How to Sell a House Privately in Ontario

Selling a house privately in Ontario allows homeowners to take an active role in marketing their property, communicating with buyers and negotiating a sale. With the right preparation, pricing strategy, online exposure and legal support, you can manage much of the selling process yourself.

One option is to use a flat-fee MLS® listing service. TheRealtyCommission.com offers a $199 flat-fee MLS listing for a 60-day listing, allowing eligible property owners to obtain MLS exposure without automatically choosing a traditional full-service listing arrangement. Review the service terms to understand exactly what is included.

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How to Sell a House Privately in Ontario: 11 Steps

Follow these 11 steps to plan your private home sale, market your property, evaluate offers and complete the transaction.

Step 1 — Determine Your Selling Strategy

Start by deciding how you want to sell your property. You can market your home independently, hire a traditional real estate brokerage, or consider a flat-fee MLS listing service.

A private sale means you take an active role in tasks such as setting the asking price, preparing the property, responding to inquiries and negotiating with prospective buyers. You can still obtain professional assistance where needed.

A flat-fee MLS listing may provide broader exposure through participating real estate listing systems while allowing you to remain involved in the selling process. Confirm the provider’s coverage, services and listing requirements before proceeding.

Consider your available time, experience, marketing needs and comfort with negotiations before choosing your approach.

Step 2 — Determine Your Asking Price

Pricing your home appropriately is one of the most important parts of selling privately. An asking price that is too high may discourage buyers, while an unnecessarily low price could reduce your proceeds.

  • Research recent comparable sales in your neighbourhood.
  • Compare properties with similar size, condition, age and features.
  • Consider location, parking, lot size, renovations and local demand.
  • Review current competing listings to understand your alternatives.
  • Consider obtaining a professional appraisal or market evaluation.
  • Decide whether you will accept offers below asking price.

Remember that asking prices are not the same as completed sale prices. Base your decision on relevant evidence and your financial objectives.

Step 3 — Prepare Your Property

Make your home clean, presentable and easy for buyers to inspect. You do not necessarily need an expensive renovation to improve its appeal.

  • Declutter rooms, closets and storage areas.
  • Deep-clean kitchens, bathrooms, floors and windows.
  • Complete minor repairs and replace burnt-out light bulbs.
  • Improve curb appeal by tidying the entrance, lawn and garden.
  • Remove excessive personal items where practical.
  • Gather information about renovations, utilities, property taxes and included fixtures.

Consider which improvements are likely to make a meaningful difference to buyers before spending money on upgrades.

Step 4 — Photograph Your Property

High-quality photographs help buyers understand the property before arranging a showing. Use bright, clear images that accurately represent the home.

  • Photograph each principal room and important feature.
  • Open blinds and curtains to make use of natural light.
  • Take exterior photographs from useful angles.
  • Show the kitchen, bathrooms, living areas, bedrooms and outdoor spaces.
  • Keep rooms tidy and remove unnecessary clutter.
  • Ensure your photographs accurately represent the property’s current condition.

Professional real estate photography can be worthwhile, particularly when you are competing with other properties in your area.

Step 5 — Create Your Listing

Your property listing should give buyers the information they need to decide whether to arrange a viewing. Write a clear description that emphasizes useful features without exaggeration.

Include details such as:

  • Asking price and property type.
  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
  • Approximate property size, where known.
  • Parking, lot details and outdoor space.
  • Renovations, upgrades and notable features.
  • Monthly fees or other relevant ownership costs, where applicable.
  • Showing arrangements and preferred contact method.

Verify the accuracy of all property information and disclose material facts as required by applicable law. Do not make claims about measurements, permits or property features that you cannot substantiate.

Step 6 — Get Online Exposure

Buyers use online listings to compare properties, review photographs and decide which homes to visit. A thoughtful marketing plan helps potential buyers discover your property.

Depending on your chosen approach, online marketing may include:

  • A listing on an applicable Multiple Listing Service (MLS®).
  • Exposure on REALTOR.ca where the listing arrangement and applicable rules permit.
  • Real estate websites and online classified platforms.
  • Social media posts and local community groups, where permitted.
  • Direct communication with interested buyers.

Private homeowners generally cannot simply create a personal REALTOR.ca account and upload a property as though they were a participating brokerage. Access depends on the applicable listing system and brokerage arrangements.

TheRealtyCommission.com offers a flat-fee listing option for eligible properties. The sale listing is $199 for 60 days. Review the service details to confirm the markets covered, included services and applicable terms.

Start Your MLS Listing from $49

Step 7 — Handle Buyer Inquiries

Respond promptly and professionally when potential buyers ask questions. Prepare answers about the property’s features, availability, recent improvements, operating costs and showing arrangements.

  • Use a contact method you can monitor regularly.
  • Keep a record of inquiries and scheduled appointments.
  • Provide accurate information and correct mistakes promptly.
  • Protect personal information and be cautious with suspicious requests.
  • Ask whether the prospective buyer is working with a real estate representative.

Do not assume that an inquiry or verbal expression of interest is a binding offer. A real estate transaction involves formal documentation and legal requirements.

Step 8 — Schedule Showings

Make it convenient for serious buyers to view the property while protecting your privacy and security.

  • Set clear appointment times and confirmation procedures.
  • Keep valuables, medications and sensitive documents secure.
  • Make sure the home is clean and well-lit before visitors arrive.
  • Arrange access in a safe and controlled manner.
  • Keep notes on buyer feedback and follow-up questions.

