A Canadian family outside their home
Home sellers

Sell Your Home With Confidence

Coverage designed for Canadian home sellers.

Sell smarter

Received a Firm Offer? Here's Why That Might Not Matter.

Most home sales move forward as planned, but buyer delays and defaults do happen. Financing can fall through, buyers can walk away, or unexpected issues can arise before closing. When this happens, sellers are often left managing the financial impact of a failed deal.

A Canadian home for sale
The deposit myth

Doesn't the deposit protect me?

The deposit is often the first thing sellers point to, but it is not the safety net most people assume. When a buyer walks away, the deposit often sits in trust and can usually only be released with the buyer's consent or a court order. This process often takes six to eighteen months, and there is no guarantee of recovery.

Even if you do recover it, a typical deposit covers only a fraction of what a failed closing actually costs. Carrying costs, bridge financing, a lower relist price, legal fees, and additional commissions can add up to far more than what is held in trust. The deposit is part of the legal dispute, not protection from one.

Coverage

Protection for your closing

Accessing your equity is key to unlocking your next chapter. SecureMyOffer provides protection if your buyer fails to close, helping you receive your funds on time and avoid double mortgages, bridge loans, and last-minute uncertainty.

Price difference

The shortfall between the original firm offer and the final resale price. If the home ultimately sells for an increased amount, you retain the profit.

Carrying costs

Mortgage interest, property taxes, utilities, and home insurance over the period between default and resale.

Legal fees

Legal fees and expenses related to the failed transaction.

Bridge financing

The cost of additional bridge loans required to unlock equity.

Coverage is up to the policy limit. Full terms, conditions and limits are set out in the policy.

Seller FAQs

Frequently asked

Why would I need this if I already have a firm offer?

Even firm offers can collapse due to buyer financing issues, job loss, divorce, cold feet, or other events. A firm offer means all conditions have been removed or satisfied, but it does not guarantee your buyer will actually close. SecureMyOffer ensures you will not be financially stranded if your buyer fails to close on closing day.

How much does the insurance cost?

Policies start at $349. The premium is based on a number of factors, and coverage is up to $250,000, or 20% of home value, whichever is lower.

When should I purchase the policy?

Coverage must be purchased at least 14 days before the closing date.

How quickly can I receive payment after a default?

SecureMyOffer's claims team works directly with your real estate lawyer to verify the loss and process payout quickly. Typically, SecureMyOffer will deploy up to 50% of the policy limit as soon as possible to the lawyer's trust account, as early as same day, in the form of an Emergency Advance Payment. The remainder is reserved to cover the additional expenses of reselling the property.

What if my home sells again for more than the original price?

If your resale price is higher than your original deal, you get to keep any excess profits.

Where is SecureMyOffer available?

SecureMyOffer is available across Canada, except Quebec.

What if the buyer is just late closing by a few days?

SecureMyOffer covers the seller for delays as well as defaults. Delays are common, and your policy is designed to take on the legal and financial risk if one happens. Delays and defaults follow the same claims process.

What is home closing insurance?

Home Closing Insurance protects sellers if a buyer defaults on a firm purchase agreement by delaying closing, or walks away from the deal altogether. It compensates you for the losses tied to the failed sale, including a drop in the sale price, ongoing carrying costs, and legal fees. It can also provide an emergency equity advance so you can meet the commitments that depended on closing.

Don't I at least get the buyer's deposit if they default?

Usually not, and rarely quickly. In most jurisdictions a default doesn't give you automatic access to the deposit. Even non-refundable deposits sit in a trust account and commonly become tangled in legal proceedings lasting months or years. SecureMyOffer advances funds so you aren't left waiting, and takes on the cost of recovering damages from the buyer.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility varies by territory, but most home sellers with a firm, unconditional offer qualify.

What happens if my buyer defaults on closing?

Contact our claims team straight away, by visiting the claims page or calling 1-833-766-2329. We work directly with your real estate lawyer and your REALTOR® to start the claim and verify the firm offer. We pay up to 50% of the policy limit into your lawyer's trust account as a guaranteed advance, pursue the defaulting buyer, and work with your agent to stage and resell the property. If it resells for less, we take the loss up to the policy limit. If it resells for more, you keep the profit.

Does it cover me if I change my mind about selling?

No. It covers the losses you suffer if the buyer fails to close.

Will it affect my ability to pursue the buyer legally?

No. We take on the responsibility and the legal costs of recovering damages from the buyer, so you don't have to.

Can I cancel the policy?

No. Policies are not refundable. All premiums, fees and taxes are fully earned on purchase.

How do I get a quote?

Get a 60-second quote online, or call 1-833-766-2329 to apply directly.

Free resource

The Home Seller's Guide to Protecting Your Closing

Receive expert tips, market trends, and tools to help you get the best price.

Get The Guide
Get started

Secure protection for your home sale.

Be prepared if your buyer fails to close.

Or call 1-833-766-2329

A-rated underwriter
Policies are underwritten by Accelerant, rated A by AM Best.
Licensed brokerage
SecureMyOffer is a Managing General Agent. Brokered by Oasis Insurance Brokers.
RE/MAX partnership
Marketing program agreement in place with RE/MAX Canada.
Available Canada-wide
Coverage in every province except Quebec.