Why Even Talk About “Discount”?
Nobody enjoys handing over $25,000 on a $1M home strictly for commission. That’s why discount real estate models have gained traction: you still get MLS® exposure, professional marketing, and negotiation support — but you don’t automatically pay 2.5% on the listing side.
This means a 1% or flat-fee model is legal and recognized under Ontario real estate law, provided it is documented in a representation agreement.
The Oversight You Don’t See Elsewhere
Some “discount” brokerages work like this: you pay less, but you’re shuffled to whoever’s available. That’s not what we do.
Every single file runs through Faiza Ahmed, Broker (RECO #4791581) at International Realty Firm, Inc. (Brokerage #4799095).
She checks:
- Is the agent licensed and in good standing?
- Do they actually know this type of property?
- Have they got a clean compliance record?
Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002.
The law specifies that you cannot:
- Trade in real estate as a brokerage unless you are registered as one.
- Trade in real estate as a broker unless you are a registered broker employed by a brokerage.
- Trade in real estate as a salesperson unless you are a registered salesperson employed by a brokerage.
This means your commission may drop, but your consumer protections remain the same under provincial law.
Are Discount REALTORS® Legit? Let’s Talk About It
Yes — legitimacy in Ontario real estate isn’t about the commission model, it’s about licensing, compliance, and oversight.
That’s why our model is broker-supervised — so you don’t just get “cheap,” you get experienced + vetted.
Where Does Discount Work Best?
- Toronto condos + mid-range homes → high buyer traffic, multiple offers.
- Burlington/Vaughan/Durham suburbs → family homes where staging matters.
- Rural properties → doable, but needs careful pricing and zoning-savvy marketing.
That’s why agents from PropertyMesh keeps buyer-side co-op fees competitive while lowering the listing side only. This balances seller savings with strong buyer-agent cooperation.
Our Listing & Pricing Strategy Workflow
Step 1: Property Evaluation
Items:
- Walk-through of your home
- Identify upgrades & improvements
- Highlight unique selling points
Step 3: Preparing Your Home
Items:
- Professional staging (virtual or in-person)
- High-quality photography & video tour
- 3D floor plans & virtual walkthroughs
Step 5: Launch Strategy
Items:
- Pre-listing "Coming Soon" campaign
- Strong first-week push for maximum exposure
- Open house & private showings
Step 7: Ongoing Communication
Items:
- Weekly updates on showings & feedback
- Market updates on competing listings
- Adjustments to strategy when needed
Step 2: Market Analysis & Pricing
Items:
- Detailed Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
- Review of recent sales, active & expired listings
- Pricing strategy tailored to your goals
⮕ Competitive pricing to attract buyers
⮕ Strategic positioning for multiple offers
⮕ Psychological pricing matching search ranges
Step 4: Marketing Your Property
Items:
- MLS® / Realtor.ca plus major real estate sites
- Social media campaigns (Facebook, Instagram)
- Neighbourhood promotion (open houses only during hot market)
Step 6: Offers & Negotiations
Items:
- Offer date strategy (when suitable)
- Skilled negotiation for best price & terms
- Guidance on conditions, closing date & deposit
Choose the Service Level That Fits Your Sale
Transparent fees, clear deliverables, and the right level of support — from pricing strategy to closing.
Tier #1
Full-Service REALTOR®
$5,000 Fixed/Flat Fee
Tier #2
Full-Service REALTOR® +
1% of Sale Price
It’s your call: flat or percentage. Both are discounted, both are full-service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why pay 1% if commission is negotiable?
In Ontario, commission rates are fully negotiable by law.
At the national level, the Canadian Real Estate Association reinforces this through its Pledge of Competition:
“Commission rates or fees members charge for services offered to the public, and the division of those fees among cooperating members, are solely the choice of those providing the services.”
This means a 1% listing model is entirely legal and supported by Canada’s competition framework, provided it is transparently disclosed in the signed representation agreement.
Q: What about cashback for buyers?
Rebates and incentives are permitted under the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002 (REBBA), provided they are disclosed in writing and paid through the brokerage trust account.
Q: Will I sacrifice negotiation power?
No. Oversight ensures your REALTOR® is held accountable on pricing, staging, and negotiation; however, hiring an skilled realtor is key to success.
Q: Do discount models affect buyer-side cooperation?
“As a professional, I typically caution sellers to avoid reducing buyer agents’ commission due to their ability to first see the backend of the MLS system; however, the choice is always theirs.”
— Faiza Ahmed
We sold our property in Toronto with PropertyMesh team. Very happy with their real estate agent’s service. Will definitely work with them.
Mary Perruccio
Sold with PropertyMesh
We proudly serve clients across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, including:
- City of Toronto: Toronto, Scarborough, Etobicoke
- York Region: Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Aurora, Newmarket, Whitchurch-Stouffville, King City
- Peel Region: Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon
- Halton Region: Oakville, Burlington, Milton
- Durham Region: Oshawa, Whitby, Pickering, Ajax, and surrounding communities
- Waterloo Region & Beyond: Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, Hamilton
Professional Affiliations
© Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. All registered trademarks herein are the property of their respective owners. PropertyMesh operates under INTERNATIONAL REALTY FIRM, INC., Brokerage (RECO Registration #4799095). Head Office: 2 Sheppard Avenue East Unit: 20th Floor Toronto, ON M2N 5Y7 Canada.
Trademark & Licensing Notices:
The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service®, REALTOR®, and associated logos are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify professional real estate services provided by members of CREA. The trademark DDF® is also owned by CREA and refers to REALTOR.ca’s Data Distribution Facility. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Consumer & Data Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website is intended solely for consumers with a bona fide interest in the purchase, sale, or lease of real estate. It may not be used for any commercial or data-mining purposes. Data is deemed reliable but not guaranteed accurate. PropertyMesh does not provide mortgage or lending services directly; clients are encouraged to consult licensed mortgage professionals for financing options.
Data Source Statement:
PropertyMesh.ca offers a curated catalog of new construction homes and connects users with REALTORS® who assist in both new and resale property transactions. Our database is currently populated through builder data feeds, manual research, and REALTOR® contributions. We strive for accuracy and make every effort to verify information; however, details may not always reflect the most current status of a property and are provided for reference only. As our platform grows, we will be expanding our data integrations to include resale listings from licensed real estate board feeds.
Content & Calculator Disclaimer:
Any analysis or commentary on PropertyMesh.ca reflects the opinions of our contributors and is provided for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered financial, legal, or investment advice. Readers are encouraged to consult licensed professionals before making real estate, financial, or legal decisions.
The calculators available on PropertyMesh.ca are also intended for general information only. PropertyMesh does not guarantee the accuracy of calculations and is not responsible for any consequences arising from their use.