Let’s have a real, honest conversation about the Edmonton real estate market. If you’ve been thinking about buying or selling a home lately, you’ve probably found yourself asking a pretty tough question: "What are the disadvantages of using a real estate agent?"
It’s a fair question. In fact, it’s a question that any savvy homeowner in Edmonton should be asking. We live in an age where information is everywhere. You can jump on your phone and see every house for sale in Summerside, Griesbach, or Glenora in seconds. You can look up recent sold prices, check out school ratings, and even take 3D virtual tours without leaving your couch. So, it’s natural to wonder if the traditional real estate model still makes sense.
As a top real estate agent in Edmonton, I—Derek Keet—believe in transparency. I’m not here to give you a scripted sales pitch. I’m here to give you the truth. Because when you understand the potential downsides of the "old way" of doing real estate, you can see why I’ve built my business at One Percent Realty to be the solution.
The truth is, there are disadvantages to using a traditional real estate agent, and if you aren’t careful, those disadvantages can cost you tens of thousands of dollars. Let’s dive deep into what those drawbacks are and how I’m changing the game for Edmontonians.
1. The Elephant in the Room: High Commission Costs
The single biggest disadvantage people cite when talking about real estate agents is the cost. In the traditional Edmonton market, you’ll often see a commission structure of 7% on the first $100,000 and 3% on the remaining balance of the sale price.
Think about that for a second. If you’re selling a $500,000 home—which is a very common price point in many of our great neighbourhoods—that traditional commission adds up to $19,000 plus GST. That is a massive chunk of your hard-earned equity disappearing the moment the "Sold" sign goes up.
The disadvantage here isn't just the money itself; it's the feeling that the value provided doesn't always align with the price paid. Does it really take twice as much work to sell a $600,000 house as it does a $300,000 house? Usually, the answer is no.
This is exactly why I do things differently. I believe you deserve full professional service without the "luxury" price tag. At One Percent Realty, we use a clear, posted commission structure that puts your equity back where it belongs: in your pocket.
When you work with me, Derek Keet, we follow One Percent Realty’s posted commission rates. For homes priced between $400,000 and $900,000, we charge a flat fee of just $9,950 plus GST. This isn't a "limited" service; it includes everything a traditional agent does, including $4,500 offered to the buyer’s agent to ensure your home gets maximum exposure.
If your home is under $400,000, the fee is $7,950 plus GST (which includes $3,500 for the buyer’s agent). And for those beautiful luxury properties over $900,000, we charge 1% plus a $950 deal fee. You can see the full breakdown of how this works and how it saves you money at https://dkeet.ca/1-derek-deal.html.
The disadvantage of the traditional agent is the "percentage trap." The disadvantage of Derek Keet? There isn't one. You get the top agent in Edmonton and you save thousands.
2. The Risk of "The Part-Timer"
Another major disadvantage of the real estate industry is the low barrier to entry. There are thousands of licensed agents in Alberta, but not all of them are "full-time" experts.
Many people find themselves working with an agent who does this as a side hustle or someone who only handles two or three deals a year. The disadvantage here is a lack of deep, current market knowledge. Real estate moves fast. The Edmonton market in the spring is different from the market in the winter. Strategies that work in Windermere might not work in Bonnie Doon.
When you hire an agent who isn't "in the trenches" every single day, you risk leaving money on the table. They might not know how to negotiate against a high-pressure buyer’s agent, or they might not understand the subtle shifts in local inventory that should dictate your listing price.
This is where my experience comes in. As the most knowledgeable real estate agent in Edmonton, I live and breathe this market. I’m not just putting a sign in your yard; I’m analyzing data, tracking trends, and using my years of experience to position your home as the "must-have" property in your neighborhood. You aren't just getting a license holder; you're getting a strategist.
3. Misaligned Incentives and High-Pressure Tactics
Sometimes, the disadvantage of using an agent is the feeling that they are more interested in "closing the deal" than doing what's right for you. Because traditional agents only get paid when a sale happens, there can be an underlying pressure to accept a lower offer just to get the job done, or to push a buyer into a home that isn't quite right just to move on to the next client.
