If you are selling a home in Edmonton, you have likely come across terms like “low commission,” “discount realtor,” or “low fee real estate.”
But what do these terms actually mean?
And more importantly, how do you save money on commission without sacrificing service, marketing, or results?
This guide explains what low commission really means in Edmonton, how Black Sheep Realty approaches it differently, and why many sellers are able to save thousands of dollars without losing professional support.
The most common commission structure in Edmonton charged by many brokerages is:
This amount is typically split 50/50 between the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent, meaning each agent receives:
Commissions are not set, fixed, or standardized. They are entirely negotiable and flexible. However, this structure is still what a large majority of brokerages use as their baseline.
Some sellers assume that low commission realtors are simply “discount” service providers, similar to a discount furniture store or low-cost accountant, where overhead is stripped and service may be reduced.
But being a low commission realtor is not just about charging less.
It is about believing in doing business differently.
You have to want to do this job partially for altruistic reasons, and partially because you see the same frustrations homeowners do and believe there is a better solution.
We believe in being at the forefront of how real estate is done:
We looked at those models and said, “You know what, this could be better.”
In most industries, low-cost service providers operate by cutting overhead and margins. That model makes sense in many businesses..
Real estate is different.
We use the term “low commission” because it is part of homeowners’ everyday language. But in reality, most real estate fees are shaped by:
This means real estate is not a truly free market.
We define ourselves as low commission, low fee, or low cost realtors as a point of reference, to show we operate differently than the traditional establishment.
Contrast this with something like accounting. Market rates there evolve naturally through competition. Real estate has been much slower to evolve.
The most common misconception is that sellers will have to handle part of the selling process themselves.
Many homeowners believe there are only two options:
In reality, there is a third option.
Another misconception is that low commission means less effort. In fact, we often do significantly more marketing than many agents who charge more.
A third misconception involves buyer’s agent commissions. Our advertising focuses on listing-side fees, but most transactions involve two agents. Sellers typically still pay a cooperating commission to the buyer’s agent.
This amount is flexible, and we make recommendations based on market conditions.
For our 1% listing package:
This is for Black Sheep Realty as the listing agent, and does not include numeration paid to a buyer's agent.
Our agents have been working in the low commission space in Edmonton for over a decade.
We chose this structure for several reasons:
The old “7/3” model made sense decades ago. It does not always reflect today’s market.
Our goal has never been to be the cheapest.
The $4,000 minimum is the point where we can still provide:
Below that, quality becomes difficult to maintain.
As of this writing, the average detached home price in Edmonton is around $559,000. Let’s use $550,000 for illustration.
Assume a typical listing agent commission of 3.5% and 1.5% (as previously described):
Traditional Listing Fee
$100,000 × 3.5% = $3,500
$450,000 × 1.5% = $6,750
Total: $10,250 plus GST
Black Sheep Fee
$550,000 × 1% = $5,500
Total: $5,500 plus GST
That is nearly 50% savings on the listing side.
Including buyer commissions, most sellers save 25 to 30 percent on total commission.
Our typical seller saves around $5,000, and often more.
Please note this is a calculation for the listing side commission only, there is typically a cooperating commission paid to the buyer's agent in addition to the listing commission calculated.
Sell for 1% Listing Commission with Black Sheep Realty
Our mission is to provide full-service real estate at a fraction of the cost.
All listings receive:
Full service. No shortcuts.
No call centres. No DIY paperwork.
Clients are often surprised by how hands-on we are.
Many expect to handle parts of the process themselves. They do not.
They also tend to be impressed by our marketing and social media presence, where we are industry leaders locally.
Savings depend on price point, but most sellers save thousands of dollars.
The biggest misconception is that saving on commission means losing results. In many cases, our clients net more overall.
Here are the typical commission savings by price point, when comparing our 1% model to a "3.5/1.5" listing side commission:
Sell for 1% Listing Commission with Black Sheep Realty
Low commission may not be ideal if:
In these cases, don't fret, we do offer custom packages.
Consultations are always free.
Ask:
Beware of vague pricing and limited-service models.
We differentiate ourselves as efficient agents, not discount agents.
We improve the system. We do not just cheapen it.
Over the past decade, sellers have become more informed.
They now see:
Rising prices have accelerated this shift.
Yes, when service and experience are included. Many of our clients net $10,000 to $20,000 more overall on the typical home.
Our minimum is $4,000 listing side commission.
Lower fees exist, but motivation and quality can suffer.
Selling yourself is the lowest-cost option, but it requires significant time, skill, and risk.
Most do, but marketing is often reduced.
At Black Sheep, we provide full service and often exceed traditional offerings.
Mostly fancy offices and extravagant conferences.
We cut excess, not service.
Review agreements carefully
Check online reviews
Use RECA ProCheck
Ask about experience and transaction history
Choosing a REALTOR® is ultimately about trust, transparency, and fit.
A strong low commission brokerage should be able to clearly explain:
At Black Sheep Realty, our goal has always been to offer Edmonton sellers a better balance of value, service, and results.
If you are considering selling and want an honest, no-pressure conversation about your options, we are always happy to walk you through your situation, explain your choices, and help you decide what makes the most sense for you.
Sell for 1% Listing Commission with Black Sheep Realty
Contact
780-993-8036 (call or text)
info@blacksheeprealty.ca
11523 137 Street NW
Edmonton AB
T5M 1N7
Please send conveyancing and invoices to:
info@blacksheeprealty.ca
© 2026 All Rights Reserved
Information Courtesy of Black Sheep Realty. This website is not intended to solicit buyers or sellers already under contract with another brokerage.
REALTOR® , MLS® , and REALTOR.ca are property of the Canadian Real Estate Association. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
"Commission savings" are based on comparing our commissions to a commission of 7% on the first $100,000 and 3% on the balance. "Saving thousands on commissions" is based on comparing our 1% listing fee to a commission of 3.5% on the first $100k and 1.5% of the remaining balance of the sale price + GST. These numbers are used as an example based on their prevalence in the market. Fees are in no way fixed and all commissions are negotiable.
Commissions are negotiable in the province of Alberta. We refer to "traditional agents" and "traditional fees" to describe the 7/3 and 3.5/1.5 fees outlined above, which is a common fee model in the markets in which we operate, but does not in any way insinuate or assume that this is the fee model charged by any given other brokerages.
All commissions are subject to a minimum fee. In Edmonton & surrounding area, we charge 1% of the sale price + GST, or for homes with a list price under $400,000, we charge a flat fee of $4000 + GST on the listing agent side. Our packages are only for Black Sheep Realty as the listing brokerage and does not include cooperating commission to be paid to the buyer's agent.
Trademarks are owned or controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA (REALTOR®) and/or the quality of services they provide (MLS®).
BLACK SHEEP REALTY
Sell from 1% Listing Side Commission.
"The People Person's Real Estate People."
