How to Sell Your Home in Ontario: Step-by-Step (2026)
By Summitly Editorial·Reviewed by Coldwell Banker Summit Realty, a RECO-registered Ontario brokerage
Quick answer
To sell your home in Ontario: price it with recent sold comparables (not list prices), prepare and stage it, market it across MLS and online, review offers and conditions with your agent, negotiate, and close with a lawyer. Budget for the brokerage commission (typically a few percent, split between the listing and buyer brokerages) plus legal fees. The right list price and marketing drive both your final price and days-on-market.
1. Price with sold data, not list prices
Set your asking price from recent sold comparables in your neighbourhood and an AI valuation — not from what other homes are listed at. Overpricing lengthens days-on-market and often nets less than a confident, well-supported price.
2. Prepare, declutter and stage
Small fixes, decluttering and light staging consistently raise offers. Professional photos (and increasingly video and 3D tours) are now table stakes — most buyers decide whether to book a showing from the photos.
3. Market across every channel
Your listing should hit MLS, major portals, social and email — with copy and creative that highlight what makes the home special. A brokerage that does listing marketing for you saves time and widens the buyer pool.
4. Review offers, conditions and negotiate
Compare offers on price and terms: deposit, closing date, and conditions (financing, inspection). The cleanest offer isn't always the highest number — your agent helps you weigh certainty against price.
5. Commission and closing
Real estate commission in Ontario is negotiable and typically a few percent of the sale price, usually shared between the listing and cooperating brokerages. A lawyer handles closing; your net proceeds are the sale price minus commission, legal fees and any payout of your mortgage.
Key takeaways
- Price from sold comparables and an AI valuation.
- Photos and staging drive showings and offers.
- Market across MLS, portals, social and email.
- Weigh offer terms, not just the top number.
- Budget commission + legal fees against your net proceeds.
Frequently asked
How much does it cost to sell a house in Ontario?+
Mainly the brokerage commission (negotiable, typically a few percent of the sale price, usually split between listing and buyer brokerages) plus legal fees and any mortgage discharge costs.
What sells a home faster?+
Accurate pricing from sold data, strong photos and staging, and wide marketing. Overpricing is the most common reason a home sits.
Should I get a valuation before selling?+
Yes — an instant AI valuation plus recent solds gives you a credible price range before you list, so you don't overprice or underprice.