I’ve always found that approach to be short-sighted. My goal isn't just one deal; it’s to be your lifelong real estate partner. By offering a discount full-service model, I remove that "desperation" from the equation. My business is built on volume and happy referrals. When you save $10,000 or $15,000 in commissions by using Derek Keet, you’re going to tell your friends. That’s how I’ve become the top real estate agent in Edmonton—by putting the client’s financial health first.
I don’t need to pressure you. I provide the facts, the data, and the professional advice, and then I let you make the decision that’s best for your family. You can find more about my philosophy and how I approach these relationships at https://dkeet.ca/.
4. The Complexity Overload
Let’s talk about the "DIY" route for a moment. Some people think the disadvantage of an agent is simply that they "aren't needed." They think, "I'll just sell it myself (FSBO) and save all the commission."
While I understand the desire to save money, the disadvantage of not having a top-tier agent like me is the sheer complexity of the modern real estate transaction. We aren't just talking about a handshake and a bill of sale. We are talking about:
Legal Disclosures: If you miss a disclosure in Alberta, you could be liable for years after the sale.
Professional Marketing: Taking photos with your iPhone isn't going to cut it when your competition has professional HDR photography, drone shots, and 3D tours.
Negotiation: Most people aren't professional negotiators. When an experienced agent comes in representing a buyer, they will sniff out a self-represented seller and try to shave tens of thousands off the price.
The Paperwork: The contracts are long, complex, and filled with "subject to" clauses that can trap an unwary seller.
The disadvantage of using a "standard" agent is the cost. The disadvantage of using no agent is the risk. The Derek Keet solution is the "Goldilocks" zone: you get the full professional protection, the elite marketing, and the expert negotiation, but you pay a commission that actually makes sense.
5. Lack of Direct Communication
Have you ever hired a "big name" agent only to find out you’re actually dealing with their junior assistant or a "showing agent" you’ve never met? This is a common disadvantage in the industry. You hire the expert, but you get the trainee.
When you work with me, you get me. I pride myself on being accessible. Whether you’re buying your first condo in Oliver or selling a family estate in Magrath Heights, you deserve direct access to the most knowledgeable real estate agent in Edmonton. I handle the strategy, I handle the negotiations, and I handle the communication. You aren't a file number; you're a client.
Why Edmonton Chooses Derek Keet
I often hear people say, "Derek, if you charge so much less, do I still get the same service?"
It’s a great question. The "disadvantage" of discount brokerages in the past was often a "you get what you pay for" mentality. But One Percent Realty changed that. We aren't a "mere posting" service where you do all the work. We are a full-service brokerage.
When I list your home, here is what happens:
Full MLS® Exposure: Your home goes on the same system used by every agent in the city.
Digital Marketing: Your listing is blasted across the major real estate portals.
Professional Signage and Lockbox: The standard tools of the trade.
Showings and Feedback: I manage the schedule and get you the "real talk" from potential buyers.
Expert Negotiation: This is where I really shine. I fight for every dollar of your home's value.
Contract to Closing: I guide you through the inspections, the conditions, and the legal handoff.
The only difference is the check you write at the end.
Breaking Down the Savings
Let's look at the math, because the math is the most compelling part of the Derek Keet advantage.
Imagine you are selling a home in Edmonton for $600,000.
Traditional Agent (7% on 1st $100k / 3% on balance):
7% of $100,000 = $7,000
3% of $500,000 = $15,000
Total Commission: $22,000 + GST
Derek Keet (One Percent Realty’s posted commission rates):
Flat Fee = $9,950 + GST
By choosing me as your agent, you are saving $12,050.
What could you do with an extra $12,000? You could pay for your move, buy new furniture for your next house, pad your retirement savings, or take your family on a very nice vacation. When you see those numbers, the "disadvantage" of the traditional agent becomes very, very clear.
And remember, even with this lower fee, I am offering $4,500 to the buyer’s agent. This ensures that the entire Edmonton real estate community is motivated to show your home to their clients. We don't cut corners on exposure; we just cut the waste out of the commission.
Navigating the Edmonton Market
Edmonton is a unique city. We have a diverse economy and a real estate market that offers incredible value compared to places like Vancouver or Toronto. But because our average sale price is lower than those cities, high-percentage commissions hurt Edmonton sellers even more.
If you’re selling a $2 million home in Vancouver, a 1% commission is a huge amount of money. But in Edmonton, where our "bread and butter" homes are in the $400k to $600k range, the traditional 7/3 model takes a disproportionate amount of a family's wealth.
