Do I Have to Pay Commission if I List on REALTOR.ca?
Short answer: no. Even when your property is listed on the MLS® System and REALTOR.ca, you decide if, when, and how much commission you pay to buyer’s agents.
With our flat fee MLS® System service, you stay in full control of your commission strategy—from offering zero, to a flat fee, to a traditional percentage. The MLS® System does not force you into anything.
Quick Myth Check
Myth
“MLS® listings must pay agents.”
Reality
You choose whether to offer commission, and how much.
In most Canadian markets, your commission instructions appear only to agents in the back end of the MLS® System—not to the public. You decide what those instructions say.
You’re Not Locked In — Ever
Many sellers assume that listing on the MLS® System automatically locks them into paying commission to agents. That’s simply not true.
Even if an agent brings a buyer, you only pay a commission if you’ve agreed to it. In most Canadian markets, you can specify commission terms in the back end of the MLS® System that only agents can see.
While some sellers choose not to offer any commission at all, most are open to compensating a buyer’s agent if they successfully bring a qualified buyer. Only a small fraction of sellers refuse to pay commission under any circumstances—but that choice is always yours.
Every MLS® System listing we upload includes commission instructions so buyer’s agents know, in advance, what you’re willing to offer. That transparency helps avoid surprises later.
Example Flexible Wording
Some of our sellers prefer a more open-ended statement such as:
“This seller is willing to negotiate commission with any agent who brings an acceptable offer.”
This invites conversations with agents without locking you into a fixed amount upfront.
Common Commission Strategies Used by FSBO Sellers
There’s no single “right” way to handle commission. Here are a few patterns we see often.
1 · No Commission Offered
Some sellers choose not to offer any commission and focus on attracting private buyers who are not working with an agent.
This maximizes your potential savings, but may reduce how often agents bring buyers to your property.
2 · Typical Buyer’s Agent Commission
Many sellers simply offer the common buyer’s agent commission in their area and factor that cost into their asking price.
This way, your listing hits the MLS® System with a clear commission offer, encouraging more agents to consider it for their buyers.
3 · Above-Typical or Flexible Commission
Some sellers choose to offer slightly more than typical—or keep things flexible—to heavily incentivize agents to bring buyers, using a portion of the commission savings they gained by listing with us.
Again: the amount and approach are entirely up to you.
Options for Commission Messages to Buyer’s Agents
Here are three common ways we can word your commission terms in the MLS® System remarks that agents see.
Sample note to buyer’s agents:
“Mere Posting. The seller will negotiate. Complete fee agreement directly with seller.”
This typically results in less interaction with buyer’s agents because you’re not committing to a specific commission if they bring a buyer.
Sample note to buyer’s agents:
“The seller is offering (specified % or amount) to the cooperating buyer agent.”
This usually results in more interaction with buyer’s agents because you’ve clearly committed to paying commission if they bring a buyer.
Sample note to buyer’s agents:
“Mere Posting. Contact seller directly.”
This option usually results in less interaction with buyer’s agents because you’re clearly stating that you will pay zero commission if they bring a buyer.
We’ll help you choose the option that best fits your comfort level and strategy. You can also change your commission instructions later if your needs or the market shift.
Commission on Your Terms — Not the Industry’s
We hope this helps clarify how commission messaging to buyer’s agents works when you use our system to market your property on the MLS® System. You’re never forced into a commission you don’t agree with.
Have more questions about commission, buyer’s agents, or anything else related to your sale? We’re happy to walk through real-world scenarios and help you choose an approach that fits your comfort level and goals.
Need Help Deciding?
Please contact us if you have any additional questions about this topic—or any other part of the FSBO + MLS® System process.