Can a home seller contact the buyer directly in Toronto? — Explained by Khoa Le, Real Impact Group

Question: Can a home seller contact the buyer directly in Toronto?
Answer: In Toronto, sellers can technically contact buyers directly, but it’s not recommended. When both parties are represented by Realtors®, direct communication may violate professional rules, create misunderstandings, or expose you to legal risks. It’s always best to communicate through your agent.

Introduction

When you sell home in Toronto, it’s natural to feel curious about the buyer. Maybe you want to explain your property’s history, clarify a detail, or even negotiate directly. But is it a good idea?

While sellers can legally reach out to buyers, bypassing agents is risky. In this guide, Khoa Le and the Real Impact Group explain why direct contact is discouraged, what rules apply, and the safest ways to handle communication.

Why Direct Contact Is Risky

Here are the main reasons contacting the buyer directly can cause problems:

• Bypassing Representation: If the buyer has a Realtor®, you may violate the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) rules.
• Miscommunication: Verbal promises can create disputes if they’re not documented in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale.
• Legal Exposure: Saying the wrong thing could be used against you in negotiations or in court.
• Confidentiality Issues: You may accidentally share information that weakens your negotiating position.

What RECO Rules Say

RECO requires Realtors® to protect their clients’ best interests and handle all communications.

• Sellers should not communicate directly with a represented buyer.
• Buyers and sellers must rely on their agents to exchange offers, conditions, and amendments.
• Exceptions can occur if a buyer is unrepresented, but even then, you must be careful not to give advice that could be considered misleading.

Local Market Context

In Toronto’s competitive market, especially in neighborhoods like Bathurst Manor, The Beaches, and Downtown condos, emotions run high during negotiations. A seller’s direct comments about flexibility, timelines, or personal motivations could weaken their position.

For example, a seller in North York casually told a buyer they “needed to move quickly.” The buyer used this information to negotiate a $10,000 reduction in price.

Safer Alternatives to Direct Contact

If you feel the need to connect with the buyer, here are better options:

• Through Your Realtor®: Let your agent handle all communication to keep things professional and documented.
• Seller Letter: If you want to share personal details (e.g., history of the home), you can write a letter that your agent passes along.
• Structured Q&A: Allow buyers to ask questions formally through their agent.

Pros and Cons of Direct Contact

Pros

• Builds a personal connection (rare but possible)
• May speed up clarifications if buyer is unrepresented

Cons

• Creates legal and ethical risks
• Weakens your negotiating position
• Can lead to miscommunication and disputes

How Khoa Le and the Real Impact Group Can Help

At the Real Impact Group, we understand why sellers sometimes want to reach out directly. Our role is to balance your goals with protecting you legally and financially.

Khoa Le ensures that all communication with buyers is transparent, documented, and compliant with RECO standards. That way, you stay in control of the process without taking unnecessary risks.

Conclusion

As a Toronto seller, you may wonder if contacting a buyer directly will help your deal. While it’s not illegal, it’s almost always a bad idea. The safest and smartest approach is to let your Realtor® handle all communication on your behalf.

If you’re considering selling your home, reach out to Khoa Le and the Real Impact Group for guidance. We’ll handle every detail of communication so you can focus on your next chapter with peace of mind.