Has The Toronto Bubble Finally, Popped?
Services
Selling A Home In Toronto
SELLING PROPERTY IN TORONTO
Our Labour Of Love.
If you are a homeowner, chances are your property is your single largest asset. That’s why, when it comes to selling your home, experience matters. Every listing we take on becomes a labour of love, with no stone, left unturned or detail overlooked. With every home or condominium we bring to market, it becomes a scrupulous work of art. We maximize the best features of your property employing contemporary home staging, inspired photography & choice marketing decisions – all of which cut through the clutter. We want to tell your home’s story!
Coming from years of business experience and an accomplished real estate sales portfolio, we know that home buyers purchase on emotion and justify it with logic afterwards.
Our job at Fox Marin is to create that magical connection to your property. And, it makes a world of difference. From the very first time a prospective buyer views your home online to when they take that first step onto your property, it is all about the experience. It’s the creation of an emotional connection that will garner the highest and best price for your home. We have no doubt.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and it’s true. Take a look at our Listings and gain a feel for how Fox Marin can tell your home’s story too.
The Toronto real estate market is fast-paced and competitive. You don’t always get a chance to stage and market the first first impression. That’s where selling with Fox Marin comes in. We take the branding and marketing of your home very seriously (and, we love this aspect of what we do).
At Fox Marin, we are known for a customized, white-glove experience when it comes to real estate sales. First and foremost, we are your partners. We take the time to truly understand the ins and outs of your property, your goals and expectations, and above all, your wants and needs.You’re not just a business deal to us, and we don’t want to be just “salespeople” to you. Rather, we want to be the best of associates, from start to finish and long after (this is why we’re proud to call many of our clients our friends).
“All in all, selling my home with Fox Marin was a hugely positive experience and I would have no hesitation recommending them. Besides being highly skilled at what they do, they are all genuinely nice people. And that’s saying a lot in this industry.”
— Ruth Armour, Retired
Experience Matters
We’ll Do The
Heavy-Lifting Upfront,
So You Don’t Have To!
If there’s one thing we can say from experience, it takes hard work to sell your home. But, hard work pays dividends. When you have the right partner in your corner, you get the results you want. When you’re selling property in Toronto with Fox Marin, we are that someone to help you navigate through the selling process. To put it differently, you can trust that we’ll do the heavy-lifting upfront in order to maximize results. No matter the size, shape or value of the property, you will be working with a best-in-class team every step of the way to prepare your home sale.
Our Network Is Your Network
We have a wonderful roll-o-dex of contractors, trades, cleaners, painters, electricians, landscapers, movers and packers that are always one Fox Marin phone call away to assist in your preparation phase. In fact, we have a full project management & design team that can lead the charge by sourcing materials, supplying quotes, meeting trades and executing on a mutually agreeable plan. Imagine how much easier preparing your home to sell would be if you had a team in your corner to help coordinate an actionable and winning plan? It’s a game changer!
Listing Your Property
On MLS Is Simply
Not Enough.
The Multiple Listing Service or Realtor.ca is very limited in scope. In fact, it limits the number and quality of photographs uploaded, the words used in the descriptive sections and the amount of data that can be shared about your home.
Every property has a story that needs to be told and we work hard to get the full narrative out there in digital, print and social media. In order to maximize your property’s exposure we implement an action plan to ensure the engagement with your home is as high as possible including targeted social media campaigns, a custom property website, direct email marketing & international syndications.
Additionally, we will spare no expense to work with the best real-estate photographer and videographer the city has to offer – we are obsessed with creating beautiful digital advertising and high-end, magazine-quality printed materials.
We take our real estate portfolio very seriously.
The Details
When it comes to selling your biggest asset, you deserve the best.
Early in the sales process, we host a comprehensive Seller Intake Session where we build your home’s profile. In essence, we work with you to uncover key details about your property and its unique value in the marketplace. We invest time and energy in this critical first step. Because, speaking from experience, the most successful (and quick) property sales start with thorough planning and preparation.
Over the years, our team has developed an extensive and detailed process to curate a seamless and stress-free experience for our clients from day one.
