How Much Commission Does a Realtor Make in Penticton?

Understanding Realtor Commissions in Penticton

When you start thinking about buying or selling real estate in Penticton, one of the first questions that often comes to mind is: “How much does a realtor make?”

It’s a fair question — especially in today’s fast-paced South Okanagan real estate market, where prices, demand, and marketing expectations can vary dramatically from one neighborhood to another. Many people assume that real estate commissions are fixed, but in Canada — and particularly in British Columbia — commissions are fully negotiable.

Still, there are common standards across the region that most buyers and sellers use as a reference point. Understanding how commissions work can help you make more informed decisions when choosing the right REALTOR® to represent your interests.

The Standard Commission Rate in Penticton

In the Penticton and Okanagan Valley area, the traditional commission structure many homeowners have heard about is 7% on the first $100,000 of the sale price and 2.5% on the remaining balance.

For example, if your home sells for $700,000, the total commission would typically be calculated like this:

• 7% on the first $100,000 = $7,000

• 2.5% on the remaining $600,000 = $15,000
  That equals $22,000 in total commission before taxes.

This figure might seem high at first glance, but it’s crucial to remember that the total amount is split between two real estate professionals — the listing agent who represents you, and the buyer’s agent who brings a qualified purchaser. Each agent also pays a portion of their share to their brokerage to cover operational costs, licensing, marketing systems, and administrative support.

How the Commission Is Split

Typically, commissions are divided roughly 50/50 between the listing and buying sides. So in the above example, each agent might receive around $11,000 before paying their brokerage fees, expenses, and taxes.

Out of that amount, a professional REALTOR® will invest significantly in your property’s success, including:

• Professional photography, drone footage, and videography

• Custom marketing campaigns on websites, social media, and print media

• Paid advertising boosts on REALTOR.ca, Google, Instagram, and Facebook

• Open house staging and hosting

• Signage, brochures, and feature sheets

• Communication, contract negotiation, and transaction coordination

By the time the sale closes, most of what’s left is a fair reflection of the hours invested and the expertise brought to the table.

Why Realtor Commissions Are Worth It

Hiring a qualified Penticton REALTOR® isn’t just about putting your home on MLS® — it’s about maximizing exposure, protecting your interests, and achieving the best possible price.

Many sellers underestimate the complexity of today’s real estate environment. Between compliance with new BC Real Estate Council regulations, managing showings, qualifying buyers, and coordinating inspections, there’s a lot more involved than just “listing and waiting.”

A professional realtor ensures that your property is not only seen, but seen by the right buyers. In Penticton’s competitive market, where lifestyle, amenities, and neighbourhood reputation play key roles, targeted marketing can make a major difference in how fast and how profitably a home sells.

Full-service realtors like myself at MyPropertyCentral Real Estate Group | eXp Realty also leverage a network of qualified buyers and investors who are actively searching in the South Okanagan. That direct exposure often translates into stronger offers — and faster closings.

The True Value Behind the Commission

When you pay a commission, you’re not just paying for time — you’re investing in a process and a result.

That process includes:

• Detailed pricing analysis and comparative market evaluations (CMAs)

• Property preparation and improvement recommendations

• Professional photography and video tours

• Digital advertising strategy across multiple platforms

• Daily lead management, follow-ups, and negotiation tactics

• Compliance, paperwork, and closing coordination

Every one of these steps requires skill, time, and experience — all aimed at protecting your equity and ensuring you walk away with the most value possible.

Are Realtor Commissions Negotiable?

Absolutely. In Canada, commissions are always negotiable. However, negotiating purely on price can sometimes backfire.

If a REALTOR® cuts their commission drastically, they may also have to reduce the marketing budget — which could mean fewer ads, lower exposure, or no professional media. The best approach is to focus on value, performance, and alignment, rather than chasing the lowest percentage.

A strong REALTOR® should be able to explain exactly how their commission structure benefits you — whether that’s through higher sale prices, faster transactions, or added support such as staging and renovations.

Comparing Penticton Realtor Commissions to Other Markets

Compared to other regions in BC, Penticton’s commission structures are fairly standard. In larger markets like Vancouver or Kelowna, you might see similar models or slight variations (such as 6% on the first $100,000 and 2.5% thereafter). Smaller rural areas may occasionally use flat-rate agreements.

The key takeaway? The quality of service and marketing reach matter far more than minor percentage differences. In today’s digital-driven environment, exposure is everything — and your agent’s systems, team, and network directly influence your property’s performance.

How Much Does a Realtor Actually Take Home?

After splitting the commission, paying brokerage fees (often 10–30%), marketing costs, insurance, and taxes, the agent’s net income is typically a fraction of the original commission. In many transactions, a professional agent may invest hundreds of hours before a deal closes — and only gets paid when it does.

It’s a performance-based profession, which means realtors are financially motivated to achieve the best results for their clients.

The Bottom Line: Commission Reflects Commitment

In Penticton, a realtor’s commission represents far more than a percentage — it reflects their commitment to excellence, marketing investment, and depth of service.

When you partner with a dedicated local professional, you’re gaining access to advanced market analytics, negotiation expertise, and community connections that can directly influence your outcome.

As a REALTOR® with eXp Realty and part of the MyPropertyCentral Real Estate Group, my mission is to deliver maximum value through personalized marketing, transparency, and results that move you forward with confidence.

Ready to Connect?

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or joining a forward-thinking real estate team, I’d love to connect.
I’m Riccardo (Rico) Manazza, REALTOR® with eXp Realty | South Okanagan, and part of the My Property Central Real Estate Group helping clients and agents succeed across Penticton, Oliver, Osoyoos, and beyond.

💬 Reach out anytime:
📞 Call or text: 236-457-4230
📧 Email: rico@mypropertycentral.ca
🌐 Website: www.riccardomanazza.realtor
🏡 Explore more lifestyle stories: livingintheokanagan.ca
🤝 Team & listings: mypropertycentral.ca
📅 Book a meeting: Book A Call with Rico

Let’s Stay Connected

If you enjoyed this article or want to stay in touch with what’s happening in the South Okanagan real estate market, let’s connect online:

📸 Instagram: @riccardo_manazza_exp-realty
📘 Facebook: @riccardo.manazza.exp
💼 LinkedIn: Riccardo (Rico) Manazza

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 For immediate assistance or to schedule a showing, contact my assistant (available 24/7) at 236-500-6778.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Eligibility criteria and program details are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified mortgage professional and licensed REALTOR® for the most current information