FSBO vs. Realtor: How Much Can You Really Save in Canada?
The average Canadian home sold for $716,000 in 2025. At a typical 5% commission split between listing and buyer agents, that's $35,800 walking out your door on closing day. For most sellers, that's more than a year's salary.
The big question: can you keep most of that by selling yourself — and what exactly are you taking on when you do?
Average amount Canadian FSBO sellers keep vs. paying full commission on a $700K home
What Does a Realtor Actually Cost in Canada?
Commission rates vary by province and are negotiable, but the national average hovers around 3–5% of the sale price, typically split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent.
| Home Price | 5% Commission | 4% Commission | 3% Commission |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | $25,000 | $20,000 | $15,000 |
| $700,000 | $35,000 | $28,000 | $21,000 |
| $900,000 | $45,000 | $36,000 | $27,000 |
| $1,200,000 | $60,000 | $48,000 | $36,000 |
What Does FSBO Actually Cost?
Going FSBO doesn't mean zero cost — it means paying for specific services you need, rather than a bundled commission. A typical FSBO seller in Canada spends:
- Listing platform fee (like OwnerListed): $299–$799
- Real estate lawyer (required in all provinces): $800–$1,500
- Professional photos: $200–$400
- For-sale sign & lockbox: $50–$150
- Buyer's agent commission (if buyer has an agent): 2–2.5% — optional but common
FSBO vs. Realtor: Side-by-Side
| Factor | Traditional Realtor | FSBO (OwnerListed) |
|---|---|---|
| Listing cost | $21,000–$45,000+ | $299–$799 |
| MLS® exposure | Yes (included) | Yes (via platform) |
| Professional photos | Usually included | ~$300 separately |
| Showings | Agent manages | You manage |
| Offer negotiation | Agent advises | You negotiate (lawyer reviews) |
| Legal documents | Agent prepares | Lawyer prepares (more thorough) |
| Time commitment | Low for seller | Moderate |
| Control over price/terms | Agent negotiates | You control |
Do FSBO Homes Sell for Less?
This is the most common argument realtors make — and the data doesn't support it cleanly. Studies comparing FSBO vs. agent-assisted sale prices in Canada show mixed results, with the gap largely disappearing when the seller prices correctly, gets MLS® exposure, uses professional photos, and responds promptly to buyer inquiries.
When Hiring an Agent Makes Sense
FSBO isn't right for everyone. Consider a traditional agent if your home is highly complex (estate sale, multi-unit, legal disputes), you're in a very slow market, you live out of province and can't manage showings, or you're uncomfortable reviewing offers without guidance.
The Bottom Line
On a $700,000 home, the difference between 5% commission and a flat-fee FSBO approach is roughly $14,000–$21,000 in your pocket. The trade-off is your time and willingness to manage the process. For most sellers who do their homework, it's worth it.
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