Reviewed September 4, 2026. These articles provide general planning information. The contract, title records, property evidence, professional advice and applicable authority control each transaction.

Seeing a listing online and contacting the listing agent can feel like the shortest route to the house. It does not make that agent your representative.

A self-represented buyer is not a client of the seller’s brokerage. The listing agent owes duties to the seller and must act in the seller’s best interests.

Read the relationship information first

Before offering services or assistance, an Ontario agent or brokerage must provide the RECO Information Guide. Before assisting a self-represented party, the agent must also provide and explain the applicable Information and Disclosure to Self-represented Party form and use best efforts to obtain acknowledgement.

These are not routine waivers to skip. They explain whose interests the agent represents, the risks of proceeding without representation and the limits on assistance.

Understand the limits before discussing an offer

The listing agent represents the seller, not you. Information you give that agent may be shared with the seller. The agent cannot advise you on price, terms, clauses, conditions or negotiation.

The listing agent may provide factual property information and required forms. Limited assistance is possible only within the rules: the agent must be representing a client in that transaction, the help must be incidental to serving that client, in the client’s best interests and consistent with the client’s instructions.

The agent cannot quietly “look after both sides,” draft a protective strategy for you or identify every risk as if you were a buyer client.

Decide what support you need

Before making an offer, ask yourself whether you are comfortable independently assessing value, conditions, clauses, investigation needs and negotiation. You may seek your own representation, legal advice, inspection and other professional advice at any time.

Self-representation does not guarantee savings, better access to the seller or improved acceptance odds. The practical issue is whether you can make an informed decision while the person across the table is professionally represented.

For a full purchase overview, read Buying a Home in Greater Sudbury. If you want advice and advocacy on your side of the transaction, learn about my Buyer Experience.

Sources reviewed September 4, 2026: RECO Information Guide; RECO Bulletin 2.4 and current self-represented-party guidance.

If you are considering buying without your own representative, I can help you understand the real-estate process and the questions to resolve before you decide.

Expect Moore for Your Real Estate.
— Chad Moore, REALTOR®
— Lake City Realty Ltd., Brokerage