How Much Are Your Real Estate Fees?

A Transparent Answer From an Experienced Richmond Hill & Markham Realtor

When homeowners in Richmond Hill or Markham reach out to me, the first question they usually ask is this:

"How much are your real estate fees?"

It’s a completely reasonable question. You’re preparing to make one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. You want clarity. You want honesty. And you want to know the return you can expect on the investment you’re making in a real estate professional.

Here’s my straightforward answer, based on 17 years of high-volume selling experience and a track record that consistently outperforms the market:

I Don’t Post a Fixed Commission Online And Here’s Why...

Every home is different.

Every situation is different.

Every seller’s needs are different.

Posting one fixed fee publicly would be misleading. My fees are competitive within the Richmond Hill and Markham market and I review them with you privately during a listing consultation. That way, we choose a plan that reflects:

• The property type
• The preparation required
• The marketing strategy
• Your timeline and goals

I’ve learned that customizing the plan gives clients better results, instead of forcing every seller into the same box.

What You’re Actually Paying For (It’s Not What Most People Think)

Some sellers assume real estate fees cover photos, a sign on the lawn, and paperwork. That is the bare minimum.

What I provide is a full, strategic system designed to increase your exposure, increase your demand and ultimately increase your sale price.

Here’s what my fee typically covers:

• High-quality, full-service marketing
• Professional photography
• Cinematic video
• Floor plans
• Virtual tours and 3D dollhouse tours
• Paid social media ads
• Open houses with purpose
• Exposure to my database of active buyers and agents
• Home preparation
• Cleaning
• Pre-listing home inspection
• Project management when needed
• Strategic pricing backed by my appraisal background

Before selling homes, I worked as a professional appraiser. This gives you an advantage most sellers never realize they’re paying for.  I know exactly how to adjust comparables, justify value and explain pricing to buyers’ agents in a way they trust. This often leads to stronger offers because the buyer’s agent feels confident presenting the value to their client.

Proactive negotiation, not passive waiting. We don’t sit back and “hope for offers.” My team and I call every agent who shows your home. We find out:

• What their buyers liked
• What concerns they have
• What objections we can solve
• What we can do to turn interest into an offer

Most agents never do this level of follow-up but for us, it’s standard. This is a key part of why my listings have historically sold at about 105% of asking price, while the market average sits closer to 99%.

How My Appraiser Background Directly Impacts Your Sale

Here’s a simple way to explain it:

I know how to justify a higher number for sellers and a lower number for buyers — because I know how appraisers think. When I list your home, I often prepare a comparison of three relevant sales and send it directly to the buyer’s agent. I break down the adjustments, value differences and data in a way that helps them present a strong offer to their buyer with confidence. I literally teach buyer agents how to sell your home to their clients.

Most sellers have no idea this happens behind the scenes, but it’s one of the most valuable things you’re actually paying for.

Do Discount Brokerages Offer Better Value?

Some brokerages advertise lower commissions or flat-fee services. On paper, that sounds attractive but here’s what I’ve learned after 17 years in this business: A discount mindset attracts a discount result.

Discount brokerages, discount agents and discount clients all operate from the same place, minimizing cost rather than maximizing outcome. I’ve seen lower fees cost sellers far more in the end.

Here’s one real example:

A seller I met chose a cheaper agent solely to “save commission.” Their home was priced wrong, marketed weakly and sat on the market. They kept lowering the price to chase the market.

Buyers saw the pattern and waited for desperation. The home eventually sold for far less than it should have.

They saved a little on fees. They lost much more on their final sale price. Your biggest asset deserves more than a discount approach.

How I Explain My Fees So You Feel Clear, Not Pressured

When we sit down together, I explain it this way:

You are paying for results and my success rate. If an agent charges 0% but can’t sell the home, that “deal” becomes very expensive. If an agent charges 1% and can’t negotiate their own fee, imagine how quickly they will give away your money when negotiating your home price.

My fee always reflects:

• The strategy we build
• The service you receive
• The experience you get
• The likelihood of the result you want

And if you’re buying with me or your property requires less work, we can adjust the plan.

So… How Much Are My Real Estate Fees?

The short answer: They vary based on the service plan we build together.

The real answer: My fees are designed to help you achieve the highest net result — not just the lowest cost.

You are not paying for photos. You are not paying for a sign. You are paying for decades of experience, appraisal-level pricing expertise, proven negotiation skills and a system that consistently outperforms the average.

If You Want to Know Your Exact Cost to Sell, Let’s Talk

Every home has its own story. Every seller has their own goals. Every strategy should be tailored.

If you want to know:

• Your estimated sale price
• Your full cost to sell
• Your likely net amount
• Whether selling now makes sense
• What your personalized fee structure would be

I’m happy to walk you through the numbers. No pressure. Just clarity so you can decide with confidence.

Send me a message anytime and we’ll start from there.