I’ve made it my mission to be the top real estate agent in Edmonton by recognizing this reality. Edmontonians are hard-working people. You work hard for your equity. My goal is to help you keep it.
Whether you are looking at the new developments in the North End or the classic character homes in Old Strathcona, I have the local insights you need. I can tell you which areas are seeing the best appreciation, which neighborhoods have the best amenities, and how to price your home to sell quickly without leaving money on the table.
The Buyer's Perspective
While we've talked a lot about sellers, there are disadvantages for buyers using traditional agents too. Often, buyers feel pushed toward homes that have higher commissions for the agent, or they feel they aren't getting the full picture of the market.
When I work with buyers, my focus is on finding the right home, not the one that pays the most. My reputation as the most knowledgeable real estate agent in Edmonton is built on my ability to spot issues before they become problems. I look at the foundation, the roof, the furnace, and the neighborhood trends. I want you to love your home five years from now, not just on closing day.
And for buyers, my services are typically free, as the commission is paid by the seller. But the advantage of working with me is that I understand the "seller's side" so well that I can negotiate better terms for you. I know how to structure an offer that stands out, even in a competitive market.
Common Myths About Real Estate Agents
To truly answer the question about the disadvantages of agents, we have to bust a few myths.
Myth #1: "You have to pay 7/3 to get good service."
This is simply not true. Service is about the individual agent’s dedication, experience, and work ethic. I provide full service—marketing, negotiation, and advice—for a fraction of the cost. The "7/3" is an industry relic, not a reflection of the work required.
Myth #2: "Discount agents won't show my home."
This is why I offer a competitive buyer agent commission ($3,500 for homes under $400k and $4,500 for homes between $400k and $900k). Some people think that the agents direct the buyers, but with the technology that buyers have, do you really think that the agents are deciding which home the buyers will see and buy? Most buyers are telling their agent which homes they want to see, and even if the agent has a list or recommended homes, it is extremely rare that the buyers are not also searching themselves and expecting to the see the homes they like. With over a billion in sales yearly One Percent Realty listed homes are most definitely getting sold. Anyone who tells you otherwise is misleading you.
Myth #3: "I can do it all myself and save even more."
You can try, but stats show that homes sold by professional agents typically sell for more money and in less time than "For Sale By Owner" listings. The "savings" of FSBO often disappear when you factor in the lower sale price and the massive amount of time and stress involved. With my model, you get the best of both worlds: professional results and low costs.
How to Choose the Right Agent for You
If you're weighing the disadvantages of using a real estate agent, I encourage you to do your homework. Don't just hire the person who sends you a fridge magnet.
Check their track record: Look for an agent who is active and successful in Edmonton.
Ask about their commission structure: Are they transparent, or do they hide behind "standard" rates?
Test their knowledge: Ask them about specific Edmonton neighborhoods. If they can't tell you about the local schools or upcoming infrastructure projects, they aren't the expert you need.
Look for value: Who is going to give you the most "net" profit at the end of the day?
I am confident that when you do this comparison, you will see why I am positioned as the top real estate agent in Edmonton. I offer a level of expertise that "part-timers" can't match, and a value proposition that traditional high-commission agents won't match.
Final Thoughts
Real estate agents most definitely provide value and unless you are buying and selling homes weekly yourself, they provide system, documents, insight, negotiation and are a necessity. The "disadvantages" of using a real estate agent—high costs, lack of transparency, and misaligned interests—are real problems in the industry. But they are problems that I have solved.
By choosing me, Derek Keet, and One Percent Realty, you are choosing a model designed for the modern world. You are choosing to keep more of your money while still receiving the highest level of professional service. You are choosing the most knowledgeable real estate agent in Edmonton to guide you through one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.
The Edmonton market is full of opportunity, whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor. Don't let the disadvantages of the old real estate model hold you back. Let's work together to make your next move your best move.
If you’re ready to see how much you can save, or if you just want to chat about the market in your specific neighborhood, head over to https://dkeet.ca/. You can see my current listings, read more about my approach, and get in touch with me directly.
Selling your home shouldn't feel like a disadvantage. With the right agent, it should feel like a win. Let’s get to work.
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.
