Can You Change MLS Listing After Signing APS in Ontario?

When selling a property in Ontario, signing the Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS) is one of the biggest milestones. It means both the buyer and seller have agreed on the price, conditions, and terms. However, what happens if you notice an error or want to make an update to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) listing after the APS is signed?

If you’re wondering whether you can change an MLS listing after APS in Ontario, the short answer is: it depends on the type of change you want to make.

At Sale2Sold, we help sellers with every stage of the process, offering full-service real estate support for a flat fee of $5,900 USD. Keeping listings accurate while avoiding unnecessary costs is part of what we focus on.

Let’s walk through what you can and cannot change after an APS is signed.

MLS Revisions in Ontario: What You Need to Know

Once the APS is signed, the property moves into a status of either “Sold Conditional” or “Sold Firm,” depending on whether conditions (like financing, home inspection, or lawyer review) still need to be satisfied.

Minor updates are typically allowed. These include:

• Correcting spelling or grammar mistakes.

• Updating the property’s sales status (for example, from “Sold Conditional” to “Sold Firm”).

• Clarifying specific property features, provided both the buyer and seller agree.

MLS boards require that listings remain accurate and truthful at all times. The goal is to ensure that the information being presented to the public and other real estate professionals reflects the actual deal that has been made.

On the other hand, major changes that would alter the perception of the property or misrepresent any part of the agreement are not permitted. These include:

• Changing the sale price after APS is signed (without mutual amendment).

• Modifying significant property features (like number of bedrooms, finished basement, or inclusions/exclusions) unless it reflects the terms agreed upon in writing.

• Adding or removing incentives that were not part of the signed APS.

Essentially, once the deal is in writing, the listing needs to match what was agreed to — no more, no less.

How to Update an MLS Listing After Signing the APS

If you find a mistake or need to make a legitimate update after signing the APS, here’s how the process typically works:

1. Contact Your Real Estate Brokerage
   Reach out to your listing agent or brokerage right away. They will advise you on whether the change you want to make is allowed under the MLS rules and the signed APS.

2. Provide Supporting Documents (if required)
   If the update involves details tied to the APS — such as clarifying chattels or fixtures — you may need to provide supporting documentation or an amendment signed by both parties.

3. Submit the Update Request to the MLS Board
   Your agent will submit the update request through the proper channels. They will clearly document why the change is being made.

4. Await MLS Board Approval
   The MLS board reviews the submission to ensure the revision complies with their rules. In most cases, minor changes are approved quickly, sometimes within a day.

5. Confirmation of Change
   Once the update is approved and reflected in the MLS system, your agent should send you a confirmation showing that the listing is now updated.

It’s important to act quickly — especially if the property status changes from “Sold Conditional” to “Sold Firm.” MLS boards generally require status updates within a strict timeframe, usually one business day after the change occurs.

Why MLS Accuracy Matters After APS

Keeping the MLS listing accurate after signing the APS protects both the buyer and seller. Buyers rely on MLS information to understand the property’s status and features. Sellers benefit by avoiding legal complications or claims of misrepresentation.

An inaccurate listing can cause:

• Confusion among buyers’ agents and other interested parties.

• Breach of MLS rules, which can result in fines for your brokerage.

• Potential legal issues if a buyer claims they were misled based on the listing.

At Sale2Sold, we work with our clients to make sure their listing is clean, accurate, and updated promptly — without unnecessary stress or extra fees. Selling your property should be straightforward, and our flat-fee model helps keep it that way.

FAQs About Changing MLS Listings After APS in Ontario

1. Can I change the price of my property on MLS after signing the APS?

No. Once the Agreement of Purchase and Sale is signed, the agreed-upon price is binding. Changing the price would require a formal amendment signed by both parties, and even then, MLS rules may restrict such changes.

2. Is it mandatory to update the MLS status after conditions are removed?

Yes. Once all conditions are fulfilled and the sale becomes firm, the status must be updated to “Sold Firm” within one business day to comply with MLS rules.

3. Can I fix spelling errors in my listing after signing the APS?

Yes. Correcting spelling or minor factual errors is generally allowed, as long as the corrections do not change the material facts of the property or the deal.

4. What happens if there’s an error in the number of bedrooms or property size?

If the error is minor and does not misrepresent the property materially, it can usually be corrected. However, if the mistake impacts the value or description significantly, your agent may need to submit supporting documents or an amendment.

5. Will I be charged extra for updating my MLS listing after signing the APS?

At Sale2Sold, we do not charge extra for MLS updates related to maintaining accuracy. Other brokerages may have different policies, so it’s important to confirm with your agent.