Get cashback when you buy a home!
Our average customer receives between $10,000–$25,000+ cashback based on the home’s value!
- $10,000–$25,000+ cash back (that would otherwise be paid to the Buyer's agent)
- Access to listings before they hit Realtor.ca
- Discounted legal fees (save $500–$1,000)
- Dedicated support
- Offer review by a lawyer
Estimate Your Cashback
How does the cash back program work?
For a Flat-Fee of $997, you get the support you need and $10,000-$25,000 cash back.
Search for
your home
Sign up to receive get notified the moment new listings hit the market.
Close
the deal
Purchase the home with ComFree’s Buyer’s Assistance Program
Receive
your cash!
Get paid 100% of the Buyer’s commission based on what the seller is offering (1–3%)
Most Canadian buyers don’t realize that buyer commissions (typically 2-3% of the purchase price) are embedded in the home’s cost and financed through your mortgage.
On a $750,000 home, that’s $18,750, which can exceed $30,000 when you factor in mortgage interest over time. With ComFree Cashback, the transaction doesn’t change, but instead of the buyer commission being kept by a buyer’s agent, it’s refunded 100% directly to you at closing.
What’s included
A cashback of $10,000–$25,000+ paid directly at closing
Full MLS® search access across Canada
Personalized property alerts
Showings coordinated by ComFree (or book directly yourself)
Buyer education and resources
Discounted legal services
Dedicated support agent (no representation, no pressure)
Real estate lawyer-prepared offers (not a commissioned salesperson)
Frequently Asked Questions
Buyer Commission
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 mortgage 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
- Quebec: Generally 2.5%
- Saskatchewan: Typically 3% on the first $100,000, then 2% on the next $100,000, and 1% thereafter
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
Can I buy a house without a real estate agent?
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 coordination so you can view any home
- Lawyer-prepared offers (not prepared by commissioned salespeople)
- 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
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
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
At closing (2-4% of purchase price):
- Legal fees: $1,500-$3,000
- Land transfer tax: 0.5-2% of purchase price
- Title insurance: $250-$400
- Home insurance (first year): $1,000-$2,000
- 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, depending on:
- Province/territory
- Property type (condo vs. house)
- Additional services needed (title searches, discharge of existing mortgages, etc.)
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-prepared offers (not prepared by commissioned salespeople who benefit from higher prices)
- Commission refund at closing that can offset your legal fees entirely
Commission Transparency
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
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 |
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 coordination (we book viewings for you)
- Dedicated support agent (no representation, no sales pressure)
- Buyer education resources on commissions, market conditions, and offers
- Real estate lawyer-prepared offers (not prepared by commissioned salespeople)
- Discounted legal services
- 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 (lawyers do)
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 refunds are standard business practice (not illegal rebates)
