If you've searched for a cheaper way to sell, you've seen the terms flat-fee MLS®, fixed-fee listing, and no-commission real estate. They're marketed differently but describe the same core idea: getting your home onto MLS® and REALTOR.ca without paying a traditional percentage commission on the listing side.
Flat-fee / fixed-fee MLS®
You pay one set price (a "flat" or "fixed" fee) to a licensed brokerage to list your property on the MLS® System and REALTOR.ca. The fee doesn't change with your sale price — a $500K home and a $1.5M home pay the same listing fee. You keep control of showings and negotiations, and the brokerage handles the MLS® paperwork and compliance.
"No-commission" real estate
This usually means 0% listing-side commission — you pay the flat fee instead of a listing commission. It does not necessarily mean zero commission to the buyer's agent; that part is optional and up to you (see below).
So they're the same thing?
Effectively, yes — for the seller, all three mean: list on MLS® for a flat fee, skip the ~5% commission, and stay in control. The differences are marketing language, not the underlying model.
What you still control (and still get)
- Same MLS® + REALTOR.ca exposure as full-commission listings
- A licensed Ontario brokerage handles compliance (RECO / TRESA)
- You host your own showings and make every decision
- Optional add-ons: offer handling, CMA, DirectConnect™ sign, video
The one thing to watch
Offering a competitive buyer-agent commission is optional but often worth it to attract agents with buyers. Everything else — the listing itself — is covered by your flat fee.
Ready to see the numbers? Use the savings calculator or start your listing.
List on MLS® for a flat fee — keep your commission
Full MLS® & REALTOR.ca exposure through a licensed Ontario brokerage, without the 5% commission.