Why So Many Ontario Sellers Are Choosing Cash Buyers Over Realtors This Year

🏡 The Traditional Way To Sell Is Slowing Down

For decades, the go-to method for selling a home was:
➡️ Hire a realtor → Stage your home → List it → Host showings → Wait for offers → Negotiate → Hope financing works out.

In 2025, that process feels slower, riskier, and more expensive than ever.

Many homeowners are now asking:
“Why go through all that when I can sell it fast, as-is, and skip the fees?”


📉 Days On Market Are Increasing Across Ontario

Rising interest rates and buyer caution are cooling the market. Properties that once sold in 1–2 weeks now sit for 30–60+ days—especially if they’re not fully renovated or priced aggressively.

▶ Average Days on Market in Ontario (Detached Homes)

City2022 Avg. DOM2024 Avg. DOM2025 Avg. DOM
Toronto15 days29 days42 days
Mississauga18 days31 days45 days
Hamilton20 days36 days52 days
London22 days33 days48 days
Windsor25 days37 days50 days

🔍 Source: TRREB, CREA, Local MLS Data (2022–2025)


💸 Realtor Commissions Can Still Eat Into Your Sale Price

The standard commission rate in Ontario remains around 5% of the sale price—split between the listing and buyer’s agents.

▶ What 5% Commission Looks Like:

Home Sale Price5% CommissionHST (13%)Total Fee
$500,000$25,000$3,250$28,250
$650,000$32,500$4,225$36,725
$800,000$40,000$5,200$45,200

😬 Even a modest home sale can come with tens of thousands in fees.


🧾 Add In Repairs, Staging, and Holding Costs…

Realtors often recommend upgrades or cosmetic fixes before listing. Add to that:

  • Professional cleaning
  • Staging
  • Photography/video tours
  • Storage or moving items out
  • Ongoing utility bills while waiting to sell

It all adds up. Some sellers spend $10,000–$25,000+ before even listing.


✅ Why More Sellers Are Going Directly To Cash Buyers Like SLG Home Buyer

Let’s break down the reasons:

1. Speed of Sale

Cash buyers close in 7–14 days.
Realtor listings? 30–90+ days, depending on market conditions.

2. No Commissions or Fees

With SLG Home Buyer, you pay $0 in agent commissions, staging, or legal fees.
We even cover the closing costs.

3. Sell As-Is—No Repairs Needed

Whether your home is pristine, dated, or needs major work—we’ll buy it in any condition.

4. No Showings or Disruptions

No strangers walking through your home. No pressure to keep it spotless.

5. Certainty & Peace of Mind

No buyer financing conditions. No deals falling through.
You get a firm cash offer and choose your closing date.


🧮 SLG Home Buyer vs Realtor Comparison

FactorSLG Home BuyerRealtor Listing
Time to Close7–14 days30–90+ days
Commissions & Fees$04–6% + staging costs
Repairs RequiredNoneOften recommended
Cleaning/StagingNot necessaryExpected
Showings/Open HousesNoneMultiple required
Sale CertaintyGuaranteed cash dealCan fall through
Closing CostsCovered by SLGOften paid by seller

🧍 Who Is This Ideal For?

This approach is perfect for homeowners who:

  • Need to relocate quickly
  • Are facing divorce, job loss, or life changes
  • Have inherited a home they don’t want to manage
  • Own a rental property with problem tenants
  • Want to avoid repairs, listings, and delays
  • Are tired of rising carrying costs and want to downsize now

🏁 The Bottom Line

Ontario’s real estate market in 2025 is slower, more expensive, and more uncertain than it’s been in years. Selling to a trusted cash buyer like SLG Home Buyer is the smart choice for homeowners who want to skip the hassle and walk away with peace of mind.

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