How much does it cost to sell a home in Ontario?
How much does it really cost to sell a home in Ontario — and what will it cost you to sell in Georgetown, ON? Read this and stop overpaying.
Quick, blunt answer
Selling a typical resale home in Georgetown usually costs between 6% and 8% of the sale price before you factor in repairs, staging, mortgage discharge penalties and taxes on non-principal residences. That includes realtor commissions, legal fees, and common closing adjustments. For a $900,000 home, expect total out-the-door costs in the ballpark of $54,000–$72,000 before optional extras.
This isn’t guesswork. It’s the math every seller should run. Below I break down every line item, give local context for Georgetown (Halton Hills), and show exact sample calculations so you can estimate your net proceeds fast.
Real estate commission — the biggest line item
- Typical range in Ontario: 4% to 6% of sale price (total). In Georgetown you’ll most often see 4%–5% as the market is competitive but still Toronto-adjacent.
- How it’s paid: Paid at closing to the listing brokerage and split with buyer’s brokerage. Commission can be negotiated. You can often get better terms if the home is priced right and the listing is low-effort.
- HST: HST applies to the commission. Some agreements quote the commission inclusive of HST; others add HST on top. Make sure your listing agreement is clear.
Why this matters: On a $900,000 sale, 5% commission = $45,000 (plus HST unless included). Reduce commission by 1% and you keep $9,000 more.
Legal fees and closing costs
- Typical legal fee range: $700–$1,800. Includes closing adjustments, title transfer costs, and disbursements.
- Mortgage discharge: If you have a mortgage, you’ll likely pay a discharge admin fee from your lender ($100–$300) plus a possible prepayment penalty or interest adjustment depending on your mortgage terms. Penalties can be thousands for closed-term mortgages.
Local note: Halton Hills (Georgetown) doesn’t impose seller-specific transfer taxes. Sellers don’t pay land transfer tax — buyers do. Legal fees are provincial, but local lawyers are efficient with MLS closings in Georgetown.
Repairs, pre-listing inspection, and certification
- Pre-listing inspection: $400–$800. Good idea if you expect negotiation or have known issues.
- Repairs: Small cosmetic fixes often cost $500–$5,000. Larger structural or mechanical repairs can be $5,000–$30,000.
- Certifications (electrical, furnace): $150–$500 each when required.
Smart move: Fix smaller issues before listing. It reduces negotiation risk and days on market.
Staging, photos, and marketing
- Professional staging: $1,000–$5,000 depending on the property size and staging package.
- Professional photography, floor plans, virtual tours: $300–$900.
- Digital marketing budget: Optional $200–$1,500 for boosted ads.
ROI: Staging and pro photos often shorten days on market and can increase sale price by 1%–5%. For Georgetown sellers, local buyers respond well to move-in-ready, well-lit listings.
Moving costs and interim housing
- Moving company: $500–$3,000 depending on distance and size.
- Short-term storage: $50–$300/month.
- If you need to rent between moves: Budget for at least one month’s rent or temporary accommodations.
Taxes and capital gains
- Principal residence: If the property is your principal residence for every year you owned it, you likely won’t owe capital gains tax on the sale.
- Secondary property or rental: Expect capital gains tax on 50% of the profit, taxed at your marginal rate. Work with your accountant to estimate.
Special cases to watch in Georgetown
- New builds: If you’re selling a brand-new home, HST rules and builder warranties can change costs. Consult your lawyer.
- Condo units: Condo status certificates are usually requested by buyers; sellers occasionally pay for a status certificate if requested. Condo fees and closing adjustments are prorated at closing.
- Estate sales: Additional legal and probate costs can add $1,000–$5,000 depending on complexity.
