Do I Pay a Realtor for Presale? Here's How It Actually Works

By Uzair Muhammad, REALTOR® — Real Broker BC · Published 6 April 2026

Updated October 2026

One of the most common questions from buyers: "How much do I pay a realtor for presale?" The answer surprises everyone: $0. The developer pays the commission. But going alone is the most expensive mistake you can make.

PresaleProperties.com is the buyer-focused representation practice of Uzair Muhammad (REALTOR, Real Broker BC), serving presale and new construction buyers across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley from 3211 152 St, Building C, Suite 402, Surrey BC V3Z 1H8 — (672) 258-1100.

One of the most common questions I get from first-time buyers and new investors is: "If I use you to buy a presale condo, how much do I have to pay you?"

The answer is simple, but it surprises almost everyone: $0.

When you buy a presale condo or townhome in British Columbia, using a specialized presale realtor costs you absolutely nothing out of pocket. The developer pays the realtor's commission.

But if it is free, why doesn't everyone use a realtor? Usually, it is because buyers think they can get a better deal by walking into the presentation centre alone. Unfortunately, that is the biggest and most expensive mistake you can make in the presale market.

Let us break down exactly how realtor commissions work in presales, why the developer is happy to pay us, and why walking in without representation is a massive risk.

The Myth: "If I Don't Use a Realtor, the Developer Will Give Me a Discount"

This is the number one misconception in the presale world. Buyers think: "If the developer does not have to pay a realtor a 3% commission, they will just take that 3% off the purchase price for me."

This never happens.

Developers do not discount the purchase price if you come in unrepresented. Why? Because presale pricing is heavily regulated by the developer's lenders. The bank financing the construction requires the developer to sell units at a specific price point to prove the project is viable. If the developer suddenly drops the price of a unit by $15,000 just because you did not bring a realtor, it devalues every other unit in the building and messes up their financing model.

If you walk into a presentation centre without a realtor, you pay the exact same price for the condo. The only difference is that the developer's internal sales team keeps the commission instead of splitting it with your representative.

You saved no money, but you gave up your only advocate.

Who Does the Presentation Centre Staff Work For?

When you walk into a beautiful presale presentation centre, you are greeted by friendly, professional sales staff. They will offer you coffee, show you the gorgeous display suite, and walk you through the floor plans.

They are incredibly helpful, but you must remember one critical fact: They work for the developer.

Their legal and fiduciary duty is to the developer. Their job is to sell the developer's inventory at the highest possible price, on the terms most favourable to the developer. They are not there to negotiate on your behalf. They are not going to point out that the building next door has a better price per square foot. They are not going to warn you that the strata fees are likely to jump 30% in year two.

When you use your own presale realtor, you have someone whose legal fiduciary duty is to you. My job is to protect your money, negotiate the best terms for you, and point out the red flags the developer will not mention.

What Does a Presale Realtor Actually Do for You?

If you are paying $0 for representation, what value are you actually getting? A specialized presale realtor does far more than just open doors. Here is exactly what we do for our clients behind the scenes:

VIP Access (The First Pick)

By the time a presale project opens to the public, the best units—the ones with the best views, the most efficient layouts, and the lowest prices—are already gone. Presale realtors get "VIP Access" or "Platinum Access" weeks before the public launch. We get you in first so you can secure the exact unit you want at the introductory pricing.

Contract Negotiation

A presale contract is a massive, complex legal document drafted by the developer's lawyers. It is designed to protect the developer. We know exactly what to look for and what we can negotiate. We negotiate the deposit structure (e.g., getting it dropped from 20% to 10%), we negotiate assignment fees (getting them reduced or waived entirely), and we ensure the completion dates and outside dates are reasonable.

Unbiased Market Comparisons

The developer's sales team will only tell you why their building is the best. As your realtor, I will show you all the buildings. If a developer is asking $1,100 per square foot in Surrey City Centre, but the project two blocks away is selling for $950 per square foot with better amenities, I will tell you to walk away and buy the other one.

Navigating the 7-Day Rescission Period

In BC, you have a 7-day rescission period after signing a presale contract. During this week, we work frantically to review the disclosure statement, connect you with a mortgage broker for pre-approval, and ensure you are 100% comfortable. If anything looks wrong, we pull the plug and get your initial deposit back, no questions asked.

Closing Support (Years Later)

Our job does not end when you sign the contract. Over the next two to four years while the building is constructed, we monitor the progress. When it is time to complete, we guide you through the final mortgage approval, the deficiency walk-through, and the closing process with the lawyers.

The Bottom Line

Buying a presale is one of the largest financial transactions of your life. You are signing a complex legal contract for a property that does not even exist yet.

Doing this without professional representation is incredibly risky. And because the developer pays the commission, choosing to go it alone does not save you a single dollar.

Use a professional who is legally bound to protect your interests, not the developer's bottom line.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a presale realtor cost? $0 to the buyer. The developer pays the realtor's commission as part of their marketing budget. You get expert representation at no cost.

Will I get a lower price without a realtor? No. Developers do not reduce the purchase price for unrepresented buyers. The commission simply stays with the developer's internal sales team.

When should I contact a presale realtor? As early as possible. VIP access and early pricing are available before the public launch. Contact a presale specialist before visiting any presentation centre.

Ready to start looking at presales? Do not walk into a presentation centre alone. Book a quick discovery call today. We will discuss your goals, your budget, and how we can get you VIP access to the best projects in the Fraser Valley.

Founded by Uzair Muhammad, REALTOR® — Real Broker BC