If you are thinking about moving in or out of the Edmonton area, there is one question that almost every homeowner asks eventually: "Do people negotiate realtor fees?"
It’s a fair question. When you look at the price of a home in Edmonton—whether it’s a beautiful detached house in Windermere or a trendy condo in Oliver—the commission is often the single largest expense you’ll face at the closing table. Many people assume that the fees are set in stone by some governing body, but the reality is quite different.
In Alberta, there is no such thing as a "standard" or "fixed" commission rate. While you will often hear about a "7 and 3" structure (7% on the first $100,000 and 3% on the remaining balance), this is merely a common practice, not a legal requirement. In fact, under the Competition Act, all commissions are 100% negotiable.
But here is the real secret: instead of trying to haggle with a traditional agent who has high overhead and rigid structures, savvy Edmontonians are turning to a model that has negotiation built into its very DNA. As the top real estate agent in Edmonton with One Percent Realty, I, Derek Keet, offer a model that doesn’t just "negotiate" fees—it revolutionizes them while maintaining the full-service experience you deserve.
Understanding the Edmonton Commission Landscape
To understand why negotiation is such a hot topic, we first have to look at what the "typical" experience looks like. In Edmonton, many traditional brokerages aim for that tiered 7%/3% model. On a $500,000 home, that traditional fee adds up to roughly $19,000 plus GST.
When people ask if they can negotiate that $19,000, the answer is yes—but it’s often an uphill battle. You might get an agent to shave off a half-percent, but you often find yourself wondering if that discount comes at the cost of your marketing budget, the quality of your photos, or the agent’s time.
This is where my approach as your Edmonton real estate specialist changes the game. I don’t believe you should have to fight for a fair rate. One Percent Realty's posted commission rates are designed to be transparent, affordable, and incredibly effective from day one.
How One Percent Realty’s Posted Commission Rates Work
We aren't a "limited service" or "mere posting" company. We provide the exact same full-service exposure you’d expect from any top-tier brokerage—MLS® listing, professional photos, signage, lockboxes, open houses, and expert negotiation—but we do it for a fraction of the cost.
Our structure is straightforward:
Homes under $400,000: We charge a flat fee of $7,950 + GST. (This includes $3,500 offered to the Buyer’s agent).
Homes between $400,000 and $900,000: We charge a flat fee of $9,950 + GST. (This includes $4,500 offered to the Buyer’s agent).
Homes over $900,000: We charge 1% of the sale price plus a $950 deal fee.
When you look at those numbers compared to the "7 and 3" model, the savings are staggering. For example, on that same $500,000 home, instead of paying $19,000, you are paying $9,950. That is nearly $9,000 kept in your pocket*.
You can see more about how this specific structure works by visiting dkeet.ca/1-derek-deal.html.
Why "Negotiating" Isn’t Always the Best Path
When you try to negotiate with a traditional agent, you are often asking them to take a pay cut on a model that isn’t optimized for efficiency. This can lead to a "you get what you pay for" scenario. If an agent agrees to a lower fee, are they still going to spend the money on professional drone photography? Are they going to be as motivated to answer their phone at 9:00 PM on a Sunday when an offer comes in?
By choosing Derek Keet, you aren't just "negotiating" a lower fee; you are choosing a business model designed for the modern world. I have built my reputation as the most knowledgeable agent in Edmonton by combining high-volume efficiency with deep local expertise. I don't need to charge 7% and 3% because my system is built to provide value through volume and smart marketing.
Full Service vs. Discount Service: Is There a Difference?
The biggest myth in Edmonton real estate is that a "discount brokerage" means "discount service." Let’s debunk that right now. When you list with me, you get:
Full MLS® System Exposure: Your home is seen by every agent and every buyer on the same platforms used by every other brokerage.
Professional Marketing: High-end photos and strategic online placement.
Expert Negotiation: With over 20 years of personal and business experience in residential, commercial, and rural transactions, I know how to navigate the toughest deals.
The "Derek Keet" Advantage: I treat your home sale as if it were my own. My family history is rooted in home construction and property investment. This isn't just a job for me; it’s a passion.
People often ask, "Will other agents show my home if the commission is lower?" The answer is a resounding YES. Over 80% of our sales at One Percent Realty are co-operated with other brokerages. Buyers drive the market; if a buyer wants to see your home, their agent is going to show it. Plus, our commission structure ensures the buyer's agent is still getting a fair, professional fee for their work.
Strategic Buying and Selling in Edmonton
Whether you are looking for a family-friendly suburb in Southeast Edmonton—like Larkspur, where I have personally owned property—or you're looking for an investment opportunity near the University or NAIT, understanding the financial side of the deal is crucial.
As a buyer, my services are typically free to you, as the seller pays the commission. However, having an agent who understands the "sell side" so intimately gives you an advantage. I know exactly how to structure an offer to make it attractive to a seller while protecting your bottom line.
As a seller, the goal is always to maximize your net return. It doesn't matter if you sell your house for $5,000 more if you end up paying $10,000 more in commission. By using One Percent Realty’s posted commission rates, you are starting the process with a massive financial head start.
The Power of Local Knowledge
Edmonton is a unique market. From the seasonal shifts in the Greater Edmonton Area to the specific nuances of neighborhoods like Sherwood Park, Beaumont, or Leduc, you need an agent who knows more than just the numbers. You need someone who understands the "why" behind the market trends.
I take great pride in showcasing Edmonton as one of Canada's most affordable and vibrant cities. My background as an international business leader allows me to bring a level of professionalism and strategic thinking that is rare in the industry. When we sit down to discuss your home, we aren't just talking about a price tag; we are talking about your real estate goals.
Final Thoughts on Negotiating Fees
So, do people negotiate realtor fees? Yes. But why spend your energy haggling for a small discount when you can work with the top real estate agent in Edmonton who offers a transparent, low-fee, full-service model from the very start?
By choosing to work with me, Derek Keet, you are choosing a partner who values your equity as much as you do. We’ve sold billions in real estate across Canada and saved our clients millions in commissions. In a city as competitive as Edmonton, every dollar counts. Why give away your hard-earned home equity when you don't have to?
If you are ready to see the difference that a knowledgeable, high-value agent can make, I invite you to explore my website at dkeet.ca. You can find a wealth of information, from current listings to my FAQ section, which breaks down the selling process in even more detail.
Don't settle for the status quo. Demand full service, expect expert knowledge, and keep your equity where it belongs—with you.
Derek Keet | One Percent Realty
Edmonton REALTOR®
587-803-0396 https://linktr.ee/dkeet
Edmonton Real Estate Agent | Helping Homeowners Sell for Top Value
*Compared with a broker charging 7% on the first $100,000 and 3% on the balance, plus GST. Not all brokers charge the same.
