FAQs
Everything you need to know
Getting Started
Why should I sell with ComFree instead of using a traditional agent?
ComFree gives you control, transparency, and significant savings. The average seller saves over $20,000 in commission while still getting full MLS®® exposure, professional support, and all the tools you need. You’re not cutting corners, you’re cutting out unnecessary middleman costs.
How much will I actually save?
On a $475,000 home with a typical 4% commission split, you’ll save approximately $19,000. The higher your home’s value, the more you save. Use our savings calculator to see your specific savings.
Is ComFree right for my property?
ComFree works for residential, commercial, and rental properties across Canada, including BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. Whether you’re selling a condo, detached home, commercial building, or investment property, our packages provide the exposure and support you need.
What if I’ve never sold a home before?
That’s exactly why we’ve built comprehensive guides, toolboxes, and 7-day-a-week support. Most of our sellers have never sold without an agent before, and they succeed because we provide education, not just a listing service.
Pricing and Packages
What’s included in ComFree packages?
All packages include:
- Full MLS® and REALTOR.ca® exposure
- Professional “For Sale” signage
- Virtual reality (VR) tour
- Listing syndication to major real estate sites
- Seller’s Toolbox with contracts, guides, and resources
- 7-day-a-week support
- Access to preferred legal and financial partners
Do I pay anything upfront?
ComFree charges a flat fee for our services (packages starting at $497). This one-time fee replaces the typical 4% commission you’d pay at closing, saving you thousands.
What if my home doesn’t sell?
With a 92% success rate, the only reason a home doesn’t sell is due to price. That said, our Guaranteed Sale Package comes with a 100% Money Back Guarantee. Some conditions apply.
Can I upgrade my package later?
Yes, you can upgrade to a higher-tier package at any time. Contact our team to discuss your options.
Listing & Marketing
Will my listing actually go on MLS®® and REALTOR.ca®?
Absolutely. Your listing appears on MLS®®, REALTOR.ca®, and syndicates to hundreds of other real estate platforms. You get the same exposure as any agent-listed property.
How long does it take to get listed?
Once we have all your listing information, our team will make your property live on the MLS, Realtor.ca, and ComFree.com within 1-2 business days. We handle all the technical work—you just get ready to show the property as soon as it goes live.
What if I’m not good at photography?
ComFree has professional photographers across Canada to provide you with the best photos and virtual tours available. We recommend purchasing the top package so we can take photography off your shoulders and ensure your listing shines among all others. If you prefer to do this yourself, ComFree provides you with tips on taking great photos and the Premium Package includes training and software to create your own virtual tour and take professional looking photos.
Can I update my listing after it’s live?
Yes. Log into your Seller’s Toolbox to submit listing amendments anytime—update price, description, photos, or showing instructions.
How do I price my home correctly?
Pricing is critical. Our Premium and Guaranteed Sale Packages include analysis tools, comparable sales data, and pricing guides. Remember: overpricing leads to longer listing times, while competitive pricing attracts multiple offers.
Showings and Negotiations
How do I handle showings?
ComFree sellers love being in control rather than at the mercy of their realtor’s schedule. Book showing on your schedule. Best practices:
- Keep your home clean, decluttered, and staged
- Schedule multiple showings during peak times (weekends, evenings)
- Be responsive to showing requests within 2-4 hours
- Ensure interested buyers have viewed your VR tour. This save them and you time
- Ensure buyers are pre-qualified for a mortgage
What if someone wants to view my home when I’m not available?
You can authorize trusted friends, family, or neighbors to facilitate showings, or schedule viewings for when you’re available. Many sellers batch showings on weekends and evenings to minimize disruption.
How do I negotiate offers?
Realtors like to make this part of the process sound more complicated than it is, to justify their commission. Offers are presented to you in writing and you have time to review and respond. A counteroffer is as simple as crossing out their price, writing your counteroffer and initialling it and sending it back via email. Once accepted the offer goes to the lawyer for official documentation and signatures. ComFree provides negotiation guides and support, but here’s the basics:
- Know your bottom line before receiving offers
- Consider all terms, not just price (conditions, closing date, deposit)
- Use our preferred lawyers to review offers and handle closing. They offer free offer review plus discounted legal fees saving you even more money
Most sellers find direct negotiation simpler than working through agents, no telephone-game confusion.