Let us do all the heavy lifting. Put us to the test and find out why Fox Marin should be your top selection for the selling and marketing of your home.
You Had Me At Hello
The art of selling your property always starts with the
first impression. At FM, we stage and style to sell.
Before & Afters
COMMISSIONS
Real Estate Commissions Explained.
HOW MUCH COMMISSION DO YOU CHARGE TO SELL A PROPERTY?
How Much Commission Do You Charge To Sell A Property?
One of the first questions potential clients want to know when they contact our brokerage is, how much commission do you charge to sell a property? Now, there is not a “one-size-fits-all” answer when it comes to real estate commissions. However, we will do our very best to outline our Fox Marin commission structure and the various service packages we offer here!
In Toronto, it is commonplace for a seller to pay a 5% commission on their property’s final sale price. Typically, the commission is evenly split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent – 2.5% to the listing agent and 2.5% to the buyer’s agent. All amounts set out as commission are payable, plus applicable taxes (HST) on said commissions when the transaction closes. Real estate commissions come out of the proceeds of the sale.
Real estate commissions and associated fees vary, depending on the brokerage and the services provided. In other words, commission rates are negotiable, and therefore, there is no standard or fixed fee as many assume. Commission rates or fees that brokerages charge are solely the choices of those providing the services. Keep in mind; commissions are written into the listing agreement, the contract between The Seller and the Listing Brokerage. Meaning, the Seller must agree to the commission before signing the listing agreement.
HOW DO REAL ESTATE COMMISSIONS WORK?
How Do Real Estate Commissions Work?
There are three ways to structure a commission payment:
- Percentage of the sale price
- Fixed dollar amount
- Combination of the above
Many consumers believe that real estate agents are overpaid. And, in many situations, they indeed are. If your listing agent is only installing a lockbox and printing out some listing sheets at a full-service commission rate, you are likely overpaying for their work. A real estate broker should be earning their commissions with a commitment to sell your home for the highest and best price possible, using all the marketing tools at their disposal. Thus, it is essential to understand what your listing agent is willing to offer you in terms of value, experience and services before formalizing your working relationship and your fee structure.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN REAL ESTATE COMMISSIONS?
What Is Included In Real Estate Commissions?
To be fully transparent, at Fox Marin, we offer two different commission packages to our sellers. In most cases, we structure our commission as a percentage of the final sale price. This is how we break down our services as a point of reference:
1. Fox Marin’s Package A: Full-Service Package | Full Commission
Includes
- Property staging and styling (indoor/outdoor)
- Professional floor plans
- International and domestic advertising
- Professional photography
- Professional videography
- Staging lighting fixtures
- Property website
- Social syndication and paid sponsored advertising on Facebook & Instagram
- Digital and print marketing
Does not include
- Painting
- Any minor repairs or upgrades
- Storage fees for personal items and furniture
- Cost of movers for removal and return of personal items and furniture
- Pre-list home inspection (if selling a freehold)
- Status certificate (if selling a condo)
2. Fox Marin’s Package B: A La Carte Services | Reduced Commission
Includes
- Professional photography
- Property website
- Social syndication and sponsored advertising
- Digital and print marketing
Does not include
- Painting
- Any minor repairs or upgrades
- Storage fees for personal items and furniture
- Cost of movers for removal and return of personal items and furniture
- Pre-list home inspection (if selling a freehold)
- Status certificate (if selling a condo)
- Property staging and styling (indoor/outdoor)
- Professional floor plans
- Professional videography
- Staging lighting fixtures
As with most things, a lower commission rate may mean fewer services that can impact your sales experience and final sale price. Before agreeing to work with a brokerage, ask for a list of their services. We include a complete list of services in both our Business Plan and Listing Agreement. This way, our real estate commissions are very clear from the very start. Remember, ensure that you are comfortable with the commission rate/fees and services before signing any listing agreement.
Generally speaking, most clients opt for the full-service plan to take advantage of our staging services, top-notch marketing collateral and the benefits of using an experienced team.
