FSBO in Toronto, ON — Understanding CREA Rules
Selling FSBO in Canada works differently than the US. CREA (Canadian Real Estate Association) rules require that only licensed REALTOR® members can list properties on MLS®/REALTOR.ca. Private sellers cannot list directly on REALTOR.ca.
Your Options as a Toronto FSBO Seller
1. Mere Posting (Listing-Only Service) Some licensed REALTORS® offer a "mere posting" service — they list your property on MLS® but provide no other services. You handle all showings, negotiations, and closing arrangements yourself. Cost: typically $500–$2,000. This gives you REALTOR.ca exposure while handling everything else yourself.
2. Limited Service Brokerage A brokerage that provides only specific services you need (photography, MLS listing, contract review) and you handle the rest. More flexible than full commission, less than a mere posting.
3. Private Sale Platforms Comfree, PropertyGuys, and For Sale By Owner Canada (FSBO.ca) list private sales on their own platforms, independent of REALTOR.ca. Reach is lower than MLS but it exists.
Ontario Disclosure Requirements
Ontario does not have a standardized government-mandated disclosure form like many US states. However, sellers have a common law duty to disclose known latent defects (hidden problems not discoverable on inspection). Patent defects (visible issues) are buyer's responsibility. Common lawyer practice is to use a Seller Property Information Statement (SPIS).
Land Transfer Tax (Seller Does Not Pay)
In Ontario, the buyer pays Land Transfer Tax at closing (not the seller). Toronto has an additional Municipal Land Transfer Tax. On a $1M Toronto home, combined LTT can exceed $32,000 — factor this into price negotiations.
Legal Counsel
A real estate lawyer is strongly recommended (though not legally required) for reviewing the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. Budget $1,500–$2,500 for a Toronto real estate lawyer.
Full Toronto FSBO guide at byownerhub.com/toronto.