The brokerage contract defines the relationship between you and your broker: term, commission, obligations. Understanding it prevents unpleasant surprises. Start by learning your property's value with a free estimate based on real sales, then compare broker offers with full knowledge.
📝 Exclusive vs non-exclusive: the real difference
Exclusive contract
A single broker for the whole term. They invest fully (marketing, Centris, showings) because their commission is protected. It is the most common format.
Non-exclusive contract
You may hire several brokers or sell yourself. Commission is owed only to the broker who brings the buyer. More flexibility, lower commitment.
💰 Commission: owed in which cases?
▸ Exclusive: commission is generally owed to the broker even if you find the buyer yourself during the term.
▸ Non-exclusive: you only pay the broker who actually brought you the buyer.
The commission is negotiable: no rate is imposed. It typically ranges from 4% to 6% of the sale price. The percentage, calculation method and split with the buyer's broker are all discussed before signing.
📆 Term and renewal
The brokerage contract has a fixed term, agreed at signing. Important point: OACIQ rules prohibit automatic (tacit) renewal. At expiry, the contract ends unless a new agreement is signed. You are therefore never locked in indefinitely.
📊 Before signing, know your property's value. Free estimate in 2 minutes.
Estimate my property⚖️ Which should you choose?
Exclusive is suitable if you want a broker to invest fully and drive the entire marketing effort — the most common case and often the most effective for maximizing price. Non-exclusive suits sellers who want to keep control (selling on your own remains possible) or test the market. In a market where the Quebec City region is overheating while Montreal cools gradually, the right guidance often makes the difference on the final price.
✅ What to check before signing
1. The contract type (exclusive or not) and its exact term
2. The commission percentage and how it is calculated
3. What is included (photos, Centris, showings, marketing)
4. The conditions for terminating before expiry
5. The recommended asking price and its comparable-based justification
Note: the precise terms are set out in the OACIQ brokerage-contract forms. Read every clause and ask your questions before signing.
Compare brokers before signing
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