Seller's Agent
Learn how a seller’s agent helps Canadian homeowners list and sell their property, from pricing to closing, and what fiduciary duties they owe.
May 22, 2025
What is a Seller's Agent?
A seller’s agent, also known as a listing agent, is a licensed real estate professional who represents the interests of the property seller in a real estate transaction.
Why Do Seller's Agents Matter in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate, the seller’s agent plays a key role in marketing the property, attracting buyers, and negotiating offers on behalf of the seller.
Responsibilities typically include:
- Pricing the home strategically using market analysis
- Listing the property on the MLS
- Hosting open houses and private showings
- Advising the seller on offers and counteroffers
- Coordinating legal and administrative steps toward closing
The seller’s agent owes fiduciary duties to their client, including loyalty, confidentiality, and full disclosure. Their commission is generally paid from the proceeds of the sale, typically shared with the buyer’s agent.
Understanding the role of the seller’s agent is essential for homeowners looking to sell, as the agent directly impacts sale price, timing, and ease of transaction.
Example of a Seller's Agent
A homeowner hires a seller’s agent to list their Toronto condo, who markets it across MLS and social media, leading to multiple offers above asking price.
Key Takeaways
- Represents the property seller.
- Provides pricing, marketing, and negotiation support.
- Paid through sale commission.
- Bound by fiduciary duties.
- Crucial to a smooth and profitable sale.
Related Terms
- Buyer’s Agent
- Dual Agency
- Listing Agreement
- Commission
- MLS
CMHC
storeys.com
501 W Georgia Street (1), 595 W Georgia Street (2), and 388 Abbott Street (3) in downtown Vancouver. / Henriquez Partners Architects, Holborn Group
A rendering of the rooftop amenity space between the South Tower (left) and North Tower (right) planned for 501 W Georgia Street. / Henriquez Partners Architects, Holborn Group
A ground-level rendering from the corner of Richards Street and Dunsmuir Street. / Henriquez Partners Architects, Holborn Group
A rendering of the public plaza at the corner of Seymour Street and W Georgia Street (left) and the retained heritage Randall Building (right). / Henriquez Partners Architects, Holborn Group
A rendering of the three-level observation deck and restaurant at the top of the 68-storey hotel planned for 595 W Georgia Street. / Henriquez Partners Architects, Holborn Group
A rendering of the 63-storey North Tower planned for 501 Georgia Street (left) and the 68-storey hotel planned for 595 W Georgia Street. / Henriquez Partners Architects, Holborn Group
The ground-level layout planned for 501 W Georgia Street and 595 W Georgia Street. / Henriquez Partners Architects, Holborn Group
A rendering of the 38-storey social housing tower planned for 388 Abbott Street in Vancouver. / Henriquez Partners Architects, Holborn Group 
A ground-level rendering of the tower planned for 388 Abbott Street in Vancouver. / Henriquez Partners Architects, Holborn Group 
Renderings of the Indigenous art gallery (left) within the 38-storey social housing tower planned for 388 Abbott Street. / Henriquez Partners Architects, Holborn Group 
Attorney General and former-Minister of Housing Sean Fraser spoke about the launch of Build Canada Homes at a media event in Nova Scotia. / Sean Fraser, Twitter
