When selling your home, getting buyers’ attention is crucial. Since most buyers search for homes online, you’ll want to make sure your home is visible on real estate websites like Realtor.ca and Zolo. To get your home listed on national real estate websites like Realtor.ca, you’ll need to list your home on the MLS® (Multiple Listing Service) System, which is owned by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). However, it’s important to note that to list your home on the MLS® System, you must have the help of a licensed Canadian broker or real estate agent. A private seller cannot post directly to Realtor.ca or the MLS® System on their own.
But hiring a full-service agent to post your home on the MLS® System is not the only option. For those looking for an alternative, mere posting services or flat-fee listing services, like EazySell by Zolo, can list your home on the MLS® System for a fraction of the cost of a traditional full-service listing agent.
If you’re a Canadian home seller weighing a traditional agent against a lower-cost flat-fee listing, the trade-off is simple: paying less can save thousands, but it usually means taking on more of the selling work yourself. This guide breaks down MLS® listing costs in Canada, how mere posting services work, how to list with EazySell by Zolo, and how to choose the right level of service for your sale.
How Much Does it Cost to List on MLS® in Canada?
When you list your home with a full-service listing real estate agent who lists your home on the MLS® System, you pay them a commission when your home sells. While the traditional commission costs vary by province, a common listing commission cost is around 2.5% to 3% of the total sale price. In addition, you will need to pay GST/HST on top of that percentage.
In comparison, a mere posting, also known as a discount or flat-fee listing, will also list your home on the MLS® System, including Realtor.ca, for a flat rate. EazySell by Zolo lists your home on the MLS® System for a flat rate of $500 for 90 days, with no listing commissions to worry about.
EazySell by Zolo vs. Traditional Canadian Real Estate Commissions
Key Savings Breakdown for Canadian Homeowners
So how do the costs of listing your home add up? Let’s use an example of a $700,000 CAD.
If you go the traditional, full-service route, a 2.5% listing fee would be $17,500. Adding 5% HST (for a home in Alberta), you need to factor in another $875 in taxes, bringing the total to $18,375 CAD.
In comparison, if you go the mere posting route and use EazySell by Zolo, the flat rate is $500 plus 5% HST CAD. This could save you $17,832 CAD on listing your home.
What is a ‘Mere Posting’ in Canada and How Does it Work?
A mere posting allows you to list your own home on the MLS® system for a flat fee, and in Canada, this type of listing is also commonly called an entry-only listing. For many sellers, a flat-fee MLS® listing sits between FSBO (For Sale By Owner) and full-service representation: you keep more control while still getting MLS® exposure. Mere postings are cheaper than full-service listings because the agent only provides the service of placing your listing on the MLS® system.
With the traditional method, which involves having an agent, you aren’t just paying to access the MLS® systems. The fee you pay to your agent for this service will also include representation, MLS® entry, market analysis, and marketing. They will take care of it all, but as you can see from our example above, it can be quite costly.
With a mere posting, you are still getting access to the MLS® systems, but that’s it. You are responsible for most of the sales process, including pricing, marketing, and negotiation. To some, this may seem daunting. But if you are willing to take on the extra work, the savings and control can be worth it. When you list with a mere posting service, you have the option to offer a commission to the buyer’s agent. While it is not mandatory, offering a commission to the buyer’s agent is standard practice and can maximize interest in your listing.
Step-By-Step: Typical Flat-Fee MLS® Service Listing Workflow
If you’re ready to sell your own home, listing with EazySell by Zolo takes just a few steps to get your listing active.
- Sign up for EazySell by Zolo
- Provide your property details and photos
- Our team confirms your identity and manages the necessary paperwork to list your home. Your listing will typically be active within 72 hours of receiving all required information
- Your listing is live and featured in prime spots on Zolo.ca for maximum exposure
- You manage all buyer inquiries, schedule showings and negotiate offers directly
How to Choose Between Flat Fee and Full Service?
There’s no right or wrong answer when choosing between a flat-fee MLS® listing and a full-service listing; it comes down to personal preference, what you are more comfortable with, and whether you’d prefer to save more money or save time.
If you have limited time, or a very busy schedule (especially if you travel or work night shifts), or even if you find the idea overwhelming, going with the full-service agent option to list your house on MLS® might be the best choice for you.
However, if you are someone who is ready to handle emails and calls, is confident in their negotiating skills with prospective buyers and their Realtors, has the time, and a relatively straightforward property to sell, then going with the flat fee MLS® service option is a great way to keep more of your equity in your pocket.
That being said, when you use a flat-fee MLS® service, you will still need to hire a lawyer or legal professional to handle certain aspects of the sale. In addition, it is also best practice to offer the buyer’s agent a commission, as that is typical in the selling process.
One of the benefits of EazySell by Zolo is that if you want professional help, you have the opportunity to switch to a full-service agent. EazySell by Zolo gives you 90 days to switch over to a full-service listing agent without losing your $500 fee. The original $500 fee will be deducted from the agent’s commission, meaning you don’t lose any money if you want to try doing it on your own first.
Bottom Line
If you’re searching for the most cost-effective way to list on the MLS® System, a mere posting service like EazySell by Zolo is a cheaper alternative to hiring a full-service listing agent. With a mere posting, you retain full control of your listing and keep the seller commission in your pocket.
List your home on Realtor.ca and local MLS® boards for just $500 with EazySell by Zolo. You can also use Zolo to research your local real estate market and determine your home’s market value with our How Much Is Your Home Worth tool.
Canadian MLS® Listing Costs FAQs
What is a flat-fee MLS® listing?
Flat-fee MLS® listings, also known as entry-only listings, are a hybrid MLS® listing that combines for-sale-by-owner control with the broader exposure of a traditional MLS® listing. By listing your FSBO home on the MLS® System, you can get more exposure to potential buyers while keeping control of the sale and save money on listing commissions.
Can a private home seller list directly on Realtor.ca in Canada?
No, you cannot post on Realtor.ca as a private seller. Realtor.ca is operated by CREA and accepts listings only from local real estate boards submitted by licensed Canadian brokerages. To list without a full-service agent, you use a flat-fee listing service like EazySell by Zolo to post a “mere posting” to your local board and Realtor.ca.
Does GST or HST apply to flat-fee MLS® listing services?
Yes, real estate services in Canada are subject to standard provincial tax rates (GST/HST).
Do I still need to offer a cooperating broker (buyer’s agent) commission?
While not mandatory, offering a cooperating broker commission (typically 2% to 2.5%, depending on the province) encourages buyer agents to show your property to their clients. You specify this amount directly in your listing setup.
How long will my home remain listed on the local board and Realtor.ca?
With EazySell by Zolo, your property remains active on the MLS® System for 90 days. At the end of the 90-day period, you have the option to switch to a full-service agent for continuous listing coverage until your home sells, or you can renew your EazySell by Zolo listing for an additional 90 days of exposure for an additional $500 fee plus applicable taxes.
