The 3% Commission Model Explained
What you actually pay, what you actually get, and how much stays in your pocket.
If you’ve sold a home before, you know commission stings. Traditional real estate in Canada typically runs 4–5% of the sale price — split between your agent and the buyer’s agent. On a $400,000 home, that’s up to $20,000 gone before you’ve packed a box.
3 Percent Realty was built around a simple idea: sellers deserve full-service representation without an inflated price tag. Here’s exactly how the model works, what it includes, and what it means for your bottom line.
The short version: You pay a total of 3% — typically 1.5% to your listing agent and 1.5% to the buyer’s agent. You get everything a traditional agent offers. You keep thousands more.
How the 3% Commission Structure Works
In most Canadian real estate transactions, commission is split two ways: a listing agent fee (paid to your agent for selling the home) and a buyer’s agent co-op fee (offered to whoever brings the buyer).
With traditional brokerages, sellers commonly pay:
- 2–2.5% to their listing agent
- 2–2.5% to the buyer’s agent
- Total: 4–5%
With 3 Percent Realty, the structure is:
- 1.5% to your listing agent (Richard Wontorra)
- 1.5% co-op to the buyer’s agent
- Total: 3%
The buyer’s agent co-op is kept competitive at 1.5% — the same or higher than what many traditional agents offer — so buyer’s agents are fully motivated to show and sell your home.
Note: All commission is subject to HST. HST applies to the commission amount, not the sale price. This is consistent across all brokerages.
Commission Breakdown: $400,000 Home
Where the money goes — traditional vs. 3% Realty
Your Savings Calculator
Your estimated sale priceWhat’s Included — Full Service, Lower Fee
The most common misconception about discount real estate is that you get less. At 3 Percent Realty, the service level is identical to a traditional full-service brokerage. Here’s the direct comparison:
| Service | Traditional Agent | Richard Wontorra (3%) |
|---|---|---|
| MLS® listing | Yes | Yes |
| Professional photography | Yes | Yes |
| Comparative market analysis (CMA) | Yes | Yes |
| Showings & open houses | Yes | Yes |
| Offer negotiation | Yes | Yes |
| Staging consultation | Yes | Yes |
| Social media marketing | Varies | Yes |
| Paperwork & closing coordination | Yes | Yes |
| Total commission (on $400K home) | $20,000 + HST | $12,000 + HST |
Common Myths — Addressed Honestly
Why the Model Works
Traditional commission rates in Canada were built for a pre-internet world where agents controlled information, printed flyers, and ran print ads. Today, 95% of buyers start their search online — on Realtor.ca, Zillow, and brokerage websites. The marketing landscape has fundamentally changed.
3 Percent Realty recognised this shift early. By operating leaner and passing the savings to sellers, the brokerage has grown to become one of the most recognized real estate brands in Canada.
For Richard specifically, the model aligns with a straightforward philosophy: you hired him to get you the best possible outcome, not to maximize his paycheque. With 16+ years of experience and 200+ homes sold across Ontario and New Brunswick, the proof is in the results.
In Greater Moncton’s 2026 market — where the average home is selling for around $386,000 and inventory remains tight — a competitively priced, well-marketed listing will sell. The commission model doesn’t change that; it just changes how much of the proceeds you keep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Keep More of Your Money?
Find out what your home is worth and what you’d net at 3% commission. Free consultation, no obligation.
Get a Free Home Valuation Ask a Question