What if I receive multiple offers?
This is a good problem! You can:
- Accept the strongest offer
- Counter multiple buyers to improve terms
- Set a deadline for best and final offers
Our team can guide you through multiple-offer scenarios.
Working with Buyer’s Agents
Will agents refuse to show my home?
No. Under RECA regulations (and equivalent rules in other provinces), agents must show clients ALL properties that meet their criteria, including ComFree listings. Refusing to show your home is a breach of professional conduct.
In reality, most buyers find homes themselves on REALTOR.ca®, then ask their agent to arrange showings or contact you directly.
Do I have to pay a buyer’s agent commission?
You set your own commission policy, and can easily bake the commission into the sale price:
- Option 1: Offer no commission (buyers pay their own agent or come direct)
- Option 2: Offer a negotiated commission (typically 1-2.5%) to attract agent-represented buyers
- Option 3: Disclose your ideal sale price and tell the agent you will pay them anything over that as a commission.
Do not get hung up on what you are paying as a commission.
How do I deal with pushy agents?
Stay confident in your choice. Agents may pressure you to list with them or claim ComFree won’t work. Remember: they have a financial interest in converting you. Politely decline and focus on your sale.
If an agent is unprofessional, document the interaction and report them to your provincial real estate council. ComFree can provide contact info for you if you need.
What if a buyer’s agent submits an offer?
Great! You can:
- Review the offer yourself
- Use our preferred lawyer to handle the transaction
- Negotiate directly or through your own lawyer
For a list of preferred law firms visit Partner Services
Legal and Closing
Do I need a lawyer?
Yes, just like with any real estate transaction. ComFree partners with preferred law firms who offer discounted rates and understand our process. They’ll review offers, handle paperwork, and ensure legal compliance.
You can also use your own lawyer if you prefer.
What forms do I need to complete?
ComFree provides all necessary forms through your Seller’s Toolbox
- Initial listing input form
- Offer to purchase templates
- Condition removal forms
- Sale and sold notification forms
Our support team guides you through each form.
What if legal issues come up during the sale?
Our preferred legal partners are available throughout the process to answer questions and resolve issues. That’s what lawyers are for, ComFree ensures you have access to expert legal support when needed.
Note: Legal issues are very very rare. So rare, that the nearly never come up and after operating in this industry since 1996 not one ComFree customer has ever been sued.
How do I close the sale?
Your lawyer handles closing:
- Reviews and executes the final agreement
- Coordinates with the buyer’s lawyer
- Ensures all conditions are satisfied
- Arranges fund transfers
- Provides you with the net proceeds from the sale
You stay informed throughout, but the legal work is handled by professionals.
Support and Technical
How do I access my Seller’s Toolbox?
- Go to www.comfree.com
- Click Resources → Seller’s Toolbox
- Log in with the same email address you used to purchase your package
If you haven’t created a login, click “Create an Account and follow the prompts
I forgot my password – what do I do?
Click “Forgot Password” on the login screen and follow the reset instructions. If you’re still having trouble, contact our support team.
Can I get copies of my completed forms?
Yes—all forms are automatically emailed to you.
What kind of support does ComFree provide?
We offer 7-day-a-week support via phone, email, and online chat. Our team helps with:
- Listing setup and amendments
- Marketing and showing tips
- Negotiation guidance
- Form completion
- Technical troubleshooting
- Connection to legal/financial partners
Call 1-877-888-3131
What if I need help outside business hours?
Our support resources (guides, FAQs, videos) are available 8am-8pm MST 7 Days a week.
Success Stories
Do ComFree homes actually sell?
Yes, we have thousands of successful sales across Canada. Check our [Google reviews] and [success stories] to see what other sellers have experienced.
Check out COMFREE TESTIMONIALS
Key factors for success:
- Competitive pricing
- Professional presentation (photos, VR tour, staging)
- Responsive showing availability
- Realistic expectations about timelines and negotiations
How long does it typically take to sell?
