What will you actually walk away with?

Start with the most important fact: real estate commissions in BC are not fixed, and they're not set by any regulator or board. They are negotiable, agreed in writing between you and your brokerage in your listing agreement. What this calculator models is the structure you'll most commonly see quoted on the Lower Mainland, not a rule, and not necessarily what you'll pay.

That common structure is graduated: a higher percentage on the first $100,000 of the sale price, and a lower percentage on everything above it. A frequently quoted example is 7% on the first $100,000 and 2.5% on the balance, which is why the calculator defaults to those numbers. On a $1,250,000 sale, that works out to $7,000 on the first slice plus $28,750 on the remaining $1,150,000: a gross commission of $35,750. Notice the effective rate on the whole price is well under 3%, the "7%" headline only ever applies to the first hundred thousand.

Two things then happen to that gross figure. First, GST: commission is a service, so 5% GST applies on top of it, a cost sellers often forget. Second, the commission is typically split between two brokerages: roughly half is offered to the brokerage representing the buyer as compensation for bringing them, and the remainder goes to the listing brokerage. From each brokerage's share come the agent's actual pay, brokerage fees, marketing costs, photography, staging contributions, and everything else it takes to sell your home well.

Your net proceeds are what's left after commission, GST, legal or notary fees for the conveyance, and, usually the biggest line, your mortgage payout, including any discharge fee or prepayment penalty your lender charges. Depending on your situation there can be other adjustments too: property tax and utility prorations, strata move-out fees, or repairs negotiated during the sale. This calculator covers the big four; your lawyer's statement of adjustments covers the rest.

When you sit down with Sanam, she'll put the exact structure in writing before you sign anything, explain what's included, and run this same net-proceeds math against your real mortgage balance, so the number you plan your next move around is one you can trust.

Disclaimer: these figures are estimates for planning only. Commission structures vary and are always negotiable; mortgage payout penalties, adjustments, and fees vary by lender and transaction. Confirm your actual numbers with your brokerage, lender, and lawyer or notary.