Frequently Asked Questions

A professional agent provides market expertise, pricing strategy, negotiation skills, access to qualified buyers and sellers, and full support throughout the transaction. You get better results and less stress.

In most cases the seller pays the commission, which is then shared between the listing brokerage and the buyer’s brokerage. Commission is always negotiable and is set out in writing in your agreement before we start.

It varies with the market, the property and your readiness. As a guide, buyers often take 30–90 days to find a home and firm up a deal, and sellers typically need 2–8 weeks to prepare and list, then a few weeks to secure an offer, plus the closing period — often 30 to 90 days.

Under Ontario’s Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA), we must give you the Real Estate Council of Ontario’s Information Guide before we enter into an agreement with you. It explains the services you can expect and your rights as a buyer or seller.

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage. It confirms your budget and makes your offers stronger. We can introduce you to trusted mortgage professionals.

In Canada the minimum is 5% of the first $500,000 of the price plus 10% of the portion above $500,000. Homes priced at $1.5 million or more need at least 20% down. With less than 20% down you will also need mortgage default insurance, which is usually added to your mortgage.

Land transfer tax (plus Toronto’s municipal tax if you buy in Toronto), legal fees and disbursements, title insurance, a home inspection, adjustments for prepaid property taxes or utilities, and moving costs. First-time buyers may qualify for land transfer tax refunds. Try our mortgage calculator for an estimate.

An offer that depends on conditions such as financing approval, a satisfactory home inspection or a lawyer’s review of condo documents. The deal becomes firm once the conditions are fulfilled or waived.

In Ontario, real estate lawyers handle the closing — they search title, register the transfer, arrange title insurance and transfer the funds. We coordinate with your lawyer and lender right through to key day.

We prepare a free comparative market analysis using recent comparable sales, current competition and your home’s features to determine its market value.

Declutter and deep-clean, make small repairs, and consider staging or light styling. Professional photos, video and a floor plan do the rest. We give you a personalized preparation checklist.

Overpricing can reduce interest and leave a listing sitting on the market. Pricing competitively from the start attracts more buyers and can lead to stronger offers.

Professional photography and video, virtual tours, MLS® and national listing websites, social media and targeted ads, open houses, print materials and email campaigns.

Yes. Our Texas brokerage, Saigal Realty in Coppell, Texas, is licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission. We can sell your Ontario home here and introduce you to our Texas-licensed team for your purchase in Dallas–Fort Worth.

Yes. Through our network in Dubai, Karachi, Rabat and Costa Rica we support families and investors from abroad. Rules for non-Canadian buyers, including the federal foreign-buyer ban and Ontario’s Non-Resident Speculation Tax, can apply, so we work alongside your lawyer from the start.

Yes. We represent tenants for office, retail and industrial space — from requirements and market survey through lease negotiation and move-in.

Yes. We market your property, screen tenants with credit, employment and reference checks, prepare the Ontario Standard Form of Lease and coordinate deposits and key exchange.