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.

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.

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

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.

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.