Understanding Your REALTOR®’s Obligations: A Guide for Edmonton Sellers
When you decide to put your home on the market in Edmonton, you aren’t just selling a building; you are navigating one of the most significant financial transactions of your life. It is natural to have questions about what you should expect from the professional you hire. Specifically, many homeowners ask: What is a real estate agent’s obligations to the seller?
In Alberta, the relationship between a seller and their REALTOR® is built on a foundation of legal and ethical duties designed to protect your interests. As the top real estate agent in Edmonton, I, Derek Keet, believe that transparency is the key to a successful sale. You deserve to know exactly what responsibilities I carry when you trust me with your home.
The Pillars of Agency: Fiduciary Duties
When you sign a service agreement with me at One Percent Realty, a "fiduciary" relationship is established. This is a fancy legal term that essentially means I am obligated to act at all times in your best interest—not mine, and certainly not the buyer’s.
Here are the core obligations every seller should expect:
1. Undivided Loyalty
My primary duty is to be 100% in your corner. This means I must avoid any conflicts of interest. If a situation arises where my interests or the interests of another client might conflict with yours, I am required to disclose that immediately. My goal is to get you the best possible outcome for your Edmonton home, and that requires total loyalty to your goals.
2. Confidentiality
In the world of real estate, information is power. During our time working together, you might share sensitive information with me—your bottom-line price, your reasons for moving, or your preferred timeline. A REALTOR® is legally bound to keep this information confidential indefinitely, even after the house is sold and our contract ends. This ensures that a buyer’s agent cannot use your personal circumstances to negotiate a lower price.
3. Full Disclosure
I am obligated to tell you everything I know that could affect your sale. If I discover something about a potential buyer’s ability to close, or if there is a change in the Edmonton market that impacts your property value, you will be the first to know. Whether it is good news or bad news, you get the full picture so you can make informed decisions.
4. Obedience
As long as your instructions are legal and ethical, I must follow them. You are the boss of your home sale. While I will provide my expert advice based on years of experience in the Edmonton market, the final decisions on pricing, accepting offers, and terms always rest with you.
5. Reasonable Care and Skill
You aren't just paying for a sign in the yard; you are paying for professional expertise. My obligation is to provide a high standard of care. This includes accurately pricing your home, marketing it effectively to reach the widest audience, and negotiating with the skill that comes from decades of personal and professional experience.
Full Service Without the High Price Tag
Understanding these obligations is important, but many Edmonton sellers are equally concerned about the costs associated with these services. Traditionally, commissions have been structured in a way that takes a significant bite out of your home’s equity.
At One Percent Realty, we believe you shouldn't have to choose between professional obligations and your hard-earned savings. We provide the exact same full-service model as any other brokerage—including MLS® exposure, professional signage, open houses, and expert negotiation—but we do it for a fraction of the cost.
Instead of the traditional high-commission models you might see elsewhere, we use One Percent Realty’s posted commission rates:
For homes under $400,000: We charge a flat fee of $7,950 + GST. This includes $3,500 offered to the buyer's agent.
For 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.
For homes over $900,000: We charge 1% of the sale price plus a $950 deal fee (+ GST). This includes 0.5% offered to the buyer's agent.
In Alberta, all commissions are negotiable, and there is no "set" fee. However, by choosing a discount full-service model, you can save thousands of dollars while still receiving the highest level of professional representation. To see how much you could save on your specific property, I encourage you to visit my Savings Calculator.
Why Experience Matters in Edmonton
While the legal obligations of a REALTOR® are the same across the board, the quality of the service you receive depends entirely on the person you hire. I’ve been involved in real estate since I was 19 years old. My background isn't just in sales; it’s in investment, construction, and international business.
When you work with me, you aren't just getting an agent; you’re getting a partner who understands the Edmonton market from the inside out. I’ve lived here, invested here, and helped countless neighbours buy and sell here.
Professional Resources
One of the biggest benefits of working with the right agent is access to their network. I don't just leave you to figure out the logistics on your own. My clients benefit from my curated list of Professional Resources. Whether you need property inspectors, mortgage brokers, movers, or lawyers, I have a trusted network of referrals that can make every step of your journey go smoothly.
If you have questions about the technical side of selling, such as the difference between Title Insurance and a Real Property Report, you can find in-depth answers on my blog.
Positioning Your Home for Success
An agent’s obligation to the seller also involves providing the best possible exposure. Many people wonder if a discount commission means less exposure on the market. With me, the answer is a resounding "no."
Your home will be featured on MLS®, Realtor.ca, and all major real estate websites. In fact, over 80% of our listings are sold by cooperating agents from other brokerages. We make sure that every REALTOR® in Edmonton knows your home is available and that they are fairly compensated for bringing a buyer. You get the same "buzz," the same professional negotiation, and the same legal protections—you just keep more of your equity.
The Derek Keet Advantage
Selling a home is a journey of many steps. From the initial valuation to the final handshake, you need an agent who takes their obligations seriously. You need someone who will fight for every dollar of your home’s value while being mindful of the costs you incur to get there.
I am proud to be recognized as a leading real estate professional in this city. My commitment to you is simple: I will fulfill every legal and ethical obligation with the highest level of skill, all while saving you money through One Percent Realty’s efficient, modern business model.
If you are ready to see what a professional, full-service, discount commission experience looks like, let’s chat. You can learn more about my background and how I work by visiting my About Page.
Edmonton is a vibrant, sunshine-filled city with incredible opportunities. Whether you are selling a townhouse in Ellerslie, a condo downtown, or a family home in Laurel, you deserve an agent who puts you first.
Ready to get started?
Don't settle for high commissions when you can have the best of both worlds. Contact me today to discuss your goals and let’s get your home sold for the best possible price.
Derek Keet | One Percent Realty
Edmonton REALTOR®
587-803-0396 https://linktr.ee/dkeet
Edmonton Real Estate Agent | Helping Homeowners Sell for Top Value
*Saving mentioned are compared with a broker charging 7% on the first $100,000 and 3% on the balance, plus GST. Not all brokers charge the same.
