Compare the full proposal, not one percentage
Ask each brokerage to put the fee basis, tax treatment, services, expenses, term, exclusivity, cancellation, and possible post-expiry obligations in writing. A fixed fee and a percentage can be compared only after applying both to the same reference price and adding the same categories of tax and extras.
For sellers, determine whether a quoted amount combines all brokerage remuneration or whether a separate buyer-brokerage contribution is proposed. For buyers, distinguish the remuneration agreed with your brokerage from an expected third-party contribution, rebate, tax, and extras.
Negotiation levers that are not just price
A proposal can change in scope, duration, geography, property type, exclusivity, holdover, cancellation, expenses, staffing, marketing, showings, offer preparation, negotiation, or transaction coordination. Decide which services matter to your situation and ask how changes affect the fee.
- Request an itemized proposal and a sample agreement before committing.
- Ask which services are included, optional, outsourced, or billed separately.
- Clarify the trigger for payment and what happens if the transaction does not close.
- Ask how conflicts and multiple representation would be handled.
How to discuss the proposal
Use neutral, specific questions: ‘What service and fee options do you offer?’, ‘Can the term or scope be narrower?’, ‘Which expenses are extra?’, and ‘How would a contribution from another party affect what I owe?’ Ask the professional to update the written agreement rather than relying on side conversations.
A lower total is not automatically better, and a higher total is not automatically more complete. The comparison tool identifies differences and unanswered contract questions; it does not rank professionals or decide which services you need.
Confirm taxes and the signed obligation
GST, HST, QST, or provincial tax may apply depending on the service, property, place-of-supply, timing, and jurisdiction. Use the tax shown on a written quote where available and ask the brokerage to confirm it. This tool's effective-dated tax records are planning aids, not tax advice.
Before signing, reconcile the comparison with the actual agreement. If wording about remuneration, holdover, cancellation, conflicts, or payment triggers is unclear, obtain an explanation and independent legal advice.