Our a la carte services are usually retained when a property is tenanted, and the residence cannot be marketed to its full potential using staging, styling and “stop-dead-in-your-tracks” photography.
CALCULATING COMMISSIONS (BREAKING IT DOWN USING DOLLARS AND CENTS)
Calculating Commissions
Breaking It Down Using Dollars & Cents
It also may be helpful to you to understand how real estate commissions breakdown using an example:
- Property’s Final Sale Price: $850,000
- Commission Rate: 5.0% + HST = $42,500 + HST > $48,025
Often the assumption is that the listing brokerage which sells your property will pocket the full $48,025. However, this fee (though it may appear lofty) is the listing brokerage’s gross commission, not their net commission. Remember commission is generally split evenly between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent:
- Listing Agent’s Fee: 2.5% = $21,250 + HST > $24,012
- Buyer Agent’s Fee: 2.5% = $21,250 + HST > $24,012
Once the buyer agent’s fee is covered, the listing agent’s expenses come off the top. In our case, that includes our franchise fee, corporate tax rate, staging and marketing costs and the overhead we pay for full-time administrative support, office space, in-house designers, a warehouse packed full of inventory, top-shelf photography (and the list goes on). Achieving record sale prices and a seamless client experience requires infrastructure and a budget! In the end, our net commission after expenses and taxes is closer to 18% of the total commission payable on the selling side of the transaction. In this example, that equates to just over $4,300 net-net.
From our perspective, we are confident that we add enough value to the process that our selling clients end up winning big-time (both financially and experientially). In fact, we know they do! At Fox Marin, we work with all of our clients to customize their sales experience as much as possible. For example, some sellers don’t want to deal with staging, and some don’t want public open houses. Others don’t want to have to relocate their dog for a week while they are on the market. In each instance, we try to accommodate our clients’ wants and needs while still offering a full menu of services and commission options to service everyone’s long-term best interests.
ARE REAL ESTATE COMMISSIONS NEGOTIABLE?
Are Real Estate Commissions Negotiable?
Yes, they are! And as mentioned earlier, one size does not fit all. If you are not interested in paying full commission rates, you have every right to seek alternative options. In today’s marketplace, there are many choices to fulfill your needs. No one is forcing you to hire a full-service brokerage. There are companies that offer “mere posting” options, meaning you list your property on your own without agent representation, reducing commission fees for the Seller.
There are also many agents that are willing to list your property at a significant discount. Would we personally work with them to sell our home? Probably not. But, the point is, you do have choices out there. Every homeowner should know they have the opportunity to evaluate what meets their needs and wants at the time of sale.
WHAT DO BUYERS HAVE TO PAY IN COMMISSION?
What Do Buyers Have To Pay In Commission?
As a buyer working with a realtor, you may be asked to sign a contract called a Buyer’s Representation Agreement (BRA) before you start looking at properties. This document outlines the amount of commission the realtor that represents you is entitled to and how it is payable when you purchase a home. Generally speaking, the buyer agent is compensated through the listing brokerage from the proceeds of the sale. So, the purchaser is not responsible for any commissions or associated fees. However, there are exceptions to this rule! As a buyer, you should review compensation with your realtor in detail before signing a buyer’s representation agreement.
FIVE QUICK FACTS ABOUT REAL ESTATE COMMISSIONS
Five Quick Facts About Real Estate Commissions
- The Seller pays real estate commissions at closing.
- Real estate commissions are negotiable.
- Various real estate services will be included and not included in your commissions – be sure to find out the who, what and why!
- The commission paid is shared between the agent representing The Seller and the agent representing The Buyer.
- Be sure to understand the commissions you’ve agreed to pay and what services are included before signing your Listing Agreement.
It’s essential to know your options and to work with the brokerage or realtor that best aligns with what you’re willing to pay for services rendered without judgment. Suppose you have additional questions about commission rates, negotiating commissions or the pros and cons of hiring a full-service brokerage versus selling a property on your own. If that is the case, you know where to find us!
How Much Commission Do You Charge To Sell A Property?
