to a total commission rate with their listing agent. That total commission is then split between the listing brokerage and the buyer’s brokerage — typically following a structure where a portion is offered to cooperating buyer’s agents through the MLS® system. The seller pays one amount; that amount is divided between both brokerages internally.
Commission in BC is negotiable by law. There is no fixed or mandated rate set by the Real Estate Council of BC (RECBC) or any industry body. Rates vary depending on the brokerage, the services included, the price range of the property, and the complexity of the transaction. It’s important to compare not just the percentage but what that percentage actually buys you — marketing, photography, staging advice, negotiation, and ongoing support throughout the process all have real value.
For sellers in the Tri-Cities, the commission you offer to a buyer’s agent matters. If the cooperating commission offered through the MLS® is perceived as too low, fewer buyer’s agents may prioritize showing your property — a practical reality worth discussing openly with your listing agent. A well-structured commission split can directly influence how much buyer-side attention your listing receives in competitive neighbourhoods like Burke Mountain or Moody Centre.
Buyers in BC have increasingly been asked to sign buyer agency agreements that formalize the relationship with their REALTOR® and clarify how that agent is compensated. In most standard resale transactions, the seller’s commission offer still covers the buyer’s agent — meaning the buyer typically pays nothing out of pocket. However, understanding this structure matters because in some situations, particularly with private sales, new builds, or when a seller offers no cooperating commission, a buyer may need to address compensation separately. Your agent should walk you through this clearly before you start touring homes.
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Key takeaways
Sellers do not write a cheque to their REALTOR® when they sign a listing agreement. Commission is deducted from the sale proceeds on the completion date and distributed through the brokerages. This means there is no out-of-pocket cost during the listing period — the fee is contingent on a successful sale. Use a commission calculator to see how the numbers net out based on your expected sale price.
A full-service listing typically includes professional photography, MLS® listing, online marketing, open houses, showing coordination, offer negotiation, contract management, and support through to closing. Discount models exist in BC, but they often shift work onto the seller — pricing strategy, showing scheduling, and negotiation — which can cost more than the savings if the home sells for less or takes longer. Always ask for a written breakdown of what is and isn’t included.
When you buy a home in the Tri-Cities through a standard MLS® transaction, your REALTOR® is compensated from the commission the seller has already agreed to pay. You generally do not pay your buyer’s agent separately. However, this dynamic is evolving — buyer agency agreements are now more common, and you should understand how your agent is compensated before signing anything. Transparency here protects everyone. Learn more about how realtor commission in Coquitlam affects buyer representation specifically.
You have every right to negotiate commission with your REALTOR®, and a good agent won’t take offence at the conversation. That said, consider what you’re negotiating. In a high-demand area like Port Moody or Coquitlam’s Burke Mountain, a skilled agent who prices correctly, markets aggressively, and negotiates firmly can easily net you more than their commission costs. The cheapest option on paper is not always the best financial outcome when it comes to your largest asset.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions answered
Who pays the REALTOR® commission in BC?
In BC, the seller pays the REALTOR® commission for both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. The total commission is deducted from the sale proceeds at closing and split between the two brokerages involved in the transaction. The buyer typically pays nothing directly to their agent in a standard resale transaction.
What is the typical REALTOR® commission rate in BC?
There is no fixed commission rate in BC — it is fully negotiable between the seller and their listing agent. Rates vary by brokerage and service level. A common structure involves a percentage on the first portion of the sale price and a lower percentage on the remainder, but flat-fee and other models also exist. Use a commission calculator to estimate what you might pay based on your expected sale price.
Do buyers pay REALTOR® fees in BC?
In most standard resale transactions in BC, buyers do not pay their REALTOR® directly. The buyer’s agent is compensated from the commission the seller has agreed to pay on their listing. However, buyers should be aware that in private sales, new construction, or situations where no cooperating commission is offered, compensation arrangements may differ. A buyer agency agreement should clearly outline how your agent will be paid.
Is REALTOR® commission negotiable in BC?
Yes. The Real Estate Council of BC does not set or mandate commission rates. Every commission is negotiated between the seller and their listing agent. While you can negotiate the rate, it’s wise to also consider the level of service, marketing quality, and negotiation expertise included — a lower commission that results in a lower sale price or a longer time on market may cost more in the end.
How is commission split between the buyer’s and seller’s agent in BC?
When a seller lists their property, they agree to a total commission that includes a portion offered to any buyer’s agent who brings a successful offer through the MLS®. This cooperating commission is determined upfront by the seller and their listing agent. The two brokerages then each receive their respective portions at closing. The seller does not pay two separate commissions — they agree to one total amount that is then divided.
Sebastian Czarkowski
REALTOR® · Royal LePage Elite West · Coquitlam, BC
Questions about buying or selling in the Tri-Cities? Reach out directly.
For educational purposes only. Not intended as financial or legal advice.
Sebastian Czarkowski, REALTOR® | Royal LePage Elite West | sebastianrealestate.ca