In 2021, we first wrote about the rise of FSBO (For Sale by Owner) services and discount brokerages like Property Guys, Fair Square, Purple Bricks (now gone from Canada), and other low-commission real estate models. Since then, the real estate market has shifted dramatically. With higher interest rates, tighter lending conditions, and more inventory, many sellers in 2025 are asking:
👉 “Should I save money on commission with a discount service, or hire a full-service REALTOR®?”
Let’s dive into what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what actually puts the most money in your pocket when selling a home in Guelph (and beyond).
Jump Links:
The Real Question Sellers Should Ask in 2025
Is Selling Your Home By Yourself Common in Guelph?
How Much Can You Really Save with Discount Services?
Traditional REALTORS® vs. Discount Services
Why Some Sellers Still Choose FSBO or Discount Services
The Perception Problem with Discount Listings
Bottom Line: What’s Best in 2025?
FSBO & Discount Real Estate Services: What Do They Promise?
In a hot sellers’ market, FSBO and discount models advertise:
- “Save thousands on commission fees”
- MLS exposure at a fraction of the cost
- The cheapest way to sell a house in Ontario
On paper, this sounds appealing. Why pay 5% when you could pay less?
But here’s the problem: selling real estate is not just about saving money. It’s about netting the most money after the sale closes. And that’s where many discount services fall short.
The Real Question Sellers Should Ask in 2025
Instead of:
❌ “What’s the cheapest real estate commission in Guelph?”
Ask:
✅ “What strategy will get me the highest sale price and smoothest transaction?”
Because saving 1–2% in commission won’t matter if your home sells for tens of thousands less due to poor marketing, lack of negotiation, or weak exposure.
Is Selling Your Home By Yourself Common in Guelph?
Not really.
- In 2024, FSBO and discount brokerages (Property Guys included) made up just under 1% of the total dollar volume of real estate sales in Guelph.
- That means 99% of home sellers still chose a traditional REALTOR®.
- And this trend has been consistent for years.
Why? Because most sellers know that selling a home is a complex, legally binding transaction that requires:
- Market knowledge
- Strategic pricing
- Professional marketing
- Skilled negotiation
Put simply: FSBO works for some, but not most.
How Much Can You Really Save with Discount Services?
Here’s how commission typically works in Ontario:
- Listing Agent / Seller’s Agent: 2.5%
- Buyer’s Agent: 2.5%
- Total Commission: 5% + HST (paid from sale proceeds at closing)
Discount brokerages often advertise flat fees or reduced commission rates. But here’s the catch:
- Many FSBO services require upfront payment (whether your home sells or not).
- They often don’t include buyer’s agent commission, meaning you’ll still likely need to pay 2.5% to attract buyers’ agents.
- With limited marketing, poor staging, and weaker negotiation, your home could sell for less than market value, erasing any commission savings.
In real estate, you get what you pay for.
Traditional REALTORS® vs. Discount Services
Here’s what full-service REALTORS® typically provide that discount brokerages don’t:
✅ Professional Marketing
- HD photos, floorplans, video tours, drone footage
- Home staging (physical, not just “virtual”)
- Targeted advertising (social, Google, Canada Post, print, radio)
✅ Market Reach
- Exposure on both Guelph & Toronto MLS® boards (critical since many GTA buyers purchase in Guelph)
- Established relationships with other agents & buyers
✅ Pre-Sale Prep
- Professional cleaning, painting, dumpsters/storage as needed (covered in commission)
- Market-specific pricing strategy backed by local data
✅ Skilled Negotiation
- Protecting your interests in multiple-offer situations
- Negotiating not just price, but inclusions, conditions, and closing dates
✅ Guidance & Support
- Handling legal paperwork & disclosures
- Ensuring compliance with Ontario real estate laws
- Offering advice with no upfront cost or obligation
Why Some Sellers Still Choose FSBO or Discount Services
To be fair, FSBO/discount options can work if:
- You already have a buyer lined up (friend/family)
- You don’t need maximum market exposure
- You’re comfortable managing showings, offers, negotiations, and legal paperwork yourself
But for most sellers, the risk outweighs the reward.
The Perception Problem with Discount Listings
One overlooked issue in 2025:
Homes listed with discount brokerages are sometimes perceived by buyers as “less desirable” or “overpriced.”
It’s not always fair, but it happens. And perception affects offers.
Bottom Line: What’s Best in 2025?
- If you want speed + savings only: FSBO / Property Guys may work for you.
- If you want maximum exposure, strong offers, and peace of mind: A traditional REALTOR® is still the proven path for 99% of Guelph sellers.
Yes, it costs more upfront. But in a buyers’ or balanced market like 2025, working with a professional often means walking away with more money, less stress, and a smoother transaction.
✅ Thinking about selling your home in Guelph?
We’re Beth & Ryan Waller, local REALTORS® with Keller Williams Home Group Realty. We’ve sold every single home we’ve ever listed and we’d be happy to show you how we can help.
📞 Contact us today for a free, no-obligation home valuation.