If you are working with a listing service, confirm who is responsible for coordinating showings and how buyer or agent access is handled under your agreement.

Step 9 — Review Offers

When an offer arrives, consider more than the purchase price. The terms and the buyer’s ability to complete the transaction can significantly affect the outcome.

Review the following with appropriate professional assistance:

  • Purchase price and deposit amount.
  • Financing, inspection and other conditions.
  • Proposed closing date and possession arrangements.
  • Included appliances, fixtures and other chattels.
  • Deadlines for satisfying or waiving conditions.
  • Any requested changes to the agreement.

You can accept an offer, reject it or negotiate changes. Do not assume that an informal conversation replaces the signed agreement and required formalities. Consider asking your lawyer to review the offer before you sign, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the terms.

Step 10 — Work With Your Lawyer

A real estate lawyer plays an important role in completing an Ontario home sale. Contact your lawyer early enough to discuss the transaction, required documents, title matters and closing arrangements.

Your lawyer can help with:

  • Reviewing the agreement of purchase and sale.
  • Explaining legal obligations, conditions and deadlines.
  • Addressing title issues, mortgages and discharge requirements.
  • Preparing or reviewing closing documents.
  • Calculating adjustments and explaining closing costs.
  • Coordinating with the buyer’s lawyer and other parties.

Even if you manage the marketing and negotiations yourself, professional legal advice can help you understand your obligations and reduce avoidable mistakes.

Step 11 — Complete the Transaction

After the agreement becomes firm, work with your lawyer to prepare for closing. Follow the agreement’s requirements and provide any requested documents promptly.

  • Meet the deadlines in the signed agreement.
  • Arrange mortgage payout and discharge where applicable.
  • Complete agreed repairs or other obligations.
  • Coordinate keys, access devices and possession arrangements.
  • Confirm the closing funds and legal documents are in order.
  • Leave the property in the condition required by the agreement.

Your lawyer will coordinate the legal closing process, including the transfer of title and distribution of funds. Once the transaction has closed and possession is handled as agreed, keep copies of the sale documents for your records.

How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House Privately in Ontario?

The cost depends on how you market the property, what professional services you use and the terms of your sale. Selling privately does not necessarily mean selling without any expenses.

Expense What to consider
Flat-fee MLS listing TheRealtyCommission.com offers a $199 sale listing for 60 days, subject to service terms.
Photography Optional professional photography or other marketing expenses.
Legal fees Budget for a real estate lawyer and applicable disbursements.
Mortgage costs Ask your lender about payout amounts and any applicable discharge or prepayment charges.
Buyer representative compensation If applicable, any compensation you agree to pay must be considered separately from the listing fee.
Moving and preparation Cleaning, repairs, staging, moving and other property-related costs.

Compare the total expected costs, not just the initial listing fee. The services included in a flat-fee listing differ from those provided through a traditional full-service arrangement.

Private Sale vs. Traditional Real Estate Listing

Feature Private Sale Traditional Listing
Who manages the process? The owner takes an active role. The brokerage provides services under the listing agreement.
Marketing approach Owner-selected marketing, with optional listing services. Marketing agreed upon with the brokerage.
Listing fee Depends on the selected services. Commission or other compensation agreed in the listing contract.
MLS exposure May be available through an eligible flat-fee listing arrangement. May be included under the brokerage’s listing arrangement.
Negotiations The owner can negotiate directly or obtain professional assistance. The brokerage may assist according to the agreement and scope of service.
Legal closing A real estate lawyer is recommended. A real estate lawyer is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Privately in Ontario

Can I sell my house privately in Ontario?

Yes. Homeowners can sell privately, provided they comply with applicable laws and contractual requirements. Many owners handle their own marketing and negotiations while using a real estate lawyer for the legal closing.

Can I list my house on REALTOR.ca without a REALTOR®?

REALTOR.ca listings generally come through participating real estate organizations and authorized listing arrangements. A homeowner may be able to obtain exposure through an eligible flat-fee MLS listing service rather than hiring a traditional full-service agent.

How much does it cost to sell a house privately?

Costs vary with your marketing choices and professional services. TheRealtyCommission.com offers a $199 flat-fee MLS sale listing for 60 days. Legal fees, photography, other agreed compensation and closing expenses may be additional.

Do I need a real estate lawyer to sell my house in Ontario?

A real estate lawyer is strongly recommended to review the agreement, address title and mortgage matters, prepare closing documents and complete the legal transfer.

Do I have to pay the buyer’s agent?

Not automatically in every transaction. Any compensation payable to a buyer’s representative depends on the applicable arrangements, agreements and negotiations. Confirm your obligations before accepting an offer.

Is a flat-fee MLS listing the same as a full-service real estate agent?

No. A flat-fee listing typically provides specified listing services for a set fee. A full-service brokerage may provide additional services under its agreement. Always compare the actual services, responsibilities and terms.

Explore Our Ontario Real Estate Guides

Use these related resources to learn more about private sales, MLS listings, pricing and the selling process.

Ready to Market Your Property?

You can take an active role in selling your home while choosing the listing services that fit your needs. Review your options, understand the services included and prepare your property for prospective buyers.

List your property on MLS for $199 for 60 days FOR SALE or $49 LEASE through theRealtyCommission.com, subject to the applicable listing terms.

Create Your MLS Listing