Question 1

How much is my home worth?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your specific street, condition, upgrades, and recent comparable sales, not a citywide average. Start with the free valuation tool for a preliminary range, then Mohammed can prepare a full Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for a precise figure.

Question 2

How is my home's value actually calculated?

Accepted Answer

Recent sales of comparable homes nearby, current inventory and demand, your home's condition, and any upgrades all factor in.

Question 3

Should I price high and negotiate down, or price accurately from day one?

Accepted Answer

Pricing strategy affects how buyers perceive and respond to a new listing. See the full pricing strategy guide for the reasoning.

Question 4

How much does it cost to sell a house in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Commission, legal fees, mortgage discharge costs, prep and staging, and moving all factor in. Land transfer tax is a buyer cost, not a seller cost.

Question 5

How much will I actually walk away with?

Accepted Answer

Use the Seller Net Proceeds Calculator to combine your estimated sale price with mortgage payout, commission, and closing costs for an estimated range.

Question 6

Is real estate commission negotiable in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Commission is negotiated individually between a seller and their brokerage, it isn't fixed by law or by the industry. Ask any agent for their commission structure in writing before signing.

Question 7

Will I owe capital gains tax when I sell?

Accepted Answer

If the home has been your principal residence for your full period of ownership, the gain is generally exempt. If it wasn't, tax may apply. Confirm with an accountant before listing.

Question 8

Can I sell my home without an agent in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Yes, FSBO is legal. It also means taking on pricing, marketing, negotiation, and legal-disclosure work yourself.

Question 9

What legal protections do I have when I work with an agent?

Accepted Answer

Ontario agents and brokerages are regulated under the Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA) and overseen by RECO, including a formal Code of Ethics and complaints process. Before receiving services, you're entitled to the RECO Information Guide.

Question 10

What is the RECO Information Guide, and do I need to read it?

Accepted Answer

It's a guide RECO requires every brokerage and agent to give buyers and sellers, including self-represented ones, before providing services. It explains your options and your agent's legal obligations in plain language.

Question 11

Does my agent have to tell me how they're paid?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under TRESA, your representation agreement must set out how your agent is compensated, so there's no ambiguity going into a negotiation.

Question 12

Is now a good time to sell in Mississauga or the GTA?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your city and segment. Check the latest market report or read Selling in a Balanced GTA Market for current context before deciding on timing.

Question 13

What should I do to prepare before listing?

Accepted Answer

Declutter, address minor repairs, gather your documents (mortgage statement, property tax bill, condo documents if applicable), and plan staging.

Question 14

I'm downsizing, does that change anything?

Accepted Answer

Timing your sale and next purchase together adds a layer of planning.

Question 15

What happens after I accept an offer?

Accepted Answer

Conditions such as financing and inspection are satisfied or waived, your lawyer handles the closing paperwork and mortgage discharge, and the sale completes on the agreed closing date.

Seller FAQ

Valuation & pricing

Costs & proceeds

Working with an agent vs. selling yourself

Process & timing

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