{"id":25864,"date":"2026-10-22T07:57:23","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T11:57:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/?p=25864"},"modified":"2026-10-22T08:01:03","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T12:01:03","slug":"cost-to-list-on-mls-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/cost-to-list-on-mls-canada","title":{"rendered":"How Much Does it Cost to List a House on MLS\u00ae in Canada?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n

When selling your home, getting buyers’ attention is crucial. Since most buyers search for homes online, you\u2019ll 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\u2019ll need to list your home on the MLS\u00ae (Multiple Listing Service) System, which is owned by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA<\/a>). However, it\u2019s important to note that to list your home on the MLS\u00ae 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\u00ae System on their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But hiring a full-service agent to post your home on the MLS\u00ae System is not the only option. For those looking for an alternative, mere posting services or flat-fee listing services, like EazySell by Zolo<\/a>, can list your home on the MLS\u00ae System for a fraction of the cost of a traditional full-service listing agent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re 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\u00ae 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Much Does it Cost to List on MLS\u00ae in Canada?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you list your home with a full-service listing real estate agent who lists your home on the MLS\u00ae System, you pay them a commission<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related content<\/p>

How to Save on Real Estate Commission & Realtor Fees in Canada<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n

In comparison, a mere posting, also known as a discount or flat-fee listing<\/a>, will also list your home on the MLS\u00ae System, including Realtor.ca, for a flat rate. EazySell by Zolo lists your home on the MLS\u00ae System for a flat rate of $500 for 90 days, with no listing commissions to worry about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EazySell by Zolo vs. Traditional Canadian Real Estate Commissions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/colgroup>\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n
Feature\/Service<\/th>EazySell by Zolo<\/th>Traditional Full-Service Listing Agent (2.5%)<\/th><\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Upfront Fee<\/td>$500 CAD +GST\/HST<\/td>$0 Upfront<\/td> <\/tr>\n
Listing Commission ($700,000 CAD Home)<\/td>None<\/td>$17,500 CAD + GST\/HST<\/td> <\/tr>\n
Realtor.ca Syndication<\/td>Included<\/td>Included<\/td> <\/tr>\n
Photos Included<\/td>Maximum Board Limit<\/td>Maximum Board Limit<\/td> <\/tr>\n
Duration on MLS\u00ae<\/td>90 Days<\/td>Contract Duration<\/td> <\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

Key Savings Breakdown for Canadian Homeowners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

So how do the costs of listing your home add up? Let\u2019s use an example of a $700,000 CAD. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>), you need to factor in another $875 in taxes, bringing the total to $18,375 CAD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a \u2018Mere Posting\u2019 in Canada and How Does it Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A mere posting allows you to list your own home<\/a> on the MLS\u00ae 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\u00ae listing sits between FSBO (For Sale By Owner) and full-service representation: you keep more control while still getting MLS\u00ae exposure. Mere postings are cheaper than full-service listings because the agent only provides the service of placing your listing on the MLS\u00ae system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the traditional method, which involves having an agent, you aren\u2019t just paying to access the MLS\u00ae systems. The fee you pay to your agent for this service will also include representation, MLS\u00ae 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related content<\/p>

How to Write a Real Estate Listing That Sells<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n

With a mere posting, you are still getting access to the MLS\u00ae systems, but that\u2019s it. You are responsible for most of the sales process, including pricing<\/a>, 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\u2019s agent. While it is not mandatory, offering a commission to the buyer\u2019s agent is standard practice and can maximize interest in your listing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step-By-Step: Typical Flat-Fee MLS\u00ae Service Listing Workflow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re ready to sell your own home<\/a>, listing with EazySell by Zolo takes just a few steps to get your listing active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Sign up for EazySell by Zolo<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Provide your property details and photos<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. 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<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Your listing is live and featured in prime spots on Zolo.ca for maximum exposure<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. You manage all buyer inquiries, schedule showings and negotiate offers directly<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \n
    List with EazySell by Zolo<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    How to Choose Between Flat Fee and Full Service?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    There\u2019s no right or wrong answer when choosing between a flat-fee MLS\u00ae listing<\/a> and a full-service listing; it comes down to personal preference, what you are more comfortable with, and whether you\u2019d prefer to save more money or save time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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\u00ae might be the best choice for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Related content<\/p>

    Home Selling Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide for Selling Your Home in Canada<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n

    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\u00ae service option is a great way to keep more of your equity in your pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That being said, when you use a flat-fee MLS\u00ae service, you will still need to hire a lawyer<\/a> or legal professional to handle certain aspects of the sale. In addition, it is also best practice to offer the buyer\u2019s agent a commission, as that is typical in the selling process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    One of the benefits of EazySell by Zolo<\/a> 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\u2019s commission, meaning you don\u2019t lose any money if you want to try doing it on your own first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019re searching for the most cost-effective way to list on the MLS\u00ae System, a mere posting service like EazySell by Zolo<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    List your home on Realtor.ca and local MLS\u00ae boards for just $500 with EazySell by Zolo. You can also use Zolo to research your local real estate market and determine your home\u2019s market value with our How Much Is Your Home Worth<\/a> tool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    List with EazySell by Zolo<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Canadian MLS\u00ae Listing Costs FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    What is a flat-fee MLS\u00ae listing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Flat-fee MLS\u00ae listings, also known as entry-only listings, are a hybrid MLS\u00ae listing that combines for-sale-by-owner control with the broader exposure of a traditional MLS\u00ae listing. By listing your FSBO home on the MLS\u00ae System, you can get more exposure to potential buyers while keeping control of the sale and save money on listing commissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Can a private home seller list directly on Realtor.ca in Canada?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    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<\/a> to post a “mere posting” to your local board and Realtor.ca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Does GST or HST apply to flat-fee MLS\u00ae listing services?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Yes, real estate services in Canada are subject to standard provincial tax rates (GST\/HST). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Do I still need to offer a cooperating broker (buyer’s agent) commission?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How long will my home remain listed on the local board and Realtor.ca?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    With EazySell by Zolo, your property remains active on the MLS\u00ae 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. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Compare EazySell by Zolo\u2019s $500 flat fee with traditional commission fees and save thousands on your home sale<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":95,"featured_media":25870,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[48],"tags":[],"guide":[],"class_list":["post-25864","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-selling"],"acf":[],"zolo_excerpt":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25864","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/95"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25864"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25864\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25872,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25864\/revisions\/25872"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25870"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25864"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25864"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25864"},{"taxonomy":"guide","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guide?post=25864"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}