Do I need a real estate agent to submit an offer in Ontario?

No Ontario law requires you to use a real estate agent when making an offer to purchase a home. You can submit an offer as an unrepresented (self-represented) buyer. However, you must understand that the listing agent represents the seller's interests, not yours, even if they offer to help you complete the offer documents.

As a self-represented buyer, you bear full responsibility for understanding the terms you are agreeing to, ensuring conditions protect you, negotiating effectively, and meeting deadlines. Many buyers underestimate how much can go wrong. The OREA offer form contains terms with significant legal consequences, and missing even one condition can leave you without recourse.

Whether or not you use an agent, using a real estate lawyer is strongly advisable. A lawyer reviews the APS for legal risks, handles title searching and title insurance, prepares closing documents, and manages the funds on closing day. Legal representation is separate from agent representation, and the cost of a lawyer is a fraction of what a closing dispute could cost you.