How to calculate your net proceeds — quick formula
Net proceeds ≈ Sale Price − (Commission + HST on commission if applicable) − Legal Fees − Repairs & Staging − Mortgage Discharge Penalty − Moving Costs − Capital Gains Tax (if any)
Example 1 — Conservative estimate (Georgetown resale, $900,000):
- Sale price: $900,000
- Commission (5%): $45,000
- HST on commission (if not included, 13%): $5,850
- Legal fees and disbursements: $1,200
- Staging & photos: $2,000
- Minor repairs: $1,500
- Mortgage penalty: $0–$5,000 (depends)
- Moving & storage: $1,000
- Estimated total costs: $56,550–$61,550
- Net proceeds before capital gains: $843,450–$838,450
Example 2 — Lean listing (4% commission, minimal extras, $600,000):
- Commission (4%): $24,000
- HST: $3,120
- Legal fees: $900
- Staging/photos: $700
- Repairs: $1,000
- Moving: $700
- Estimated total: $30,420
- Net proceeds: $569,580
These examples show why pricing and commission matter. A 1% swing in commission on a six-figure sale is thousands of dollars.
How Georgetown sellers cut costs without sacrificing sale price
- Price it right on day one. Overpricing leads to longer days on market and lower sale prices. Local pricing expertise matters.
- Pre-listing repairs vs. credits: Fix small issues yourself. Buyers prefer move-in-ready homes and will pay more.
- Negotiate commission. Offer tiered commission based on sale price thresholds.
- Do selective staging. Stage main living areas and primary bedroom only.
- Get multiple legal quotes. Some boutique real estate lawyers offer competitive flat rates.
- Consider hybrid services (flat-fee MLS) only if you’re comfortable handling showings and negotiations. In hot markets, full-service agents often get higher net sale prices that offset the commission.
Why an experienced local realtor saves money
A skilled Georgetown realtor:
- Prices your home to local demand, shortening time on market.
- Markets the property to Halton Hills buyers and Toronto commuters.
- Negotiates offers and conditions to avoid last-minute concessions.
- Anticipates closing issues so legal costs don’t balloon.
That bargaining skill frequently nets sellers more than the difference in commission.
Local market context — Georgetown specifics
Georgetown sits in Halton Hills with buyers drawn from GTA commuters and families seeking space and schools. Inventory fluctuates by season. Typical buyer profile: moving from Toronto to get equity and a yard. Key for sellers: highlight commuter access (401/401/407 drive), local schools, and lifestyle (trails, parks). Doing so reduces marketing time and exposure to multiple rounds of price drops.
Call to action — Get a clear, accurate estimate
Want exact numbers for your property? I’ll provide a free, no-nonsense net proceeds estimate tailored to your Georgetown home — including an itemized cost breakdown, specific staging recommendations, and negotiation strategy.
Contact: Tony Sousa — tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
FAQ — Common seller questions about costs in Georgetown, Ontario
Q: What is the standard commission in Georgetown?
A: Commonly 4%–5% total. Negotiable. Ask for a clear breakdown and whether HST is included.
Q: Do sellers pay land transfer tax in Ontario?
A: No. Land transfer tax is paid by the buyer. Sellers pay legal fees and any mortgage discharge penalties.
Q: Will I owe HST when I sell my house?
A: For most resale homes, HST does not apply to the sale price. HST applies to services like commissions. New homes and builder transactions have different HST rules.
Q: How much should I budget for closing legal fees?
A: $700–$1,800 is typical. Complex or estate sales cost more.
Q: How can I reduce realtor commission costs?
A: Negotiate, offer tiered commission, or use limited-service options. Remember: a cheaper agent doesn’t guarantee a higher net — pricing, marketing and negotiation matter.
Q: Will fixing my home before selling save money?
A: Often yes. Small investments (painting, landscaping, minor repairs) can reduce negotiations and speed up closing. Use a pre-listing inspection to pinpoint cost-effective repairs.
Q: Do I pay capital gains tax when selling my home in Georgetown?
A: If it’s your principal residence for all years owned, likely no. If it’s a secondary or rental property, capital gains tax applies. Talk to an accountant.
Q: Can I get an exact cost estimate for my property?
A: Yes. Contact Tony Sousa at tony@sousasells.ca or 416-477-2620 for a free, itemized net proceeds breakdown and a local selling plan.
If you want a one-page net proceeds estimate with line-by-line costs based on recent Georgetown sales, email Tony now. Don’t guess. Know the numbers and keep more of your equity.
