f.a.q +
seller protection.

Selling a home comes with questions. And a lot of misinformation.
These are the answers that matter, rooted in how Ontario real estate actually works.

Each one is clear, simple, and designed to protect you.

  • No. Not in Ontario.

    Deposits are not handed to the seller or agent.
    They are stored in a regulated real estate trust account (usually the listing brokerage's) under strict rules overseen by RECO.

    You get a formal deposit receipt, and the funds can only be released when:

    • the deal closes, or

    • both sides sign a mutual release, or

    • a court decides

    The money cannot be touched, moved, or accessed by anyone.

    Seller Protection:
    Your deposit is safe, frozen, and fully tracked — always.

  • No.

    Conditions (financing, inspection, status review) must be used in good faith — not as an escape hatch for cold feet.

    Buyers can only walk away if the condition fails for a legitimate reason and they provide proper written notice.

    They cannot say:

    • “I don’t feel like it anymore.”

    • “I found a better house.”

    • “I’m nervous.”

    That’s a breach.

    Seller Protection:
    Ontario requires honest use of conditions. Anything else is enforceable.

  • A firm deal is legally binding.

    If a buyer walks:

    • their deposit stays in trust

    • you can re-list the home

    • if you resell for less, you can pursue the original buyer for the difference + damages

    This is handled by lawyers, not emotions.

    Seller Protection:
    Firm = firm. You have multiple legal remedies, and the deposit stays locked until the dispute is resolved.

  • They can ask, but you are not required to agree.

    You can:

    • decline

    • negotiate

    • offer a small credit

    • ask for proof

    • compare with your pre-list inspection (if you did one)

    Most “surprise issues” are maintenance items — not dealbreakers.

    Seller Protection:
    You stay in control. Requests are optional, not mandatory.

  • Only if the status certificate reveals a material issue, such as:

    • major upcoming special assessments

    • legal proceedings

    • inadequate reserve fund

    • incorrect fee disclosures

    • unexpected building financial risk

    If the building is healthy, the condition clears and the deal moves forward.

    Seller Protection:
    A clean status certificate stops 99% of status-related cancellations.

  • Late deposit = breach of agreement.
    You can choose to:

    • terminate the deal

    • keep the deposit (if already paid)

    • re-list

    • or stick with the deal (if you prefer)

    Your lawyer and I guide the timing and next steps.

    Seller Protection:
    Late deposit gives you the upper hand — not the buyer.

  • No — but it must be clear.

    You can include, exclude, or negotiate anything (appliances, mirrors, curtains, sheds).
    Unclear listings lead to disputes.

    Seller Protection:
    Clear inclusions = fewer problems on closing.

  • This impacts the buyer’s financing, not your price.
    The buyer must bridge the gap or work with their lender.

    You don’t automatically lower the price unless you choose to.

    Seller Protection:
    A low appraisal is the buyer’s problem — not yours.

  • Your lawyer handles everything behind the scenes:

    • title transfer

    • mortgage payout

    • legal documents

    • coordinating with the buyer’s lawyer

    • key release instructions

    Your role is simple:

    • complete any agreed-upon repairs

    • transfer utilities

    • move out

    • hand over keys, fobs, remotes, and codes

    • attend the buyer’s final visit

    Seller Protection:
    You won’t be blindsided — closing is administrative, not emotional.

  • Buyers must be accompanied by a licensed Realtor — they cannot enter unattended.
    If damage occurs, the responsible party is liable.

    Seller Protection:
    No one enters your home without accountability.

  • They can try.
    You are not obligated to agree.

    Lawyers handle any last-minute issues professionally, and the contract stands unless both parties sign an amendment.

    Seller Protection:
    You cannot be forced into a last-minute change.

  • Only if you knowingly concealed a material latent defect (something serious, hidden, and dangerous).

    If you didn’t hide anything and disclosed what you knew, you’re protected.

    Seller Protection:
    Honesty + proper documentation = no fear.

  • Not before but by closing.

    In Ontario, you must fully vacate the home when the buyer receives possession, which happens after the deal closes and the title transfers. That moment is usually mid-day to late afternoon on closing day, depending on bank and lawyer timing.

    This means:

    • You do not need to be out the night before.

    • You do not need to vacate early morning.

    • You must be completely moved out before keys are released to the buyer.

    The home must be:

    • empty

    • broom-swept clean

    • free of personal items

    • with all keys/fobs/remotes ready

    Still moving out during key handoff = breach.

    Most sellers move out the night before or early morning of closing simply to avoid stress but it’s not a legal requirement.

  • Not always.
    Cleanliness, light, and space matter more than décor.

    If staging is necessary, we target only the areas that materially affect first impressions.

    Seller Protection:
    No wasted money. Only strategic impact.