Many first-time buyers assume the seller always pays both agents. Who pays the buyer’s agent in Ontario depends on what you sign. Here is what the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) says in the guide every agent must walk you through. Checked October 3, 2026.
The fee is between you and the brokerage
- You and the brokerage decide the amount. It is not fixed or approved by RECO, by any government authority, or by any real estate board.
- It can be a fixed dollar amount, a percentage of the sale price, or a mix of both.
- It cannot be based on the difference between the listing price and the sale price.
- It must be in writing, in your buyer representation agreement.
What the seller may cover
A seller’s listing agreement states the amount, if any, the seller agrees to pay toward the buyer’s brokerage fees. In many deals that covers the buyer’s side. But RECO warns buyers directly: a seller might not offer any amount, and that could affect how much you are able to offer for the property.
Your agreement has to say how the amount you owe changes if the seller covers some or all of it. If the seller covers less than what you agreed, the difference is yours to pay.
Two questions to ask
- Before you sign: what amount is written in my agreement, and how does it change if the seller pays part of it?
- Before you make an offer: what is the seller offering toward the buyer’s brokerage fee on this home?
Other things to read in the agreement
- Expiry date: it must appear on the first page. There is no standard length.
- Holdover clause: you may owe the fee on a home you buy after the agreement expires, if you saw it during the agreement. Check how long the holdover lasts.
- Scope: the area and type of property the agreement covers.
- Services: there is no standard set. If you expect a service, make sure it is written down.
I explain every line of the agreement, in English or Arabic, before you sign anything. Next: how multiple offers work in Ontario.
Sources (official pages, checked October 3, 2026)
Programs and limits change, often at budget time. Confirm the current rules on the official page before you rely on them.
Talk to me in English or Arabic: call or text (647) 465-3710, message me on WhatsApp, or email Mohieddinrealtor@gmail.com.
General information only – not financial, legal or mortgage advice. Please consult a licensed professional about your own situation.