How to Sell Your House Without Paying Realtor Fees

Selling your house in Ontario doesn’t have to mean handing over thousands of dollars to a real estate agent. In fact, many homeowners are surprised to learn just how many ways there are to sell their property without paying those high commissions. If you’ve been thinking, “There has to be a better way,”—you’re right.

Whether you’re downsizing, moving out of town, dealing with an inherited property, or just tired of the back-and-forth with buyers and agents, this guide is for you. We’ll walk through your options, the steps you need to take, and how you can skip the fees and still sell your house fast and easy.

Let’s dive into how to sell your house without paying realtor fees—and what to expect every step of the way.

Why Skip Realtor Fees?

Before we jump into the how, let’s talk about the why.

Realtor commissions in Ontario usually fall between 4% to 6% of your home’s sale price. On a $600,000 home, that’s $24,000 to $36,000 straight out of your equity.

Now, some homeowners don’t mind paying that—if it means a fast, profitable sale. But many realize they’re giving up a huge chunk of their profit just for things they could do (or outsource for less). So if you’re looking to maximize your payout and take control of the process, selling without a realtor might be the move.

Option 1: Sell Your House for Cash

This is hands-down the easiest way to avoid realtor fees. When you sell your house for cash to a local buyer like Bloom Homes, you skip the listing, skip the commissions, and go straight to the finish line.

Here’s how it works:

• You contact the buyer and share some info about the home.
• They make an offer based on the current condition.
• You close fast, often in as little as 7–14 days.
• You pay no realtor fees, no staging costs, no repairs, and no closing costs in many cases.

Why It Works for So Many Sellers

• You don’t need to clean or fix anything.
• You avoid multiple showings.
• You don’t pay commissions.
• You get a clear, no-pressure offer.

Selling your house for cash in Ontario is ideal for homes that need work, are inherited, have problem tenants, or are sitting vacant. Even if it’s in great shape, cash buyers can be a perfect fit if you’re short on time or patience.

Option 2: Sell Your House Yourself (FSBO)

“FSBO” stands for For Sale By Owner, and yep, it means exactly that. You take on the job of marketing and selling your home without hiring a real estate agent.

This route can save you big money, but it does take more work.

Here’s What You’ll Need to Do:

1. Price your home right – Check recent sales in your area.
2. Take great photos – Smartphone pics won’t cut it here.
3. Write a strong listing – Highlight features and neighbourhood perks.
4. Post it online – Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, Realtor.ca (with a flat-fee service), and FSBO-specific sites.
5. Schedule showings – Be ready to show your home and answer questions.
6. Negotiate with buyers – Be confident in reviewing offers and countering.
7. Hire a lawyer – They’ll help with paperwork and closing the deal.

Pros of FSBO:

• No commission fees.
• Total control of the sale.
• You keep more profit.

Cons:

• More effort required.
• Less visibility unless you know how to market.
• Risk of underpricing or legal missteps.

That said, plenty of homeowners pull this off successfully—especially in a seller’s market.

Option 3: Sell Directly to a Local Investor

If you like the idea of skipping realtor fees but don’t want to go full DIY, this option splits the difference. Local investors—like Bloom Homes—buy houses directly from homeowners without using agents.

What makes it different from FSBO?

• No listing or marketing needed.
• You don’t handle showings or negotiations.
• No pressure to fix or upgrade anything.
• Fast, easy paperwork handled by professionals.

You get the simplicity of a cash sale but still have someone walking you through the process.

It’s perfect if:

• You want a guaranteed sale.
• You’re dealing with a property that needs work.
• You want to move quickly.
• You don’t want to haggle or host open houses.

Option 4: Lease-to-Purchase

This one isn’t talked about as often, but it’s a creative way to avoid realtor commissions and still sell your house at a fair price.

Here’s how it works:

• A tenant moves into your home with the intention of buying it later.
• You agree on a future purchase price and a timeframe (usually 1–3 years).
• The buyer rents the home and makes monthly payments.
• A portion of the rent may go toward the down payment.

While it takes longer than a direct sale, lease-to-purchase can be a great fit if you’re not in a rush and want steady income in the meantime.

And yes, you can do all of this without a realtor.

At Bloom Homes, we’ve helped Ontario homeowners set up lease-to-own deals safely and legally. It’s a real option, especially if you’re open to something a little different.

What About Legal Requirements?

Even if you’re selling without an agent, Ontario real estate law still applies.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A real estate lawyer to review contracts and handle closing.
• A clear Agreement of Purchase and Sale.
• A recent property tax bill and utility info.
• Disclosure of any known defects or issues.

Your lawyer will guide you through the legal side. They’re a must-have, even if you’re selling to family or someone you know.

Bonus Tips to Sell Without an Agent

1. Be honest about the home’s condition. It builds trust and helps avoid legal issues.
2. Respond quickly to interested buyers. Speed counts when you’re competing with listed homes.
3. Don’t get greedy. Price it right and you’ll avoid sitting too long.
4. Keep paperwork organized. Buyers want clear info on taxes, title, and repairs.
5. Stay firm but respectful in negotiations. You’re not obligated to accept lowball offers.

So, Is It Worth Skipping the Realtor?

Let’s look at what you get by selling without paying realtor fees:

• You save thousands on commissions.
• You keep full control over pricing and decisions.
• You can sell faster in many cases, especially for cash.
• You don’t have to deal with open houses or endless showings.

But it’s not for everyone. If you’re looking for top dollar in a slow market, and you’re okay spending on repairs and commissions, listing might still make sense.

If, on the other hand, you’re looking to sell your house fast in Ontario—no fees, no repairs, no games—then Bloom Homes is ready to help.

We buy houses for cash, and we also offer lease-to-purchase, seller financing, and traditional options when needed. Whatever your situation, we’ll lay it out straight and give you choices that don’t leave you stuck or squeezed.