TL;DR In Canada, the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) isn’t one website. It’s a co-operative network of regional databases run by local real estate boards/associations. REALTORS® use these systems to share listings, set up cooperation with other brokerages, and negotiate offers. REALTOR.ca is not an MLS® — it’s a national public portal that displays portions of MLS® listings from across...

When an Open House is Really Worth ItIn most cases, open houses aren’t your closing strategy — but there’s one clear exception: a hot market with more serious buyers than private showing slots.When inventory is low and buyer demand is surging, private showings can book up in hours. In these conditions, an open house can efficiently funnel dozens of buyers — and their agents — through in a single...

When selling a home, two viewing methods dominate: open houses and private showings.You’ve probably heard that open houses build excitement and private showings close the deal.That’s partly true — but there’s more to the story.This guide covers everything you’ve likely seen in Google search results about the topic, then adds proven research so you can decide which approach works best for your...

There is a very basic understanding of Discount and Full Service real estate agents, which is often reduced to a simple pros and cons list. However, due to shifts in the real estate market, many discount realtors are now offering similar — if not identical — services to their full-service counterparts.In this article, we answer three important questions:Does a higher commission translate to better...

In the complex landscape of Canadian real estate, one of the most persistent questions and sources of confusion for both buyers and sellers is this: What percentage do REALTORS® actually make from a home sale? While 5% has long been cited as the industry "norm," the reality is both more nuanced and increasingly negotiable.This guide cuts through the generalizations to examine how real estate agents are...

Choosing a real estate agent isn’t about picking the friendliest face on a bus bench. It’s a business decision — one that can affect how much you earn (or spend), how quickly you move, and how confidently you navigate the market.Here’s how to evaluate prospects using hard metrics and peer-reviewed insights — not industry marketing. Verify Licensing and Professional StandingStart with the...

With discreet academic insights and trusted data integrationAs a licensed broker, I’ve spent years helping clients navigate one of the most confusing costs in real estate: commission. It’s often accepted as a given 5% split between agents but few sellers realize how much flexibility and strategy actually exist behind that number.This guide is written with sellers in mind. It breaks down how commission...

Selling your home in Canada doesn’t have to mean giving up 5% of your sale price!In today’s real estate landscape, there are other options known as flat fee or fixed real estate commission. This is an alternative to the traditional commission structure.However, the model is often misunderstood.In this article, I will break down what flat fee real estate actually is, examine the research behind it, and...

Canadian homeowners today aren’t just asking what commission rates are—they're asking what’s fair. With options ranging from full-service brokerages charging 4–5% to newer discount and flat-fee models starting around 1%, the landscape has shifted. As someone who’s worked with clients across all three models, I’ve seen firsthand the pros and cons. Below is a quick, honest breakdown of what...

When it comes to buying a condo, most people focus on location, square footage, or amenities but there’s another crucial detail that often gets overlooked: Is the condo freehold or leasehold? This small line in a listing can have a big impact on what you actually own, how long you own it, and what it might cost you over time. Let’s break down the core differences between freehold and leasehold condos...