Market conditions vary, but ComFree homes sell in similar timeframes to agent-listed properties. Often selling quick since there is little to no commission to get in the way of a deal between Buyer and Seller. In hot markets, you might sell in days; in slower markets, expect 30-60 days on average.
Remember: overpricing extends your timeline regardless of who’s listing your home.
What’s ComFree’s success rate?
Our sellers consistently close sales while saving thousands in commission. Success depends on realistic pricing, good presentation, and market conditions—the same factors that apply to any listing method. The average across Canada is over 92% Success
BUYER COMMISSION FAQs
Who pays the buyer's agent commission?
In Canada, the seller typically pays both the listing agent’s commission and the buyer’s agent’s commission from the sale proceeds. However, this cost is embedded in the home’s purchase price, which means buyers indirectly pay for it through a higher purchase price and additional interest over time.
For example, on a $750,000 home, a 2.5% buyer’s commission equals $18,750, which can exceed $30,000 when financed over a typical 25-year mortgage term.
ComFree Cashback changes this: Where a buyer commission is offered on a listing, we refund 100% of that commission directly to you at closing for just a $997 fee. That puts $15,000-$25,000+ back in your pocket instead of going to a traditional buyer’s agent.
How much is a buyer's agent commission?
Buyer’s agent commissions in Canada typically range from 2% to 3% of the purchase price, though this varies by province:
- Ontario/BC: Usually 2.5% of the sale price
- Alberta: Often 3.5% on the first $100,000, then 1.5% on the balance
- Saskatchewan: Typically 3% on the first $100,000, then 2% on the next $100,000, and 1% thereafter
- Manitoba: 4% of the sale price
With ComFree Cashback, that commission is redirected 100% to you at closing, giving you more cash for your down payment, renovations, or future investments.
Do I have to pay commission if I don't have a buyer's agent?
No, you don’t pay commission directly. However, if you don’t have a buyer’s agent and work directly with the listing agent, they typically keep the full commission—including the buyer’s agent portion that would normally go to your representative.
Example: If a seller agreed to pay 5% total commission (2.5% to each agent), and you don’t have a buyer’s agent, the listing agent often keeps the full 5%. The buyer never sees that 2.5% savings.
ComFree Cashback solves this: For $997, you get access to MLS®, showing coordination, and buyer resources. Where a buyer commission is offered, we redirect 100% of it to you at closing, typically $15,000-$25,000+.
What happens to the buyer commission if I buy without an agent?
When you buy without a buyer’s agent (working directly with the listing agent), the buyer’s commission portion is typically kept by the listing agent or their brokerage. This is called “double-ending” a deal.
While some listing agents may reduce their total commission slightly and pass savings to the seller, buyers rarely benefit financially from not having representation.
ComFree Cashback ensures the buyer’s commission goes where it belongs—to you. Our limited-service model gives you access to properties, showing coordination, and lawyer-prepared offers while refunding 100% of the buyer’s commission at closing.
BUYING WITHOUT AN AGENT FAQs
Can I buy a house without a realtor?
Yes, you can buy a house without a real estate agent in Canada. There’s no legal requirement to use an agent in any province. However, buying without representation means you’ll handle:
- Property searches and MLS® access (limited without an agent)
- Scheduling and coordinating all showings yourself
- Negotiating directly with sellers or their agents
- Preparing offers and purchase agreements
- Understanding complex legal documents and disclosures
- Managing timelines, conditions, and closing procedures
ComFree Cashback offers a middle ground: You get MLS® access, showing coordination, buyer resources, and real estate lawyer-prepared offers for just $997—plus you receive the buyer’s commission (typically $15,000-$25,000) refunded at closing.
Do I need a buyer's agent?
No, a buyer’s agent is not legally required in Canada, but 66% of Canadian buyers choose to use one according to recent surveys.
Benefits of working with ComFree Cashback instead of a traditional buyer’s agent:
- Same MLS® access to all properties across Canada
- Showing support so you can view any home
- Lawyer Reviewed offers
- Buyer education and resources without sales pressure
- No representation agreement means no pressure or obligations
- Commission refunded to you: Receive $15,000-$25,000+ at closing instead of paying it to an agent
You maintain control while getting professional support and keeping thousands in your pocket.
