ComFree Makes a Comeback: Founders Revive Canada’s Largest For-Sale-By-Owner Company
The real estate landscape is about to get shaken up once again. After a 15-year absence, ComFree, Canada’s largest for-sale-by-owner company, is back in the hands of its original founders, Erin and Travis Holowach. The company, known for its disruptive approach to real estate, is poised to make waves once more, promising to empower Canadians to sell their homes themselves and save on hefty real estate commissions.
ComFree’s journey began in 1996 as a small local business in Winnipeg. The Holowachs purchased the franchise rights for Edmonton and Northern Alberta in 2002, and under their leadership, the company quickly scaled, becoming a global leader in the for-sale-by-owner sector. Their efforts saved Canadians over $85 million in commissions.
After a series of mergers and rebranding efforts, the company was eventually dissolved in 2023. However, the Holowachs’ entrepreneurial spirit remained undeterred. In 2023, they founded HomeFree, a company that mirrored ComFree’s core principles. Now, they’ve reclaimed the ComFree name and are ready to revitalize the brand, bringing it back to its roots of transparency, cost-effectiveness, and customer empowerment.
The return of ComFree comes at a pivotal time. As home prices continue to rise, Canadians are increasingly seeking ways to save money. The Federal Competition Bureau has even launched a national investigation into anti-competitive practices within the real estate industry, highlighting the ongoing concern over the cost of commissions.
ComFree offers a comprehensive solution, providing everything needed to sell a home privately for a flat fee of $997. This includes listing on MLS® and REALTOR.ca, virtual tours and photos, advertising, signage, pricing support, Offer to Purchase forms, discounted legal fees, and more. The company emphasizes a transparent process, a stark contrast to the traditional agent model where sellers pay significant commissions to both the buying and selling agents, often around 5% of the sale price. Buyers often remain unaware of the full commission amounts paid.
Empowering Homeowners, Saving Millions
The Holowachs are passionate about empowering Canadians to take control of their real estate transactions. They believe that homeowners deserve a fair and transparent process that allows them to save money and maximize their home equity. By choosing ComFree, sellers can potentially save anywhere from $19,000 to $30,000 per transaction, depending on the province.
ComFree will initially operate in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario, with plans for further expansion across Canada and the United States. The company’s unwavering commitment to education and customer support throughout the entire real estate process sets it apart from its competitors.
The return of ComFree signifies a renewed focus on transparency and consumer empowerment in the Canadian real estate market. With a proven track record of success and a dedicated team behind them, the Holowachs are poised to once again revolutionize the way Canadians sell their homes.
