Published 16 September 2026 · By Jatin Dua, Broker of Record, RE/MAX Quantum Realty
Ontario agents are paid from commission, not salary. On a sale, commission is usually split between the listing and buying brokerages, then between the brokerage and the agent, before HST, board dues, insurance, marketing and taxes. With the City of Toronto average price at $979,684 in August 2026, a typical co-operating side generates a mid-four-figure to low-five-figure gross for the agent before those costs. Income varies enormously.
How the money flows
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Seller pays total commission | Negotiated, set out in the listing agreement |
| Split between brokerages | Listing brokerage and co-operating (buyer) brokerage |
| Split within the brokerage | Agent’s share under their split or fee model |
| HST | Collected and remitted on commission |
| Business costs | Board dues, insurance, marketing, car, admin |
| Income tax | Set aside; most agents are self-employed |
A worked example
Take an $980,000 GTA sale. If the seller agreed to a total commission of a few per cent and half goes to the buying side, the co-operating brokerage receives a mid-five-figure or low-five-figure amount depending on the rate agreed. The agent then receives their split of that, before costs and tax. Run your own numbers with the actual rate in the listing agreement, because there is no standard rate in Ontario.
How many deals does it take?
Work backwards. Decide your target net income, add your business costs and tax, then divide by your expected take-home per transaction. Most new agents discover they need more transactions than they assumed, which is why lead flow matters so much early on.
See what clients see
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Building your estimate
Estimated market value
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$0–$0
Most likely value $0 · roughly $0 per square foot
What moved the number
Starting from the area baseline for your property type, here’s what each answer added or subtracted.
Market context
Recent local averages for comparison.
—
A range is a starting point.
A strategy is what sells.
This model doesn’t know that your neighbour’s identical semi went $80,000 over asking last month, or which two upgrades actually pay back in your area. That conversation is free and takes twenty minutes.
What changes your income most
- Lead flow: where your next client comes from.
- Conversion: response time and follow-up.
- Split and fees: what your brokerage keeps.
- Average price point in your market.
- Repeat and referral business.
Where I fit
I am Jatin Dua, Broker of Record at RE/MAX Quantum Realty. We provide leads and work on partnership-style splits, which changes the math above for our agents. If you want the real numbers for your situation, book a call.
The takeaway
Ontario agents earn commission, not salary, and what reaches your bank account is what remains after the brokerage split, HST, dues, insurance, marketing and tax. Decide your target income, then work backwards to the number of transactions and the lead flow you need.
Talk it through with me
Want the real numbers?
Tell me your goals and experience level. I will map what it takes in transactions and lead flow.
I will come back to you personally, usually the same day. If it is urgent, call or text 833-330-1925.
Frequently asked questions
How much do real estate agents make in Ontario?
There is no salary. Income comes from commission and varies widely based on transactions, price point, brokerage split and business costs.
How is realtor commission split?
It is typically divided between the listing and co-operating brokerages, then between the brokerage and the agent under their agreement.
Do agents pay HST on commission?
Yes, HST applies to commission in Ontario, and registered agents remit it.
What expenses do agents pay?
Brokerage fees, board and association dues, insurance, marketing, transportation, technology and taxes.
How many deals do new agents do?
It varies greatly. Many new agents complete only a handful in their first year, which is why lead flow matters.
Is real estate commission negotiable in Ontario?
Yes. No standard rate is set by law or by any board.
Sources
- TRREB Market Watch, August 2026 — district tables W06, W07 and W08 for all home types, detached and condo apartment, plus the MLS® HPI benchmark page. Accessed 16 September 2026.
- Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) — public register of registrants, registration categories and disciplinary decisions. Accessed 16 September 2026.
- Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002 — the statute governing Ontario real estate registrants, in force in its current form since 1 December 2023. Accessed 16 September 2026.
Related reading
- How to become an agent in Ontario
- Commission splits explained
- Is real estate a good career?
- Who pays realtor fees?
About the author — Jatin Dua, Toronto and GTA real estate broker
I am Jatin Dua, Broker of Record and co-founder of RE/MAX Quantum Realty Inc., Brokerage, Unit 101, 799 The Queensway, Etobicoke. I work with buyers and sellers across Toronto and the GTA, with deep local knowledge of the west end. Four-plus years of active GTA transactions and over $100 million in sales volume. Every market figure here comes from TRREB’s published tables and every rule from RECO or Ontario legislation, so you can check all of it without asking me.
Reach me at connect@jatindua.com or 833-330-1925, or book a call.