The short answer?

In most home purchases in BC, hiring your own REALTOR® doesn't cost the buyer anything out of pocket.

There are a few exceptions, and I'll explain those in a minute, but that's how most real estate transactions work.

TL;DR

• In most home purchases, hiring your own REALTOR® doesn't cost you anything out of pocket.
• Before we look at a single house, I'll explain exactly how commissions work, so there are no surprises.
• There are a few exceptions, but you'll know about them long before you write an offer.
• The biggest mistake buyers make isn't worrying about commission. It's buying a home without someone whose job is to protect their interests.

So why do people ask this question?

I hear it all the time.

Someone tells me they're thinking about buying directly through the listing agent because they think they'll save money.

On the surface, that makes sense.

Here's the problem.

The listing agent already has a client.

It isn't you.

Their job is to represent the seller's best interests.

Your job is to protect your own.

That's why buyers should have their own REALTOR® representing them throughout the purchase.

So how do I get paid?

This is one of the first conversations I have with every buyer.

Before we start looking at homes, we go over a Buyer Representation Agreement together.

I explain exactly how I'm paid and what, if any, situations could result in you paying part of my commission.

I don't like surprises, and neither do my clients.

The reality is that in most transactions, buyers don't pay me directly.

On the rare occasion where a buyer could be responsible for some or all of my commission, we talk about it before we ever write an offer.

Not after.

You're Not Hiring Me to Open Doors

Anybody can unlock a front door.

That's not what my clients hire me for.

They hire me because they want to know if a home is worth the asking price.

They want someone who can compare it to similar homes that have recently sold.

They want someone who can negotiate on their behalf.

They want someone who understands contracts, conditions, deadlines, and the buying process.

Most importantly, they want someone who'll tell them when not to buy a house.

Sometimes that's the best advice I can give.

Experience Matters

I've spent my entire working life around residential construction and home maintenance.

That experience has helped me identify issues long before a home inspector arrives.

Does that replace a home inspection?

Absolutely not.

But it does help my clients understand what they're looking at before they spend money on inspections or write an offer.

It's one of the reasons we haven't had to walk away from many accepted offers over the years.

Quite often, we've already identified the major concerns before we get that far.

Every Property Is Different

Buying a condo isn't the same as buying a detached home.

Buying an acreage isn't the same as buying a townhouse.

Every property comes with different risks.

If you're buying a condo, there are strata documents, financial statements, depreciation reports, bylaws, and meeting minutes to understand.

If you're buying an acreage, we're talking about wells, septic systems, drainage, outbuildings, easements, and a completely different level of due diligence.

That's where experience makes a difference.

I Don't Rush My Buyers

If we're looking at a home you're seriously considering, we're not doing a five-minute walkthrough.

We'll take our time.

We'll look around.

We'll ask questions.

We'll compare it to other homes you've seen.

Buying a home is stressful enough.

The last thing you need is someone rushing you into a decision.

The Real Cost

People spend a lot of time asking what a buyer's REALTOR® costs.

I think there's a better question.

What's it going to cost if you make the wrong decision?

Overpaying for a home.

Missing a major issue.

Misunderstanding the paperwork.

Buying a property that isn't right for you.

Those mistakes can cost far more than the commission ever would.

Final Thoughts

If you're thinking about buying a home, don't be afraid to ask how your REALTOR® gets paid.

You should.

A good REALTOR® will explain it clearly before you ever start looking at homes.

That's exactly what I do.

My goal isn't just to help you buy a house.

It's to help you make a good decision.

Whether you're buying your first condo, upgrading to a detached home, or purchasing an acreage in Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Mission, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, or anywhere else in the Lower Mainland, I want you to understand exactly what you're buying and feel confident every step of the way.

Because that's what you're really hiring me for.

📞 Peter van der Lee

Associate Broker, Sutton West Coast Realty
📲 Call/Text: 604-880-3275
✉️ peter@shakerandmovers.ca
👉 Let’s map out your home buying strategy today.

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How the Home Buying Process Works | BC Real Estate Guide
What Should I Look For In A Buying Real Estate Agent