Flat Fee MLS® Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about flat-fee MLS® listings, REALTOR.ca exposure, listing fees or selling your property privately in Ontario? TheRealtyCommission.com helps eligible property owners market properties for sale or lease through a flat-fee listing service arranged through a participating brokerage.

Our listing fees are $199 for a 60-day sale listing and $49 for a 60-day rental listing, subject to property eligibility, applicable taxes, service terms and the required listing agreement.

This FAQ explains how our service works, what is included, which properties may qualify, how buyers can contact you and what to consider when an offer arrives.

Ready to get started? Create Your MLS® Listing or review our Terms of Service.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What does FSBO mean ?

FSBO stands for “For Sale By Owner.” It describes a property owner who chooses to manage the sale rather than engage a traditional full-service listing agent to handle the entire selling process. For a rental property, the equivalent approach is commonly called For Rent By Owner.

FSBO sellers may advertise independently, communicate directly with buyers, arrange showings and negotiate offers themselves. A seller can also choose a limited-service or flat-fee listing arrangement through a participating brokerage to obtain eligible MLS® exposure while retaining responsibility for much of the selling process.

2. What is a flat-fee MLS® listing?

A flat-fee MLS® listing is a real estate listing service provided for a predetermined fee rather than a listing fee calculated as a percentage of the property’s sale price or rent.

With theRealtyCommission.com, eligible property owners can choose a flat-fee service for a sale or rental listing. The participating brokerage provides the agreed listing services, while the owner remains actively involved in responsibilities such as buyer inquiries, showings and decisions about offers or rental applications, as set out in the applicable agreement.

A flat-fee listing does not automatically include every service associated with a traditional full-service real estate arrangement. Review the listing agreement to understand exactly what is included and what you will manage yourself.

3. Can I sell my house without a REALTOR®?

Yes. Property owners can choose to sell privately without hiring a traditional full-service REALTOR®. You can advertise your property, arrange showings, communicate with prospective buyers and make decisions about offers yourself.

However, if you want exposure through an MLS® system and REALTOR.ca, you generally need an eligible listing arrangement through a participating real estate brokerage. A flat-fee listing is one option for owners who want that exposure while handling much of the selling process themselves.

Consider obtaining advice from an Ontario real estate lawyer about your transaction. For more information about selling privately, visit our guide to selling your house privately in Ontario.

4. Can a private seller or landlord list directly on REALTOR.ca?

Generally, no. Private sellers cannot simply create an ordinary REALTOR.ca account and upload their property as an independent listing. REALTOR.ca displays listings supplied through participating real estate organizations and MLS® systems.

A participating brokerage may offer an eligible flat-fee or limited-service listing arrangement that allows a seller to obtain REALTOR.ca exposure without choosing a traditional full-service listing arrangement.

The available coverage, services and requirements depend on the brokerage agreement, property eligibility and applicable MLS® rules.

5. How does a flat-fee MLS® listing work?

The process generally involves the following steps:

1. Choose your service. Select the sale or rental listing option appropriate for your property.
2. Complete your order. Review the current service terms and submit your order.
3. Complete the required paperwork. Sign the listing agreement and provide the required identification, property information and supporting documents.
4. Submit your listing details. Provide accurate property information and suitable photographs.
5. Listing processing. The participating brokerage reviews and processes an eligible listing in accordance with the agreement and relevant MLS® requirements.
6. Manage your sale or rental. Carry out the responsibilities assigned to you, including inquiries, showings and transaction decisions where applicable.

Your listing cannot be processed until the required forms and documents have been completed correctly.

Read How Does This Work? for more information.

6. How much does it cost to list on MLS® and Realtor.ca with theRealtyCommission.com?

Our  flat-fee listing prices are:

Service	Advertised price	Listing period
Property for sale	$199	60 days
Property for lease or rent	$49	60 days

All prices are subject to 13% HST under our published Terms of Service. Confirm the current price and applicable terms before ordering.

The flat listing fee covers the applicable listing service, not every possible expense associated with selling or leasing a property. Additional services or separately agreed compensation may cost extra.

7. How long does my listing last?

Oursale and rental listing packages provide a 60-day listing period. Your actual start and expiry dates are governed by the applicable listing agreement and listing processing arrangements.

If you want the property to remain listed beyond the agreed expiry date, contact us before expiry to ask about the available extension options and any applicable fees. An email will also be sent  prior to the listing’s expiry in order to give you the opportunity to extend it without interrupting your exposure to the market.

8. What does the listing fee include?

Your listing will be visible to the public on REALTOR.ca and distributed on many other public real estate and brokerage websites that share property data with REALTOR.ca such as HouseSigma, Kijiji, Point2Homes and many more. A complete list is available here.

The fee covers the services specified in the flat-fee listing package and the applicable listing agreement. The service is intended to help eligible property owners market their property through an MLS® listing arrangement without paying a percentage-based fee for the agreed listing service.

