Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about selling your home privately in Ontario.
Getting Started
What is HomeFree?
HomeFree is a free marketplace for Ontario homeowners who want to sell their home privately — without paying a listing agent commission. You list your property, buyers contact you directly, and you keep the $25,000–$40,000 that would otherwise go to a realtor.
Is it really free to list?
Yes. Creating a listing on HomeFree costs nothing. There are no monthly fees, no platform fees, and no commission taken when you sell. Optional paid services like MLS exposure are available if you want them, but the core listing is always free.
Do I need a realtor to sell privately in Ontario?
No. In Ontario, homeowners have the legal right to sell their own property without a licensed agent. You are responsible for your own negotiations, paperwork, and closing — but our resources, partner lawyers, and offer review service are here to help you through every step.
How long does it take to create a listing?
Most sellers are live in under 10 minutes. You'll need your property details (address, bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage), an asking price, a short description, and at least a few photos.
Selling Your Home
How do buyers contact me?
Buyers send you a message directly through your listing page. You'll receive an email notification and can reply directly — no middleman involved.
Do I have to host my own showings?
Yes — as a private seller you'll typically host your own showings. This is actually an advantage: you know your home better than any agent and can answer buyer questions on the spot. If you need flexibility, our lockbox rental service lets buyers do self-guided visits.
What happens when I receive an offer?
You negotiate directly with the buyer or their agent. If you're unsure about the offer terms, conditions, or price, our Offer Review service connects you with a licensed professional who will walk you through everything before you sign.
Who handles the closing paperwork?
A real estate lawyer handles the legal closing on both sides. We have trusted local lawyers in Durham Region who specialize in private sales — they'll prepare and review all the documents needed to transfer title on closing day.
Should I offer a buyer agent commission?
That's entirely your choice. Many buyers are self-represented, especially on FSBO properties. If you want to attract agent-represented buyers, offering a co-op fee (typically 2–2.5%) can help. You set the amount — or offer nothing at all.
MLS & Exposure
Will my listing appear on Realtor.ca?
Not automatically. Your free HomeFree listing appears on our platform and in search engines. If you want to appear on Realtor.ca and reach every buyer agent in Ontario, you can add MLS exposure for a one-time flat fee through our Add to MLS service.
What's the difference between HomeFree and MLS?
HomeFree is a free FSBO marketplace — no agent required. MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is the database that realtors use to search for properties on behalf of their buyer clients. Most buyer agents only search MLS, so adding your listing there significantly increases exposure. You can do both.
Can I cancel my MLS listing if I sell through HomeFree first?
Yes. If your home sells privately before your MLS listing goes live, just let us know and we'll cancel it at no charge.
Pricing & Fees
How much commission do I save by selling privately?
In Ontario, the typical total realtor commission is around 5% of the sale price — split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. On a $800,000 home that's $40,000. With HomeFree you pay $0 in listing commission, keeping that money in your pocket.
Are there any fees at all?
The HomeFree listing is free forever. Optional paid services include: MLS listing ($299–$499 one-time), lockbox rental, lawn sign installation, and offer review consultation. You choose exactly what you need — nothing is mandatory.
What does a real estate lawyer cost on closing?
Lawyer fees for a private sale in Ontario typically range from $1,500–$2,500 depending on complexity. This is a fraction of what you save by not paying a listing commission.
Buying a Home
I'm also looking to buy — can HomeFree help?
Yes. If you're purchasing your next home, our buyer agent partners can represent you at no cost to you — buyer representation is always free (the seller pays the co-op fee). As a bonus, if you use our buyer agent service, we'll add your current home to MLS for free.
Can I browse all homes for sale, not just FSBO?
You can browse our sold properties to see real results from the Durham Region area. For the full MLS inventory, we'll connect you with a local buyer's agent who can show you every active listing in Ontario.
Still have questions?
We're happy to walk you through the process. Reach out anytime.
Ask Us Anything