What are the risks of buying a house without a realtor?
Buying without a realtor carries several risks:
- Overpaying: Without market expertise, you may offer more than fair market value
- Missed problems: No professional guidance on red flags or property issues
- Legal mistakes: Purchase contracts contain complex legal language
- Negotiation challenges: Seller’s agents are professional negotiators working for the other party
- Limited access: Many properties are only on MLS®, which requires agent access
- Time-consuming: Coordinating showings, research, and paperwork is essentially a full-time job
How ComFree Cashback mitigates these risks:
- Full MLS® access to all properties
- Showing coordination by licensed professionals
- Real estate lawyer-prepared offers and legal review
- Buyer education resources and market transparency tools
- Commission transparency at every step
- You maintain control of negotiations while keeping $15,000-$25,000+ at closing
FIRST-TIME BUYER FAQs
How much money do I need to buy a house as a first-time buyer?
First-time buyers in Canada need to budget for:
Down payment:
- Minimum 5% for homes under $500,000
- 10% on the portion above $500,000 (for homes $500,000-$999,999)
- 20% for homes $1 million+
Closing costs (2-4% of purchase price):
- Legal fees: $1,500-$3,000
- Home inspection: $400-$700
- Land transfer tax: 0.5-2% (rebates available for first-time buyers in some provinces)
- Title insurance: $250-$400
- Property tax adjustments
- Moving costs
Example on a $600,000 home:
- Down payment (5%): $30,000
- Closing costs (3%): $18,000
- Total needed: ~$48,000
With ComFree Cashback: Where a buyer commission is offered (typically $15,000 on a $600,000 home), that money is refunded to you at closing—covering a significant portion of your down payment or closing costs.
What is the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP)?
The Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) allows first-time buyers to withdraw up to $60,000 from their RRSP tax-free to use toward a down payment (increased from $35,000 in April 2024). If buying with a partner, you can each withdraw $60,000 for a total of $120,000.
Requirements:
- You haven’t owned a home that you lived in during the past four years
- The home must be your principal residence
- You must repay the withdrawn amount over 15 years, starting in the 5th year
ComFree Cashback benefit: The buyer’s commission refund (typically $15,000-$25,000) can supplement your HBP withdrawal or help you avoid withdrawing from retirement savings altogether, preserving your long-term financial security.
What is the First Home Savings Account (FHSA)?
The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a tax-free savings account where first-time buyers can contribute up to $8,000 annually, with a lifetime maximum of $40,000. Both contributions and withdrawals are tax-free when used to buy your first home.
Key benefits:
- Contributions are tax-deductible (like an RRSP)
- Withdrawals are tax-free (like a TFSA)
- Can be combined with the Home Buyers’ Plan
Pro tip: Open your FHSA as soon as possible, even with a small contribution, to start the eligibility clock.
ComFree Cashback advantage: The $15,000-$25,000 commission refund you receive at closing can be used for renovations, furniture, emergency funds, or accelerated mortgage payments—all while your FHSA remains intact for future use.
CLOSING COSTS & FEES FAQs
What are the hidden costs when buying a house?
Beyond your down payment and mortgage, budget for these often-overlooked costs:
Before purchase:
- Home inspection: $400-$700
- Property appraisal: $300-$500
- Mortgage application fees: $0-$500
- Legal fees: $799+tax & disbursements
- Property tax adjustments
- Utility hookups/transfers
- Buyer’s commission (embedded in purchase price): 2-3% = $15,000-$25,000+
The biggest hidden cost: Most buyers don’t realize they’re financing the buyer’s commission through their mortgage, paying interest on it for 25+ years. On a $750,000 home, a $18,750 commission becomes $30,000+ when you include mortgage interest.
ComFree Cashback exposes this cost and refunds 100% of the buyer’s commission directly to you at closing.
How much are legal fees when buying a house?
Real estate legal fees in Canada typically range from $1,500 to $3,000.
