Founders of Canada’s largest for sale by owner company revive the brand
EDMONTON, AB, Oct. 29, 2024 /CNW/ – After a 15-year hiatus, real estate disruptor ComFree is now back and in the hands of its Edmonton-based founders. Originally launched in 1996 in Winnipeg as a small local business, Erin and Travis Holowach purchased franchise rights to Edmonton and Northern Alberta in 2002 and quickly scaled the business. Under their leadership, ComFree became the largest for sale by owner company in the world, saving Canadians over $85 million in commissions.
After a rocky merger in 2009 with PowerCorp, that resulted in the Holowachs’ exiting, the company underwent a succession of rebrands and owners, including Yellow Pages Group, Purple Bricks and finally Desjardin Insurance (operating under the name FairSquare). The company was then officially dissolved in 2023. In the meantime, Erin and Travis Holowach had been involved in a variety of entrepreneurial ventures and in 2023 founded HomeFree; an iteration of ComFree. They have now regained the rights to ComFree and will operate in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario under the brand they originally scaled, with further expansion plans in Canada and the United States.
“The rebirth of ComFree comes at a crucial time with consumers more interested than ever in saving money as homes become increasingly unaffordable,” said ComFree co-founder Travis Holowach. “For over a decade, the Federal Competition Bureau has addressed concerns over how real estate commissions are charged and this June launched a national investigation into anti-competitive practices in the industry.”
ComFree offers a fully supported process with everything needed to sell privately for a flat seller fee of $997, including listing on MLS® and REALTOR.ca, a virtual tour and photos, advertising, signage, pricing support, Offer to Purchase forms, discounted legal fees and more. Buyers and Sellers alike can benefit from the commissions saved while successfully navigating their own real estate transaction without intermediaries and with the support of the ComFree team.
Customers of ComFree can sell their homes while preserving more of their home equity, saving anywhere from $19,000–$30,000 per transaction, depending on the province. The process is transparent, a stark contrast to the traditional agent model which requires the Seller to pay significant commission to both the selling and buying agents, usually around 5% of the sale price. Under this model, the Buyer is often unaware of the amount of commission being paid.
“This is a full circle moment for us as serial entrepreneurs,” said Erin Holowach, co-founder of ComFree. “Our mission is simple; to continue to empower and educate Canadians on how to sell their own homes while saving enough money for a renovation or adding equity to another property.”
About ComFree
Operating in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, ComFree provides everything needed to sell and buy homes privately. First founded in Winnipeg in 1996, the company changed hands several times before returning to Travis and Erin Holowach in 2024. ComFree is built on a foundation of service, trust, and transparency with an unwavering commitment to education and empowering customers throughout the entire real estate process. For more information, please visit www.comfree.com.
Editor’s Note: The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by CREA and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA.
SOURCE ComFree
Did you know Alberta has now passed a law where many legal documents can now be signed virtually? At ComFree, not only do we take away the stress and hassle of dealing with a realtor through the transaction process, but if you choose, our legal partners can also assist you in closing your real state transaction virtually.
With all ComFree’s tools and support at your fingertips, we make real estate better. Sell Simple. Buy Better. In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in conducting legal business. Alberta’s Initial Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, in May 2020, Alberta introduced temporary legislation allowing for some virtual signings.
On February 24, 2021, the Alberta Government extended the allowance for the use of video conferencing, providing a more permanent signing option that is particularly helpful for out-of-province buyers and sellers. The Law Society of
Alberta has established strict rules for remote signing, including client identification, verification, and oversight. Before initiating a Zoom meeting, your written consent will be obtained.
1. Lawyer Qualifications: Only active members of the Law Society of Alberta, who hold current valid insurance with the Alberta Lawyers Indemnity Association (ALIA), can witness, notarize, or commission documents. This ensures the qualifications and integrity of the legal professionals involved.
2. Document Verification: Both you and your lawyer must have the same document in front of you during the Zoom meeting. It is essential to cross-check and confirm that the document matches. Additionally, Land Titles require original “wet” signatures, meaning they will reject copies of signatures.
3. Precautions and Security: Lawyers must take precautions to prevent fraud, lack of capacity, duress, theft, or other risks. Specific notes or amended jurats regarding video conferencing are required in the documents to address the virtual signing process. The requirements for virtual execution remain unchanged since the temporary legislation. The involved parties must be connected through an electronic method of communication that enables real-time visual, auditory, and interactive capabilities. Additionally, legal advice from a lawyer is essential to ensure compliance with the rules governing estate planning documentation
While virtual real estate signings and electronic signatures offer convenience, it is crucial to exercise due diligence and seek expert advice. Engaging with knowledgeable lawyers ensures compliance with legal requirements and
proper execution of virtual transactions. Additionally, obtaining explicit or implicit consent from signing parties helps demonstrate their intentions and safeguards against potential fraud.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes in the legal landscape, allowing for virtual signings, witnessing, and electronic signatures in Alberta. Zoom real estate signings offer a convenient and efficient alternative to traditional in-person transactions. With the approval of video conferencing by the Alberta Government and adherence to strict rules and procedures, you can complete your real estate closing remotely. By following the necessary preparations and complying with the requirements, you can ensure a smooth and secure Zoom signing experience.
Seeking guidance from lawyers and having agreements reviewed can help ensure fairness, validity, and legal binding of virtual transactions. As we navigate through these challenging times, virtual solutions continue to play a crucial role in conducting legal business while prioritizing safety and adhering to regulations.
Courtesy of Whatever Else Marketing
The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by CREA and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA.
* Only when the buyer comes direct, otherwise the seller may choose to negotiate a commission with the buyer’s agent.
