The Real Story Behind Real Estate Commissions: Why 2025 is Your Year to Sell

For decades, buying or selling a home has come with an accepted—but rarely questioned—cost: a 5–6% commission fee, split between agents on both sides. But is this “just how it works,” or is it a system designed to keep fees high?

At ComFree, we believe there’s a better way. Here’s what you need to know about real estate commissions and the opportunities in 2025.

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Why Commissions Are So High

01 – Most Agents Don’t Close Sales
In 2024, many active agents didn’t sell a single home.

02 – N.A.R. Settlement
The National Association of Realtors recently settled a $418M antitrust lawsuit, agreeing to change how agents are paid.

03 – Economists Argue the System is Rigged
Despite technology and transparency, commissions haven’t dropped. Experts describe the model as tacit collusion—an unspoken agreement to maintain high fees.

04 – Consumers Are Waking Up
More buyers and sellers are questioning why they’re paying so much, especially when alternatives exist.

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Where to Buy and Sell Real Estate in Canada in 2025

The Canadian housing market is showing signs of stabilization this year:

• Mortgage rates are trending down, just above 4%, encouraging buyers to re-enter the market.
• Inventory has increased to its highest point since 2020, creating a more balanced market.
• Sales surges are seen in Western cities: Edmonton (+12%), Regina (+50%), and Victoria (+25%), while Toronto sees a cooling effect.
• Price growth remains modest, but areas with strong sales are poised for future appreciation.

Top 3 Markets to Watch (by value):

• Fredericton, NB – Affordable entry and high long-term upside
• Calgary, AB – Solid growth and strong buyer demand
• Saint John, NB – Impressive 5-year gains and investor-friendly pricing

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Why Sellers Should Pay Attention

• Lower rates increase buyer confidence, bringing more eyes to your listing
• More financing flexibility can lead to stronger offers
• Out-of-province interest is rising, especially in Prairie and Atlantic markets
• Less competition in the right regions can help your home stand out

Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, 2025 may be the window you’ve been waiting for.

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Meet Erin & Travis Holowach — Founders of ComFree

Raised in the small towns of Mundare and Lamont, Erin and Travis Holowach knew there had to be a better way to buy and sell real estate. In 2002, they launched ComFree, a commission-free platform built to give homeowners more control, transparency, and savings.

“When ComFree first started, Travis and I were out there listing a lot of houses. That hands-on experience shaped a model focused on putting sellers first—without the pressure or the price tag of traditional agents.”
— Erin Holowach

Since then, they’ve helped thousands of Canadians sell confidently and keep more of their equity.