How to sell a house in Vancouver and pay less commission
On a $2,500,000 Vancouver house, total commission at the common BC rate is about $67,000 before GST. That is a lot of money to take a careful look at.
Option 1: Negotiate the listing side
The listing brokerage's share on that sale is about $36,180. Our partner agents cut it in half, saving about $18,090, while still paying the buyer's agent the normal rate.
Option 2: A flat-fee or limited-service listing
You pay a small fee to get on the MLS and handle showings and negotiation yourself. It saves the most if everything goes smoothly. On a land-value house where the buyer is a builder, it can work. On a family home with lots of showings, it is a lot of work.
Option 3: Cut the buyer's side
Tempting, because it looks like the bigger number. In practice, buyer agents notice, and a listing that pays less than the norm can sit. On a house that needs a broad buyer pool, this is the most expensive way to save.
What Vancouver sellers should not cut
- Pricing based on recent comparable sales on similar lots.
- A floor plan and lot survey; builders ask for both.
- Clear information on zoning, including what the 2023 multiplex rules allow on your lot.
See the Vancouver seller page for the full numbers at different prices.