FAQ

REOCA (Real Estate of Canada) was founded to solve the common pain points people face during real estate transactions.
Many individuals struggle to find trusted professionals and access reliable information when buying or renting a property.

To address this, REOCA provides a platform that connects users with certified real estate agents, mortgage brokers, lawyers, and accountants, all in one place.
We make it easier to access essential services and information, while reducing duplicated paperwork and delays in communication.

REOCA is designed to maximize convenience and efficiency throughout the real estate process — helping users save time, make informed decisions, and navigate with confidence.

All of REOCA’s services are free to use, and our goal is to establish a new standard of simplicity and transparency in real estate.

You do not need to sign up to perform a basic property search.
However, to access REOCA’s full services — such as professional matching, local area insights, and AI-powered property analysis — creating an account is required.

Yes, all services provided by REOCA are completely free of charge for users.

REOCA selects its partner agents based on strict criteria of trust and professionalism.
To ensure the best possible real estate experience for our users, we collaborate only with experts who have strong industry experience and a proven track record of client satisfaction.

Agent performance and client reviews are key factors in our evaluation process, allowing users to connect with professionals they can trust.

At this time, our initial recruitment phase is closed.
We will share more information when the next round of partner applications opens — please stay updated via the REOCA website if you’re interested.

REOCA offers a rematching service, so if you’re not satisfied with the expert initially assigned to you, you can request to be matched with another professional at any time.

You can search for properties by entering your preferred location and criteria directly within the REOCA app.

REOCA provides verified and up-to-date property listings, sourced from reputable data providers and trusted industry partners, ensuring that users receive accurate and reliable information.

REOCA currently provides services primarily across Ontario, Canada.
We are continuously working to expand our coverage to additional regions in the near future.

Once you are matched through REOCA, the professional — whether a real estate agent, mortgage broker, lawyer, or accountant — will reach out to you directly to begin the consultation.
They will provide the necessary information and personalized guidance based on your specific needs.

Please note that some services may fall outside the scope of our certified partners — for example, tenant-landlord disputes or certain legal matters.
In such cases, REOCA will do its best to recommend alternative solutions or help direct you to a more suitable professional.

REOCA’s review system is designed to ensure authentic and trustworthy feedback.
Only users who have been officially matched with a professional through the platform can leave a review — this helps prevent fake or biased submissions.

Reviews are based on three key criteria, each rated on a 5-point scale:

Professionalism
Responsiveness
Trustworthiness

Users are also encouraged to leave honest written feedback.
This transparent and structured system helps maintain high service quality and build trust in REOCA’s certified professionals.

The real estate agent service provided through REOCA is free for buyers.
In Ontario, the commission for real estate agents is typically paid by the seller when a property is purchased.

Mortgage brokers may charge a fee depending on the type of mortgage you receive.

As of now, Canada’s Foreign Buyer Ban has been extended until January 1, 2027.
Originally set to expire in 2025, this regulation prohibits non-Canadians from purchasing residential property in Canada — including in Ontario and Toronto — until the new deadline.

There are some exceptions to this rule.
For more details, we recommend speaking with a REOCA-certified real estate agent or a licensed lawyer.

The required down payment depends on your income and the price of the home.

For homes under $500,000, the minimum down payment is 5%.
Example: For a purchase price of $499,999:
$499,999 × 0.05 = $24,999.95
For homes between $500,000 and $999,999, you need to pay:
5% on the first $500,000 and 10% on the remaining amount.
Example: For a purchase price of $999,999:
$500,000 × 0.05 + $499,999 × 0.10 = $25,000 + $49,999.90 = $74,999.90
For homes $1,000,000 or more, the minimum down payment is 20%.

The required documents for a mortgage can be prepared with the help of a REOCA-certified mortgage broker.
Our brokers will guide you through the process and help you gather the documents needed for the mortgage program that best fits your situation.