One of the first questions potential clients want to know when they contact our brokerage is, how much commission do you charge to sell a property? Now, there is not a “one-size-fits-all” answer when it comes to real estate commissions. However, we will do our very best to outline our Fox Marin commission structure and the various service packages we offer here!
In Toronto, it is commonplace for a seller to pay a 5% commission on their property’s final sale price. Typically, the commission is evenly split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent – 2.5% to the listing agent and 2.5% to the buyer’s agent. All amounts set out as commission are payable, plus applicable taxes (HST) on said commissions when the transaction closes. Real estate commissions come out of the proceeds of the sale.
Real estate commissions and associated fees vary, depending on the brokerage and the services provided. In other words, commission rates are negotiable, and therefore, there is no standard or fixed fee as many assume. Commission rates or fees that brokerages charge are solely the choices of those providing the services. Keep in mind; commissions are written into the listing agreement, the contract between The Seller and the Listing Brokerage. Meaning, the Seller must agree to the commission before signing the listing agreement.
How Do Real Estate Commissions Work?
There are three ways to structure a commission payment:
- Percentage of the sale price
- Fixed dollar amount
- Combination of the above
Many consumers believe that real estate agents are overpaid. And, in many situations, they indeed are. If your listing agent is only installing a lockbox and printing out some listing sheets at a full-service commission rate, you are likely overpaying for their work. A real estate broker should be earning their commissions with a commitment to sell your home for the highest and best price possible, using all the marketing tools at their disposal. Thus, it is essential to understand what your listing agent is willing to offer you in terms of value, experience and services before formalizing your working relationship and your fee structure.
What Is Included In Real Estate Commissions?
To be fully transparent, at Fox Marin, we offer two different commission packages to our sellers. In most cases, we structure our commission as a percentage of the final sale price. This is how we break down our services as a point of reference:
1. Fox Marin’s Package A: Full-Service Package | Full Commission
Includes
- Property staging and styling (indoor/outdoor)
- Professional floor plans
- International and domestic advertising
- Professional photography
- Professional videography
- Staging lighting fixtures
- Property website
- Social syndication and paid sponsored advertising on Facebook & Instagram
- Digital and print marketing
Does not include
- Painting
- Any minor repairs or upgrades
- Storage fees for personal items and furniture
- Cost of movers for removal and return of personal items and furniture
- Pre-list home inspection (if selling a freehold)
- Status certificate (if selling a condo)
2. Fox Marin’s Package B: A La Carte Services | Reduced Commission
Includes
- Professional photography
- Property website
- Social syndication and sponsored advertising
- Digital and print marketing
Does not include
- Painting
- Any minor repairs or upgrades
- Storage fees for personal items and furniture
- Cost of movers for removal and return of personal items and furniture
- Pre-list home inspection (if selling a freehold)
- Status certificate (if selling a condo)
- Property staging and styling (indoor/outdoor)
- Professional floor plans
- Professional videography
- Staging lighting fixtures
As with most things, a lower commission rate may mean fewer services that can impact your sales experience and final sale price. Before agreeing to work with a brokerage, ask for a list of their services. We include a complete list of services in both our Business Plan and Listing Agreement. This way, our real estate commissions are very clear from the very start. Remember, ensure that you are comfortable with the commission rate/fees and services before signing any listing agreement.
Generally speaking, most clients opt for the full-service plan to take advantage of our staging services, top-notch marketing collateral and the benefits of using an experienced team.
Our a la carte services are usually retained when a property is tenanted, and the residence cannot be marketed to its full potential using staging, styling and “stop-dead-in-your-tracks” photography.
