Understanding the Hamilton Real Estate Commission: What Sellers Need to Know
By Tory Akene, REALTOR® | Real Broker Ontario Ltd. · · 7 min read
One of the most common questions I get from Hamilton Mountain sellers is: "How much does it actually cost to sell my home?" And the most confusing part of that answer is the commission. Real estate commission is the single largest expense in most home sales, and it's also the one that's hardest to understand. Let me break it down clearly.
How Real Estate Commission Works in Ontario
In Ontario, the typical real estate commission is between 4% and 5% of the final sale price, plus HST (13%) on the commission itself. That total commission is split between two parties: the listing agent (your agent) and the buyer's agent. So if the total commission is 5%, each side typically receives 2.5%.
Here's what that looks like on a typical Hamilton Mountain home sale:
| Sale Price | Commission (5%) | Each Side | With HST |
|---|---|---|---|
| $650,000 | $32,500 | $16,250 | $36,725 |
| $750,000 | $37,500 | $18,750 | $42,375 |
| $850,000 | $42,500 | $21,250 | $48,025 |
| $1,000,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | $56,500 |
Note: Commission is negotiable between the seller and the listing agent. These are typical ranges, not fixed amounts.
What's Included in the Commission
This is where sellers often feel uncertain — and rightfully so. Here's what a full-service listing agent should include as part of their commission on the Hamilton Mountain:
- Professional photography and videography — HDR photos, twilight shots, drone aerials, and virtual tours that make your listing stand out online.
- MLS listing and syndication — Your home listed on the local MLS, plus platforms like Realtor.ca, Zillow, and hundreds of aggregator sites.
- Marketing and advertising — Targeted social media ads, email marketing to my buyer network, feature sheet creation, and signage.
- Showings and open houses — Coordinating and conducting every showing, plus hosting open houses when appropriate.
- Offer negotiation — Reviewing every offer, negotiating on your behalf, and ensuring your interests are protected through conditions and closing.
- Transaction management — Coordinating with lawyers, lenders, inspectors, and the buyer's agent from offer acceptance to closing day.
The Full Cost Picture: It's Not Just Commission
Commission is the biggest number, but it's not the only cost. Here's a realistic total cost breakdown for selling a typical Hamilton Mountain home at $750,000:
These are estimates for a $750,000 sale on the Hamilton Mountain. Your actual costs will vary based on your specific situation.
Why Commission Isn't Just a "Cost" — It's an Investment
I understand that commission feels like a big number. But here's the question I ask every seller: what would your home sell for if you listed it yourself, without professional photography, without MLS exposure, without a marketing plan, and without a skilled negotiator?
The data consistently shows that homes listed with a full-service agent sell for more than For Sale By Owner (FSBO) homes — even after accounting for commission. On the Hamilton Mountain, where the market is competitive and buyers have many options, presentation and pricing strategy are everything.
My job isn't just to put a sign on your lawn. It's to position your home so that the right buyers see it, compete for it, and pay what it's worth. That's what my commission covers — and I'm transparent about exactly what you're getting for it.
Thinking about selling your Hamilton Mountain home?
Talk to Tory — she knows every neighbourhood. Get a transparent breakdown of what selling your home will cost and what you can expect to walk away with.
Book a Free Call