온In Ontario, buyers must pay the Ontario Land Transfer Tax (OLTT) when purchasing a property. The tax is calculated as follows:

Amounts up to and including $55,000: 0.5%
Amounts over $55,000 up to and including $250,000: 1.0%
Amounts over $250,000 up to and including $400,000: 1.5%
Amounts over $400,000: 2.0%
Amounts over $2,000,000, for properties with one or two single-family residences: 2.5%

In Toronto, an additional Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MLTT) also applies.
You can find more details about both OLTT and MLTT through the links below:

We recommend speaking with a REOCA-certified lawyer to calculate the exact amount based on your purchase price and location.

Value of consideration	MLTT Rate
Up to and including $55,000.00	0.5%
$55,000.01 to $250,000.00	1.0%
$250,000.01 to $400,000.00	1.5%
$400,000.01 to $2,000,000.00	2.0%
$2,000,000.01 to $3,000,000.00	2.5%
$3,000,000.01 to $4,000,000.00	3.5%
$4,000,000.01 to $5,000,000.00	4.5%
$5,000,000.01 to $10,000,000.00	5.5%
$10,000,000.01 to $20,000,000.00	6.5%
Over 20,000,000.00	7.5%

Property tax in Ontario varies depending on the municipality, property value, and local tax rates.

On average, residential property tax rates range between 0.5% and 1.5% of the assessed property value per year.

For example:
If your home is assessed at $800,000, and the local rate is 1%, your annual property tax would be $8,000.

We recommend checking with your local municipality or a REOCA-certified real estate agent for an accurate estimate based on your target property’s location.

In Canada, capital gains tax is exempt when selling your primary residence.
However, if the property was purchased as an investment, capital gains tax will apply upon sale.

If your profit is $250,000 or less, 50% of the gain is taxable.
If your profit is over $250,000, 66.67% of the gain is taxable.

We recommend consulting with a REOCA-certified accountant for personalized advice based on your tax situation.

When selling a property, a standard 5% commission fee applies for real estate professional services.
Additionally, capital gains tax may apply depending on the profit made from the sale.

For more details, we recommend downloading the REOCA app and submitting a Realtor Inquiry through the platform to get personalized guidance.

Yes, it is possible to purchase a property using gifted funds, such as financial support from family.
However, the lender may require a gift letter confirming that the funds are not a loan and do not need to be repaid.

A REOCA-certified mortgage broker can help guide you through the process and ensure all required documentation is properly prepared.

When using gifted funds to purchase a property, most lenders will require the following:

A gift letter signed by the donor, confirming the funds are a gift and do not need to be repaid
Proof of transfer, such as a bank statement or wire confirmation
Identification from the donor (in some cases)

A REOCA-certified mortgage broker can help you prepare these documents and meet lender requirements.

Tenants do not pay a broker fee when renting through REOCA.
Once a lease is finalized, the landlord covers the real estate agent’s commission.
This reduces financial burden for tenants and ensures the agent works to secure the best possible terms for you.

In Canada, rental agreements typically begin with a one-year lease.
While two-year or short-term rentals may exist, they are relatively uncommon.

Standard tenant requirements include:

Income: Ideally, monthly income should be 3 to 4 times the rent amount.
For example, if the rent is $2,000, a monthly income of $6,000 to $8,000 is preferred.
Credit Score: A score of 700 or higher is ideal.
If your credit score is 700+, landlords typically do not require advance rent payments.

These criteria help ensure that tenants have the financial stability to maintain the lease and the property responsibly.

Advance payment is not a mandatory requirement.
However, if a tenant does not meet standard qualifications — such as income or credit score — advance rent may be considered as a last resort to strengthen their application.

While offering advance payment can increase your chances of securing a rental, it may also lead some landlords to decline the offer, depending on their policies.
For this reason, we recommend discussing this option carefully with a REOCA-certified agent before proceeding.

When moving into a rental property, you should be prepared to cover the following costs:

Security deposit
First and last month’s rent
Key deposit

If advance payment is required based on your application, a REOCA-certified real estate agent will explain the details.
This helps you understand and prepare for all expected costs before signing the lease.

If you are a student, the following documents are typically required when applying for a rental:

Student visa
Letter of Acceptance (LoA)
Photo ID (passport or driver’s license)
Guarantor information
Credit report

Since most students do not have employment income, eligibility is usually determined based on the financial status of a parent or guarantor.

