Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about fees, selling, buying and closing with KeyTa.
Fees and how KeyTa works
How much does it cost to sell with KeyTa?
KeyTa charges a flat fee of $1,499 to sell your home, less than 0.15% of a $1,000,000 sale, and you pay it only when your home sells. A traditional 5% commission on the same sale is about $50,000 and usually includes the buyer's agent's share; with KeyTa you decide what commission to offer the buyer's agent, and commissions are negotiable. The fee covers KeyTa's pricing, listing and marketing work, including your listing on the MLS® System. Your real estate lawyer's fees are separate.
Is KeyTa a real estate brokerage?
No. KeyTa is not a brokerage. It works under a licensed real estate brokerage, and every transaction goes through that brokerage. KeyTa uses technology to cut the cost of selling and buying a home, and whenever you need help, a licensed real estate agent can help you.
When do I pay KeyTa's fee?
When your home sells. Before that, you pay only for optional extras you choose, such as a detailed CMA report, photo and video enhancement, a sign or a lockbox. Whatever you paid for extras is taken off the flat fee when your home sells.
Do I still pay the buyer's agent?
Yes. KeyTa's flat fee doesn't include the buyer's agent. You decide what commission to offer them when you list, and commissions are negotiable.
What if my home doesn't sell?
You don't pay KeyTa's flat fee. You pay only for the optional extras you chose along the way, such as a detailed CMA report or a sign.
Can I talk to a real person?
Yes. The KeyTa assistant answers questions any time, and when your question needs a person, it suggests a consultation. You can also book one yourself: pick a topic, a date and a time, and we confirm within 24 hours, with the KeyTa team or a licensed agent, depending on what you need.
Selling your home
Can I sell my home without a real estate agent?
Yes. A private sale is legal, but you then handle pricing, marketing, showings and negotiation yourself. KeyTa is a middle path: you pay a flat fee instead of a listing commission, your home goes on the MLS® System through a licensed brokerage, and a licensed agent can help whenever you need one.
Will my home be on the MLS® System?
Yes. Your listing goes on the board's MLS® System through the brokerage KeyTa works with, and from there to major real estate sites.
How does KeyTa price my home?
KeyTa compares your home with recent sales nearby and suggests a price range, with three list prices: one in line with the market, one aspirational and one for a quicker sale. A detailed CMA report is available as an optional extra. Starting at a realistic price usually brings more showings and better offers than cutting it later.
When is the best time to list?
There is no single best month. Spring and early summer are often busy, but the right time depends on how many homes are for sale near you, mortgage rates and your own moving date. The market page shows how fast homes are selling now.
What does KeyTa's AI do, and what do people do?
KeyTa's AI suggests your price, writes your listing description and answers your questions. As optional extras, it can enhance your photos, make a video from them or prepare a detailed CMA report. A licensed agent can help you review and negotiate offers, and your real estate lawyer handles the closing. The decisions are always yours.
What are the most common mistakes sellers make?
Overpricing, weak photos, incomplete disclosures and being unready for showings or offers. KeyTa's step-by-step plan walks you through pricing, documents, listing and closing, so each of these gets attention before it costs you.
Who holds the buyer's deposit?
The brokerage KeyTa works with holds it in its trust account until closing.
Buying a home
Can KeyTa help me buy a home?
Yes. Search homes for sale with photos, prices and details, save homes to your watchlist, estimate payments with the mortgage calculator and ask the KeyTa assistant about listings. To see a home, request a showing on the consultation page. When you're ready to make an offer, a licensed agent can help you.
Does it cost anything to search for homes?
No. Searching homes for sale on KeyTa is free, and you don't need an account.
Legal steps and closing
Do I still need a real estate lawyer if I use KeyTa?
Yes. In Ontario, a real estate lawyer handles the title search, the registration of the sale and the transfer of funds at closing. KeyTa helps you prepare, but it does not replace your lawyer.
What documents should I prepare before listing?
Your deed, a survey, recent property tax bills, your MPAC assessment, permits for any renovations, warranties and any inspection reports. Condo sellers also need a status certificate. KeyTa's step-by-step plan lists the documents to gather.
For agents and lawyers
Can I use KeyTa as a real estate agent?
Yes. Sign up as an agent with your licence number and brokerage. Once we approve your account, you get a dashboard for your contacts, email, calendar, email campaigns and listings.
Can I use KeyTa as a real estate lawyer?
Yes. Sign up as a lawyer, and once we approve your account, you get a dashboard to track your transactions and tasks.
Need personalized help?
If your question is about your own home, timeline or offer, ask the KeyTa assistant or book a consultation.
Information is educational and should not be treated as legal, tax, or financing advice. Confirm transaction-specific details with licensed professionals.