Selling Costs Markham Home: What Comes Out Before Your Cheque
The number that actually matters is the amount that lands in your bank account: the net proceeds. Here is exactly what comes out first.
For a $1.1M Markham home, total selling costs run roughly $60,000 to $72,500 (5.5%–6.6%), dominated by real estate commission plus HST, with legal fees (~$2,500), mortgage discharge (~$300), moving (~$2,500), and preparation (~$5,000). Unlike buyers, Ontario sellers pay no land transfer tax.
When homeowners think about selling, they focus on the sale price. The number that matters is the net proceeds. Unlike buyers, who face land transfer tax as their largest closing cost, Ontario sellers have a different cost structure, dominated by commission and legal fees, totaling roughly 3% to 6% of the sale price.
Seller Closing Costs Ontario — The Line Items
For a $1,100,000 Markham home sale:
| Cost | At 4% Commission | At 5% Commission |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate commission | $44,000 | $55,000 |
| HST on commission | $5,720 | $7,150 |
| Legal fees | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Mortgage discharge fee | $300 | $300 |
| Moving costs | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Pre-listing preparation | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Total | ~$60,020 (5.5%) | ~$72,450 (6.6%) |
| Net proceeds | ~$1,039,980 | ~$1,027,550 |
Neeraj Moolchandani on what commission actually buys
Commission is the largest line item, so it deserves a real conversation, not a number buried in a contract. But the goal is never simply the lowest rate. It is the highest net proceeds in your pocket.
A full marketing program that brings more qualified buyers to the table frequently returns far more than it costs. We are always transparent about the structure and what it delivers.
The Commission Difference
The difference between a 4% and 5% commission on a $1,100,000 home is approximately $12,000 net to you. Michael John Lau is transparent about commission structures and discusses the full cost picture with every seller before listing, so your decision is grounded in the net result, not just the headline rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Ontario home sellers pay land transfer tax?
No. Land transfer tax is a buyer's cost. The seller's largest cost is the real estate commission plus 13% HST.
How much are legal fees to sell a home in Markham?
Typically $1,500 to $2,500 plus disbursements, for a total around $2,000 to $3,300 for a standard resale transaction.
What is the net proceeds on a $1.1M Markham home?
After typical selling costs of roughly $60,000 to $72,500, net proceeds land around $1,027,000 to $1,040,000, depending on commission rate and any mortgage prepayment penalty.
Your Markham Home Deserves a Precise Valuation
Michael John Lau and the Kaizen Real Estate Team deliver a professional, data-driven Comparative Market Analysis built from the actual sold data moving today's Markham market. No automated estimate. No obligation. Just the honest number you deserve.