A REOCA-certified real estate agent will guide you through these requirements and help you prepare your application properly.

If you are employed, the following documents are typically required when applying for a rental:

Proof of income showing monthly income is 3–4 times the rent
Credit report
Photo ID (passport or driver’s license)
Work permit, Permanent Residency (PR), or Canadian citizenship
Recent pay stubs
Employment verification letter

These documents help demonstrate financial stability and creditworthiness.
A REOCA-certified real estate agent will guide you through each requirement in detail.

If a guarantor is needed, they will typically be asked to provide the following documents:

Credit report
Photo ID (passport or driver’s license)
Proof of Permanent Residency or Canadian citizenship
Recent pay stubs and employment verification letter
Proof of relationship to the tenant

The guarantor’s credit and income are reviewed because they are legally responsible for rent payments if the tenant is unable to pay.

A REOCA-certified real estate agent will provide detailed guidance on how to submit these documents properly.

We recommend starting your rental search at least two months in advance.
This gives you more options and enough time to book showings, especially when properties are still occupied — in which case 24-hour notice is typically required.

Many people begin looking one month before, and in urgent cases, some need to move in immediately.
Whenever possible, it’s best to allow yourself extra time to find the right place without pressure.

If you would like to schedule a rental showing in Canada, please contact a REOCA-certified real estate agent.

For vacant units, showings can usually be arranged quickly.
However, if the unit is currently occupied, a 24-hour notice is required by law before the property can be shown.

Working with a certified agent ensures a smooth and respectful viewing experience.

When choosing a rental location, it’s important to consider what matters most to you — such as school districts, commute times, nearby amenities, or lifestyle preferences.

We recommend discussing your priorities with a REOCA-certified real estate agent, who can use their professional knowledge and local experience to help you find a home in the area that best suits your needs.

Yes, REOCA-certified real estate agents specialize in a wide range of commercial property services, including:

Retail units
Stand-alone buildings
Student housing
Mixed-use (zoning) properties
Other commercial investment properties

Our agents provide expert guidance throughout the commercial purchase process, tailored to your investment goals.

Yes, REOCA-certified commercial agents can help you find the right space for your business needs — whether you’re looking for an:

Office,
Retail store,
Restaurant,
Martial arts studio,
Warehouse,
or other types of commercial space.

We assist clients in securing locations based on business type, size requirements, budget, and zoning suitability.

In Canada, zoning regulations define how a property can be used — such as residential, commercial, employment zones, or institutional use.

Each municipality has its own zoning by-laws and naming systems, which means that permitted uses can vary widely depending on the city and property type.

Before starting any business, it’s important to:

Check the property’s zoning designation
Understand permitted and restricted uses
Consult the city for potential variances or rezoning requests, if needed

A REOCA-certified commercial agent can help you navigate local zoning laws and ensure the property aligns with your intended business use.

Absolutely. Our REOCA-certified commercial agents can help you secure the right space based on your business needs, budget, and operational requirements.

Whether you’re looking for:

A full-floor office,
Private executive suites,
Conference rooms,
Shared workspaces, or
Facilities with amenities like parking and break areas — we’ll find the ideal setup for your team.

We also assist with rental arrangements for relocated employees, ensuring a smooth transition for both the business and your staff.

It’s difficult to provide an exact average, as commercial lease rates in Toronto vary widely depending on location, square footage, and business type.

In many cases, rent is calculated per square foot (SQ FT) annually, though some properties may list rates based on yearly totals.

To get an accurate idea of what fits your needs, we recommend sharing your preferred location, budget, or business requirements with a REOCA-certified commercial agent.
They can quickly suggest properties that match your criteria and guide you through the leasing process.

Yes, it is possible to obtain a mortgage for commercial real estate.
However, mortgage products and lending criteria vary by lender, which makes working with an experienced mortgage broker especially important.

A REOCA-certified mortgage broker can help you compare options and guide you toward the most suitable financing solution for your commercial purchase.