Thinking about selling your house in Ontario but want to avoid the usual headaches of traditional real estate transactions? A private sale—where you sell directly to a buyer without listing on the MLS—could be your best move.
With rising real estate fees and unpredictable market conditions, more homeowners are opting for private sales to cut costs, speed up the process, and retain full control over their sale. Here’s why selling privately might be the smartest decision you can make.
What Is a Private Home Sale?
A private sale means selling your home without using a real estate agent. Instead of going through the typical listing process, you either sell directly to an individual buyer, a real estate investor, or a cash home-buying company.
Unlike traditional sales, a private transaction skips the MLS, open houses, and agent commissions—putting more money in your pocket.
Why Choose a Private Sale Over a Traditional Listing?
Many Ontario homeowners are turning to private sales because of the benefits it offers. Here’s why it could work for you:
- No Realtor Commissions – The biggest expense in a traditional sale is the 5–6% agent commission. On a $700,000 home, that’s up to $42,000 lost in fees. Private sales let you keep more of your money.
- Faster Transactions – No waiting months for the right buyer. Private sales, especially to cash buyers, often close in as little as 7–14 days.
- Less Stress & Uncertainty – No open houses, no staging, and no dealing with multiple buyers backing out due to financing issues.
- More Control Over the Process – Set your own terms, negotiate directly, and decide when and how you want to sell.
- Ideal for Distressed or Hard-to-Sell Homes – If your home needs repairs or isn’t market-ready, a private sale can be the perfect solution.
Who Buys Homes in a Private Sale?
Private buyers fall into three main categories:
- Individual Buyers – These are people looking for a home and prefer to negotiate directly with the seller.
- Real Estate Investors – Investors buy homes for rental income or to renovate and resell. They often pay in cash and close quickly.
- Cash Home Buyers & Companies – These buyers purchase homes as-is, offering a fast and straightforward transaction without inspections, appraisals, or financing delays.
If speed and simplicity are your priority, selling to a cash home buyer is the fastest way to complete a private sale.
How to Sell Your House Privately in Ontario
Selling your home privately requires some planning, but it’s a straightforward process when done right. Here’s how to do it successfully:
- Set a Competitive Price – Research recent sales in your area to determine a fair market price. If selling to a cash buyer, expect offers slightly below market value but with significant savings on fees and repairs.
- Market Your Home – Use online listing sites, social media, and word-of-mouth to find potential buyers. If selling directly to a cash buyer, this step isn’t necessary.
- Negotiate the Terms – Without an agent, you’ll handle negotiations yourself. Be clear on your bottom line and don’t be afraid to counteroffer.
- Hire a Real Estate Lawyer – Even in a private sale, a real estate lawyer is crucial to review contracts, handle paperwork, and ensure a smooth transaction.
- Close the Deal – Once the buyer completes due diligence, you sign the paperwork, receive payment, and finalize the sale.
Is a Private Home Sale Right for You?
Private sales aren’t for everyone, but they’re a great fit if:
- You want to avoid realtor fees and save thousands of dollars
- You need to sell fast and don’t want to wait months for a buyer
- You prefer a straightforward transaction with less hassle
- Your home needs repairs, and you don’t want to invest in renovations
- You want full control over the sale process
Final Thoughts
Selling your home privately in Ontario can be a smart, cost-effective alternative to traditional real estate transactions. Whether you sell to an individual buyer or a cash home buyer, this method offers flexibility, speed, and major savings.
If you’re looking to sell your home quickly and efficiently, a private sale might be your best move.