Buyer Empowerment
A private home purchase is a transaction negotiated directly with a seller. This guide covers searching, checking a property, making offers and closing in Canada.
$15K–$40K+
Saved in Commissions
Direct Access
Connect Directly with Sellers
Legal Process Built In
Lawyers Handle the Legal Work
Why Direct
The "free buyer's agent" myth is one of the most expensive lies in Canadian real estate. Their commission is baked into the price you pay — every time. Here's the side-by-side reality:
| What you pay for | Traditional Agent Path | Direct via Off Market Match |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer's agent commission (baked into price) | ~$22,500 + HST | $0 |
| Negotiating leverage | Through a 3rd party | Direct with seller |
| Off-market & pre-MLS access | What the agent shows you | Full marketplace + AI scout |
| Contract review | Agent + required lawyer | AI Document Reviewer + lawyer |
| Valuation & comparables | Agent's CMA | AI CMA, instant, anytime |
| Legally required professional | Lawyer (notary in QC) | Lawyer (notary in QC) |
| Platform charge at closing | Agent commission may be built into price | $0; optional access and tools priced upfront |
Numbers based on common 2.5% buyer-side commission + 13% HST. Actual savings vary by province, price, and negotiation. The point is structural: every traditional purchase has a third-party fee built into it. Direct purchases don't.
Get started with a free account and basic browsing. Protected details and new seller conversations require verified email, identity, and eligible buyer access. Compare fixed-term Buyer Access Passes on the membership page; paid professional plans include buyer access and additional tools.
Before browsing properties, you need to know exactly how much you can afford. A mortgage pre-approval gives you a clear budget and shows sellers you're a serious buyer. Contact a bank or mortgage broker directly — it's a straightforward process you can handle yourself.
Under $500K
Minimum 5% down payment
$500K – $999K
5% on first $500K + 10% on remainder
$1M and above
Minimum 20% down payment
Every property on Off Market Match is listed directly by the owner. This means transparent pricing, direct communication, and full access to property details. You see exactly what the seller is offering — and can negotiate directly.
This is where off-market deals shine. When you message a seller directly, you get honest, real-time communication with no delays. Ask your questions, get straightforward answers, and build a genuine connection — that's how better deals are made.
A home inspection is your best investment as a buyer. A certified inspector will identify issues that could cost you thousands — this is your protection. Always hire your own inspector to get an independent, unbiased assessment of the property.
Making an offer directly means clear communication and full control. You negotiate on your terms, at your pace. Our platform even lets you generate legal offer documents and track the entire process.
Financing Condition
Typically 5–10 business days to secure your mortgage
Inspection Condition
Usually 7–10 days to complete a professional inspection
Title Search
Your lawyer verifies clear title and no liens
In Canada, a real estate lawyer (or notary in Quebec) is required to close a property purchase. Your lawyer handles all the legal work — title searches, contract review, closing paperwork, and fund transfers. A lawyer typically costs $1,000–$2,500, and they're the professional legally responsible for ensuring your transaction closes properly.
Traditional Route (on an $800K home)
Typical buyer-side commission: ~$20,000
+ Lawyer fees: ~$1,500
Total: ~$21,500
Direct Purchase (Off Market Match)
Basic browsing: $0; optional access paid upfront
+ Lawyer fees: ~$1,500
Example: ~$1,500 + selected platform products and other closing costs
Once your offer is accepted and all conditions are met, your lawyer will guide you through the closing process. Here's what to expect in the final stretch.
Off Market Match provides a suite of tools designed to give you every advantage during the buying process. From due diligence checklists to interactive maps, everything you need is built right into the platform.
Track every step of your due diligence process with our comprehensive checklist. Never miss a critical task before closing.
Compare multiple properties side-by-side across key metrics like price, size, location, and features to make confident decisions.
Explore properties on our interactive map with neighbourhood insights, nearby amenities, schools, and transit information.
Save your search criteria and get notified instantly when new properties matching your preferences hit the platform.
Securely share and manage all deal-related documents — inspection reports, offers, legal docs — in one organized place.
Customize how and when you receive updates from Off Market Match. Whether you prefer real-time alerts or a daily digest, you're in control of your notification experience.
Off Market Match is more than a marketplace — it's a community of empowered buyers, sellers, and investors. Join the conversation, share your experience, and earn rewards for helping others discover the platform.
Ask questions, share tips, and learn from experienced buyers who've successfully purchased properties on their own.
Invite friends and family to Off Market Match and earn rewards when they sign up. The more you share, the more you earn.
Verify your identity to build trust with sellers and get a verified badge on your profile. Verified buyers get faster responses.