Our published service information also describes a customized property feature sheet and a way for interested buyers to find the seller’s contact information.

The exact services, listing distribution and seller responsibilities depend on the package, required documentation and applicable MLS® rules. The basic fee should not be assumed to include professional photography, staging, showing management, negotiation services, legal advice or ongoing property management unless expressly stated in your agreement.

Review our Terms of Service before ordering.

9. Do I pay a percentage listing commission?

The advertised $199 sale listing fee and $49 rental listing fee are flat fees for the applicable listing service. They are not calculated as a percentage of your property’s sale price or rent and are paid in advance.

However, the flat listing fee does not automatically cover buyer-brokerage compensation, legal fees, additional services or other transaction costs. Any compensation offered to a cooperating brokerage or buyer’s representative must be addressed separately under the applicable agreement and current MLS® rules.

Compare the total costs and services before deciding which selling or leasing arrangement is right for you.

10. Do I have to pay another agent to help me sell or rent my property?

This is your option.  If your intention is to cooperate with other agents, you can offer them compensation to do so.  Buyer’s agents are expecting to receive approximately 2.5% of the selling price on most homes, 1/2 month rent for residential leases, or a percentage of commercial space leased. However, it is your choice how much you offer.

If you are willing to cooperate with buyers agents, you may offer more as an incentive. You can always negotiate the commission based on your net proceeds from the sale and the strength of the offer – EVERYTHING IS NEGOTIABLE!  And remember your saving thousands of dollars on the listing side with our Flat Fee Listing Service.

As a private seller or landlord you are in control of these choices. You can offer a percentage of the sale price or a flat rate.  You can even present the property in an open bidding auction environment.

11. I’m not interested in paying an agent, I only want to expose my property to buyers, how will my listing be accessible to buyers?

Mission accomplished with a Flat Fee MLS® listing on Realtor.ca and all public portals that share it’s data making your listing visible to the public worldwide by anyone using these sites.

12. Do Mere Postings listings look different than other listings on Realtor.ca?

When potential buyers search on REALTOR.ca, your property will appear alongside all the other listings within the same search parameters.   But your listing will interact differently when users click on your own property listing.  Typically the Listing Brokerage’s and agent’s contact information is the only way for your buyer to find out more information about your property or make an appointment to view it.  When your property is listed with us, we will direct buyers to contact you directly with our customized feature sheet designed specifically for your property.

Check out our ACTIVE LISTINGS  to see real live examples of our Flat Fee Listings on REALTOR.ca .

13. How will Buyers contact me?

We will create a page on our site for you that will link directly to your contact information via REALTOR.ca as well as all of the details of your Listing.

14. How will Buyer’s Agents contact me if I choose to cooperate and am offering a commission?

You can direct Buyer’s Agents to contact you directly in the listing section reserved for Agents.
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15. Is this service only available for home sellers, what type of properties can we list through you and advertise on REALTOR.ca?

The following types of property can be listed on REALTOR.ca :

• Residential homes and condominiums for sale or lease.
• Commercial buildings and office space.
• Apartment buildings and investment properties.
• Vacant land and farms.
• Mobile homes, cottages, houseboats and vacation properties.
• Timeshares, where eligible.
• Businesses and franchises offered for sale or lease.

16. Which Real Estate Board will my listing be posted on?

Your listing will be visible to the public on REALTOR.ca and distributed on many other brokerage websites that share property data with REALTOR.ca.

We are members of the ITSO Matrix MLS system which will distribute your listing and be visible to members of the following real estate boards:

Barrie & District Association of REALTORS®
Brantford Regional Real Estate Association
Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® (Waterloo Region, Hamilton)
Simcoe & District Real Estate Board

This is your choice and is another term that can be negotiated in your offer to purchase or lease. In a typical full service listing the listing brokerage typically holds the deposit in their trust account and disburses all funds on completion of the transaction.  The deposit can also be held in the Cooperating Broker’s trust account, your real estate lawyer’s trust account, or our trust account for an additional fee.

18. Are there any additional fees?

Our published Terms of Service identify the following additional charges:

Service or circumstance	Published fee
Cancellation or suspension before the listing expiry date	$75
Additional listing edits after the two included changes	$35 per additional edit, as applicable under the service terms
Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)	13% applies to published prices

Confirm the current charges and how they apply to your listing before requesting cancellation, suspension, additional changes or other services.

19. Is the listing fee refundable?

If you change your mind before your listing is created and uploaded to our MLS® Database you can receive a full refund. Once the listing is published a $75 fee applies for cancelling a listing before its expiry date.

Showings, Offers and Closing

20. Who handles showings?

Under a limited-service listing, the owner or property manager assigned by the owner generally arranges showings.

21. Who talks to buyers and answers questions?

The owner generally handles direct inquiries and property-related questions under a limited-service listing.

