Seller Advice
What It Actually Costs to Sell a Home in Ontario
By Kaitlynn Martins · June 2, 2026 · 6 min read
A plain-language breakdown of the cost categories sellers should budget for, and where the numbers vary most.
Most sellers focus on commission and stop there. In practice there are five or six categories worth planning for, and the total varies more with your mortgage and legal situation than with anything else.
Brokerage commission
Negotiable and set out in your listing agreement. It generally includes the listing side plus an amount offered to a cooperating brokerage representing the buyer. Ask for it in writing, in dollars, before you sign.
Preparation and staging
Paint, decluttering, minor repairs, cleaning and staging. This is discretionary spending and it should be prioritized by likely return, not by wishful thinking.
Legal fees and disbursements
Your real estate lawyer handles discharge of the mortgage, title work and closing adjustments. Get a quote early.
Mortgage discharge or penalty
If you break a fixed mortgage before maturity, the penalty can be significant. Call your lender for an exact figure — this is the single most commonly underestimated cost.
Adjustments and moving
Property tax and utility adjustments at closing, plus moving costs and any overlap between possession dates.
Kaitlynn prepares an itemized estimate for your specific property before you list, so there are no surprises on closing day.
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