Calculating Commissions
Breaking It Down Using Dollars & Cents
It also may be helpful to you to understand how real estate commissions breakdown using an example:
- Property’s Final Sale Price: $850,000
- Commission Rate: 5.0% + HST = $42,500 + HST > $48,025
Often the assumption is that the listing brokerage which sells your property will pocket the full $48,025. However, this fee (though it may appear lofty) is the listing brokerage’s gross commission, not their net commission. Remember commission is generally split evenly between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent:
- Listing Agent’s Fee: 2.5% = $21,250 + HST > $24,012
- Buyer Agent’s Fee: 2.5% = $21,250 + HST > $24,012
Once the buyer agent’s fee is covered, the listing agent’s expenses come off the top. In our case, that includes our franchise fee, corporate tax rate, staging and marketing costs and the overhead we pay for full-time administrative support, office space, in-house designers, a warehouse packed full of inventory, top-shelf photography (and the list goes on). Achieving record sale prices and a seamless client experience requires infrastructure and a budget! In the end, our net commission after expenses and taxes is closer to 18% of the total commission payable on the selling side of the transaction. In this example, that equates to just over $4,300 net-net.
From our perspective, we are confident that we add enough value to the process that our selling clients end up winning big-time (both financially and experientially). In fact, we know they do! At Fox Marin, we work with all of our clients to customize their sales experience as much as possible. For example, some sellers don’t want to deal with staging, and some don’t want public open houses. Others don’t want to have to relocate their dog for a week while they are on the market. In each instance, we try to accommodate our clients’ wants and needs while still offering a full menu of services and commission options to service everyone’s long-term best interests.
Are Real Estate Commissions Negotiable?
Yes, they are! And as mentioned earlier, one size does not fit all. If you are not interested in paying full commission rates, you have every right to seek alternative options. In today’s marketplace, there are many choices to fulfill your needs. No one is forcing you to hire a full-service brokerage. There are companies that offer “mere posting” options, meaning you list your property on your own without agent representation, reducing commission fees for the Seller.
There are also many agents that are willing to list your property at a significant discount. Would we personally work with them to sell our home? Probably not. But, the point is, you do have choices out there. Every homeowner should know they have the opportunity to evaluate what meets their needs and wants at the time of sale.
What Do Buyers Have To Pay In Commission?
As a buyer working with a realtor, you may be asked to sign a contract called a Buyer’s Representation Agreement (BRA) before you start looking at properties. This document outlines the amount of commission the realtor that represents you is entitled to and how it is payable when you purchase a home. Generally speaking, the buyer agent is compensated through the listing brokerage from the proceeds of the sale. So, the purchaser is not responsible for any commissions or associated fees. However, there are exceptions to this rule! As a buyer, you should review compensation with your realtor in detail before signing a buyer’s representation agreement.
Five Quick Facts About Real Estate Commissions
- The Seller pays real estate commissions at closing.
- Real estate commissions are negotiable.
- Various real estate services will be included and not included in your commissions – be sure to find out the who, what and why!
- The commission paid is shared between the agent representing The Seller and the agent representing The Buyer.
- Be sure to understand the commissions you’ve agreed to pay and what services are included before signing your Listing Agreement.
It’s essential to know your options and to work with the brokerage or realtor that best aligns with what you’re willing to pay for services rendered without judgment. Suppose you have additional questions about commission rates, negotiating commissions or the pros and cons of hiring a full-service brokerage versus selling a property on your own. If that is the case, you know where to find us!
“Fox Marin often reminds first-timers that the first property is the hardest (and scariest) one – but after that, Toronto Real Estate becomes much more fun & empowering.”
— Lidia
“Fox Marin often reminds first-timers that the first property is the hardest (and scariest) one – but after that, Toronto Real Estate becomes much more fun & empowering.”
— Lidia
Take The First Step:
Fill Out Our
Seller Intake Form
The high-stakes Toronto Real Estate Market can feel fast-paced, highly transactional, and overwhelming. Real estate is inherently personal, and it is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and we get that. You deserve to have the best possible representation to achieve your goals. Seamlessly. Take control of your future today.
Guiding Your Success
Thinking of Selling?
We Can Help
Selling a property in Toronto can be time-consuming, stressful and complex, with a slim margin for error. When it comes to your home or investment property, you’ll likely find yourself scratching your head and asking questions like, “How do I go about selling my home?” “Should I buy or sell first?” “Do I need to stage my property?” Is it best to work with an individual realtor or a team?” Asking great questions should be the first step to selling your property, and we are here to help you navigate the process and market on your terms.
