Short answer: The biggest single cost of selling a house in Ontario is usually the real estate commission — and it is also the cost you have the most control over. Legal fees, closing costs and preparation are relatively fixed; how you list your property is where the largest savings are.
The main costs of selling
- Real estate commission or flat fee. On the traditional route, a percentage of the sale price (commonly quoted around 5%, split between the listing and buyer sides, all negotiable). On the flat-fee route, one set fee for the listing.
- Legal fees. A real estate lawyer to review the agreement and close, typically a few hundred to around a thousand dollars plus disbursements.
- Closing costs. Payout/discharge of your mortgage, any adjustments — see our Ontario seller closing costs guide.
- Preparation. Cleaning, minor repairs, staging if you choose — see the 2-week prep checklist.
- Optional add-ons. Signs, extra board exposure, offer support — only if you want them.
Where the money really goes
On a percentage-commission sale, the commission is typically the largest single cost. As an illustration, a 5% total commission on a $700,000 sale is $35,000 (plus HST); a flat listing fee is a few hundred dollars. Even after you account for any buyer-agent compensation you choose to offer (which is separate from the flat listing fee), the listing side is where a flat fee changes the math the most.
Flat-fee savings estimator
Compare an illustrative listing-side commission with the Essential MLS® Listing flat fee ($549 + HST). Listing-side percentages vary by agreement, and any buyer-agent compensation you choose to offer is separate.
Illustrative only — not a quote. Figures exclude HST. See the full commission calculator and current package pricing.
Flat fee vs commission: the listing side
With List It, the Essential MLS® Listing is $549 + HST and the Ultimate Money-Back Guarantee Package is $999 + HST — one fee for the licensed MLS® and REALTOR.ca listing, instead of a percentage. You still decide separately whether to offer any commission to a buyer's agent (that is negotiated and optional, and not part of the flat listing fee — see do you have to pay the buyer's agent commission?).
See what a flat fee could save you
Compare an illustrative percentage listing commission with a flat-fee package and see the difference for your price point.
Costs you should not cut
- A real estate lawyer. Essential in Ontario, whichever way you sell.
- Good photos. They are free to do well and drive buyer interest — see the Seller Photo Success Kit.
- Being on REALTOR.ca. Skipping it to save a flat fee usually costs you more in lost reach than the fee saves.
Bottom line
Fixed costs are fixed. The commission is the lever. If you are comfortable handling showings and decisions, a flat-fee listing keeps the exposure while removing the largest cost. Try the commission calculator or compare packages.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest cost when selling a house in Ontario?
Do I still pay legal fees with a flat-fee sale?
Are there hidden costs with a flat fee?
See what a flat fee could save you
Compare an illustrative percentage listing commission with a flat-fee package and see the difference for your price point.
Keep reading
How Much Commission Can You Save With a Flat-Fee Listing?
Read → PricingWhat Is a Comparative Market Analysis — and Does a Seller Need One?
Read →This article is general information for Ontario property owners, not legal advice.