Selling Tips
Whether you're selling your first home or your fifth, this guide covers everything you need to know — from preparing your property and understanding costs to maximizing your sale price in Ontario's competitive market.
Preparing to Sell
The right preparation can mean the difference between a quick sale at top dollar and a property that lingers on the market. Focus on these three pillars before you list.
Price It Right
A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is the foundation of a successful sale. Overpricing often leads to stale listings and later price reductions, while a home priced accurately from day one tends to attract stronger, more competitive interest. Price strategically from day one to attract competitive offers.
Prepare Your Home
Professional staging can help your home show better and stand out to buyers. Declutter every room, depersonalize the space so buyers can envision themselves living there, and boost curb appeal with fresh landscaping, a clean driveway, and a welcoming entryway.
Choose Your Strategy
Not all listing strategies are the same. With our 1% listing commission, you get full-service support. Real estate commissions are negotiable and not fixed by law or industry — whatever model you choose, make sure you understand what is and isn't included.
The Selling Process
Selling a home in Ontario follows a well-defined process. Here are the seven key steps from initial evaluation to closing day.
Get a Home Evaluation
Request your free evaluation online or schedule an in-person assessment. We analyze recent comparable sales within 500m, market trends, days on market, and your home's unique features to determine a competitive listing price.
Choose Your Agent
Select an agent who understands your local market, communicates clearly, and puts your interests first. Ask about their marketing plan, track record, and commission structure before signing.
Prepare & Stage
Declutter, deep clean, make strategic repairs, and consider professional staging. Your agent will advise on which improvements offer the best return on investment for your specific property.
List Your Property
Your home goes live on MLS, Realtor.ca, and hundreds of syndicated websites. Professional photography, virtual tours, floor plans, and targeted social media campaigns maximize exposure to qualified buyers. Your listing is also featured on our website and shared across our network of buyers looking for homes in your area.
Manage Showings & Offers
Your agent coordinates all showings and provides feedback after each visit. When offers come in, we review every detail — price, conditions, deposit, and closing date — to help you make informed decisions.
Accept an Offer
Once you accept an offer, the buyer typically has a period to fulfill conditions such as financing and home inspection. Your agent guides you through negotiations and ensures all deadlines are met.
Close the Deal
Your lawyer handles the title transfer, mortgage discharge, and final financial adjustments. On closing day, the buyer receives the keys and you receive your proceeds — congratulations on a successful sale.
Costs of Selling
Understanding the full cost of selling helps you plan ahead and avoid surprises. Here's a transparent breakdown of what to expect when selling your home in Ontario.
Real Estate Commission
Real estate commissions are negotiable and not fixed by law or industry. Listing fees commonly quoted in the market are around 2.5%, plus a separate cooperating-brokerage commission you choose for the buyer's agent. With our 1% listing commission (+ HST), a lower listing fee on an $800,000 home can mean roughly $12,000 in savings on the listing side. We advise on competitive cooperating rates for your area.
Legal Fees
A real estate lawyer handles title transfer, mortgage discharge paperwork, and closing documentation. Expect to pay $1,000-$2,000 plus HST, including disbursements, for standard residential transactions in Ontario.
Mortgage Discharge Fees
Your lender may charge a discharge fee ($200-$500) to remove the mortgage from title. If you're breaking your mortgage term early, prepayment penalties can be significant — for a fixed-rate mortgage, the penalty is typically the greater of 3 months' interest or the Interest Rate Differential (IRD), which can amount to tens of thousands of dollars. For a variable-rate mortgage, it's usually just 3 months' interest. Check with your lender before listing.
Staging Costs
Professional staging typically costs $2,000-$5,000 depending on the size of your home and duration. While optional, staged homes often sell faster and for a higher price, making it a worthwhile investment.
Minor Repairs
Budget $500-$2,000 for small repairs that make a big difference — fixing leaky faucets, patching drywall, replacing worn caulking, and touching up paint. These minor fixes prevent buyers from negotiating down.
Moving Costs
Professional movers in Ontario typically charge $1,000-$3,000 for a local move depending on home size. Book early, especially during peak summer months, and get multiple quotes to ensure a competitive rate.
Tips for Maximum Value
Small changes can have a big impact on your final sale price. Follow these practical tips to present your home at its best and attract top-dollar offers.
First Impressions Matter
Curb appeal sets the tone before buyers even walk through the door. Trim hedges, mow the lawn, power-wash the driveway, paint the front door, and add potted plants. A welcoming exterior creates excitement and anticipation.
Professional Photography
The large majority of buyers begin their search online, so high-quality, professionally lit photos help your listing stand out and drive more showings. Dark, blurry smartphone photos can work against you — don't skip this step.
Declutter & Depersonalize
Remove family photos, personal collections, and excess furniture. Buyers need to picture their own lives in the space. Clean, neutral rooms feel larger and more inviting, leading to stronger offers.
Price Strategically
Pricing slightly below market value can generate multiple offers and a bidding war that drives the final price above asking. Work with your agent to set a price that creates urgency without leaving money on the table.
Be Flexible with Showings
The more accessible your home is, the more buyers will see it. Accommodate evening and weekend showings, keep the home show-ready at all times, and consider temporarily staying elsewhere during the critical first week.
Disclose Everything Upfront
Ontario sellers are legally obligated to disclose known material defects. Being transparent builds trust, avoids legal issues, and prevents deals from falling apart during the inspection period. While the SPIS (Seller Property Information Statement) is not legally required in Ontario, many buyers request it — providing one proactively demonstrates transparency and builds buyer confidence. Honesty protects you.
Ready to Sell Your Home?
List with us at a 1% listing commission (co-op set separately by you) and save thousands. Full-service support, premium marketing, and expert negotiation — from listing to closing.