22. Who negotiates the offer?

Under a limited-service listing, you generally remain responsible for evaluating and negotiating offers unless negotiation assistance is expressly included in your agreement or arranged separately.

Consider the entire offer, not just the purchase price. Relevant terms may include the deposit, financing or inspection conditions, included items, closing date and other contractual obligations.

If you need help understanding or negotiating an offer, we offer a Offer Assist service for an additional fee.

23. What happens when I receive an offer?

Review the offer carefully before deciding how to respond. For a sale, important terms commonly include:

• The proposed purchase price.
• The deposit and how it will be held.
• Conditions, such as financing or inspection conditions, where applicable.
• The closing date and any required adjustments.
• Included fixtures, appliances and other items.
• Any other obligations or terms in the agreement.

You may accept, reject or propose changes to an offer in accordance with the applicable process and legal requirements. Obtain legal advice if you are uncertain about the meaning or consequences of a term. Do not treat an offer as completed merely because you have discussed terms verbally.

For a rental, review the proposed lease terms and the prospective tenant’s information in accordance with applicable law.

24. Do I need a real estate lawyer?

For an Ontario residential property sale, a real estate lawyer is generally involved in completing the legal transfer. Your lawyer can advise you about the agreement, title, mortgage discharge, closing adjustments, documents and transfer of funds and ownership.

A lawyer can also help you understand legal obligations and address questions that fall outside the services included in a flat-fee listing.

Legal services are separate from our advertised listing fee unless a specific written agreement states otherwise. Budget for legal fees and other applicable closing costs.

Listing Changes, Cancellation and Expiry

25. Can I change my listing after it has been submitted?

Yes, you can request changes, subject to the applicable listing rules, service terms and the nature of the requested amendment.

Our published Terms of Service include unlimited edits, the first two are  free.  Additional edits are available at $35, as applicable under the terms, and all published prices are subject to 13% HST.

26. Can I cancel my listing before it expires?

Our published Terms of Service identify a $75 fee to cancel or suspend an active listing before its agreed expiry date.

You must follow the applicable cancellation process. Our Forms Library includes a cancellation form for an active MLS® listing. A cancellation request may require signatures from all parties to the listing agreement and payment of the applicable fee.

The original listing package is described in our terms as non-refundable. Review the agreement and cancellation requirements before making your request.

Visit the Forms Library for the applicable forms.

27. What happens when my listing expires?

Your listing term ends on the applicable expiry date unless an extension or other arrangement has been properly completed. Do not assume that your listing will renew automatically.

If you want to continue marketing the property, contact us before expiry to ask about the available extension options, current fees and any documents or changes needed to keep the listing active.

Our Forms Library includes an MLS® listing extension form. Confirm that any extension has been processed before relying on continued MLS® exposure.

28. Can I use your service if I already have a listing agreement with another brokerage?

Do not order a new listing without first reviewing any existing listing agreement. Our published Terms of Service state that the service is not intended to interfere with sellers who are already under an agency contract.

Check the expiry date, cancellation provisions and any continuing obligations in your current agreement. Contact your existing brokerage or an Ontario real estate lawyer if you are uncertain whether you can enter into a new listing arrangement.

Documents and Getting Started

29. Can I review the listing agreement and Terms of Service before ordering?

Yes. You should review the applicable service terms and listing agreement before purchasing and completing your listing.

Our published process requires you to review, acknowledge and accept the applicable terms and complete the required documentation. Read the agreement carefully so that you understand the brokerage’s responsibilities, your responsibilities, the listing term, the applicable fees and any limitations on the service.

Review Terms of Service | Visit the Forms Library

30. What paperwork and identification do I need?

Our Terms of Service require clients to complete and sign the necessary forms and provide a copy of the current-year property tax bill and government-issued photo identification for all owners on title, or for a person with appropriate signing authority, as applicable.

Additional information may be required depending on the property type, transaction and listing system. Follow the instructions provided for your selected service and ensure that all required documents are complete and accurate.

The brokerage will not post the listing on MLS® until the required paperwork has been completed correctly with the requisite supporting documents.

31. How do I get started with theRealtyCommission.com?

Start by selecting the appropriate listing service, checking your property’s eligibility and reviewing the applicable Terms of Service.

1. Choose a sale or rental listing service.
2. Review pricing, the 60-day listing period and included services.
3. Complete your online order.
4. Provide accurate property information, photographs and required documents.
5. Complete the necessary listing agreement and paperwork.
6. Follow up on any questions or missing information so that the brokerage can process your eligible listing.

Ready to list your property?

Sale listing: $199 for 60 days.
Rental listing: $49 for 60 days.

CREATE YOUR MLS® LISTING

You can also learn how the service works, read our guide to selling privately in Ontario or review the Terms of Service.

 

 

 

 

for sale by owner- fsbo