What your lawyer handles:
- Title search to confirm ownership
- Review and register purchase documents
- Ensure all contract terms are met
- Transfer funds and register the deed
- Arrange title insurance
ComFree Cashback includes:
- Discounted legal services through our partnered lawyers
- Lawyer offers
- Commission refund at closing that can offset your legal fees entirely
COMMISSION TRANSPARENCY FAQs
Are buyer commissions negotiable?
Buyer commissions are pre-determined by the seller and their listing agent before the property goes on the market. As a buyer, you cannot negotiate the commission rate—it’s already set in the listing agreement.
However, the commission structure is not legally standardized. It varies by:
- Region (BC/Ontario avg 2.5%, Alberta higher on first $100k)
- Property price
- Individual agent/brokerage agreements
What buyers CAN do:
- Choose not to work with a traditional buyer’s agent
- Use ComFree Cashback to redirect the commission to themselves
With ComFree Cashback: For a $997 fee, where a buyer commission is offered, you receive 100% of it at closing—typically $15,000-$25,000+ that would otherwise go to a traditional buyer’s agent.
Why should I care about buyer commissions if the seller pays them?
While sellers technically pay commissions from sale proceeds, buyers indirectly pay through:
- Higher purchase price: Commissions are factored into listing prices
- Larger mortgage: You finance the commission through your loan
- More interest: You pay interest on the commission for 25+ years
Real example:
- $750,000 home with $18,750 buyer commission (2.5%)
- Financed at 5% over 25 years
- Total cost to buyer: $32,000+ in mortgage payments
ComFree Cashback solution: The transaction doesn’t change—where a commission is offered, it still exists. But instead of being kept by a buyer’s agent, it’s refunded 100% to you at closing. You keep the $15,000-$25,000 instead of financing it through your mortgage.
How does ComFree Cashback work if there's no buyer commission offered?
ComFree Cashback operates differently based on the listing:
If buyer commission IS offered (most MLS® listings):
- Pay $997 for our services
- Receive 100% of the buyer commission at closing (typically $15,000-$25,000+)
- Net savings: $14,000-$24,000+
If NO buyer commission is offered (rare, mainly FSBO):
- Pay $997 for access to our services
- No commission to redirect
- You still receive: MLS® access, showing coordination, buyer resources, lawyer-prepared offers, and discounted legal services
Transparency: We clearly disclose whether a buyer commission is offered on each property before you commit.
COMFREE-SPECIFIC FAQs
What's the difference between ComFree Cashback and a traditional buyer's agent?
Traditional Buyer’s Agent | ComFree Cashback |
Takes 2-3% commission ($15k-$25k+) | Refunds 100% of commission to you |
Full representation and advocacy | Limited services, no representation |
Negotiates on your behalf | You negotiate directly (lawyer prepares offers) |
Requires buyer representation agreement | No binding agreements or pressure |
Commission-motivated advice | Transparent, education-focused |
Your cost: $0 upfront, $15k-$25k+ in lost commission | Your cost: $997 upfront, $15k-$25k+ refunded at closing |
Bottom line: ComFree Cashback is for buyers who want transparency, control, and thousands back in their pocket.
Do I get professional support with ComFree Cashback?
Yes. For your $997 fee, you receive:
- Full MLS® search access across Canada
- Personalized property alerts based on your criteria
- Showing assitance
- Dedicated support agent (no representation, no sales pressure)
- Buyer education resources on commissions, market conditions, and offers
- Real estate lawyer offers
- Discounted legal services save $500-$1000 in closing fees
- Commission transparency at every step
What we don’t do:
- We don’t represent you in negotiations
- We don’t provide advice on pricing or property value
- We don’t prepare contracts, but we do provide them to you
Perfect for: Informed buyers who want support without paying $15,000-$25,000+ for full representation.
Is ComFree Cashback legal?
Yes, ComFree Cashback is fully legal and compliant across all licensed ComFree provinces.
How it works legally:
- We provide “limited services” (a recognized category in Canadian real estate)
- We’re licensed real estate professionals, but we don’t represent buyers in negotiations
- Real estate lawyers prepare your offers (not our agents)
- Commission redirections are standard business practice (not illegal rebates)
