Terms of Use

1. Purpose of the Site

1.1. The Site is an online platform designed solely to match and connect individuals who may have an interest in buying, selling, or renting real estate in Canada.

1.2. The Site is not a real estate brokerage and does not:

• provide real estate representation or advice;
• act as a REALTOR®, real estate agent, or brokerage;
• negotiate, facilitate, or participate in the completion of any transaction;
• guarantee that any buyer, seller, renter or agent will enter into an agreement or complete a transaction.

1.3. The Site's role is limited strictly to providing an information-sharing and connection tool.

2. Importing Data From Third-Party Platforms

2.1. The Site may allow Users to import listing information from third-party platforms, including platforms that display MLS® listing data, but only after the User explicitly consents and initiates the import.

2.2. By importing or uploading any content to HouseTrade website, you expressly represent, warrant, and agree that:

• (a) you have full legal rights, ownership, permissions, and authority to use, upload, reproduce, distribute, and display the content;
• (b) you are not violating any intellectual property rights, licence restrictions, or contractual terms imposed by the third-party platform, the listing provider, or the listing brokerage;
• (c) you have complied with any applicable third-party terms of use, including any governing the use of MLS® listing data, and you fully understand that MLS® content is subject to copyright and strict licensing restrictions;
• (d) you acknowledge that importing photos, descriptions, or data obtained from MLS® systems, real estate boards, or other third-party listing providers may require explicit permission from the listing brokerage or copyright owner, and that you are responsible for it and you agree and acknowledge that HouseTrade are not responsible for obtaining and documenting such permission.

2.3. Any imported data may be subject to verification or approval by the applicable rights holder. We may request proof of authorization at any time and may reject or remove content at our sole discretion.

2.4. You agree that you are solely and fully responsible and liable for all third-party content you import or upload, including all copyright, licensing, intellectual property, and contractual obligations.

2.5. You agree that you are solely responsible and fully liable for:

• any property listing, photo, or information you upload or import;
• ensuring you have full legal authorization to post the property;
• any copyright, licensing, or intellectual property issues related to imported data;
• any claims, disputes, or damages arising from unauthorized use of third-party listing content, MLS® photographs, or other protected materials.

You agree to indemnify and hold HouseTrade harmless from all claims arising from any property you post without proper rights or permission.

3. User Responsibilities

3.1. You agree that you will not use the Site to upload, import, post, or publish any property information, data, or images unless you:

• own the property, or
• are a legally authorized representative of the property owner and have full legal rights, authority to post the property details, photos, and related materials.

You acknowledge that posting a property or its associated images without proper authorization constitutes a breach of these Terms and may result in legal liability, account termination, or reporting to appropriate authorities, brokerages, MLS® providers, or regulatory bodies.

3.2. You agree not to:

• interfere with Site functionality;
• reverse engineer the Site;
• upload malicious code;
• impersonate another individual or agent.

3.3. You agree to fully cooperate with any verification requests, content removal requests, or authorization checks conducted by us or by any rights holder.

3.4. You agree that you will not upload, import, publish, transmit, or otherwise make available through the Site any content, data, or images that:

• are offensive, hateful, discriminatory, harassing, defamatory, obscene, or sexually explicit;
• promote violence, illegal activities, or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any protected characteristic;
• contain nudity, graphic content, or other materials inappropriate for a real estate platform;
• include personal information, images, or details of individuals without their consent;
• violate any applicable laws, regulations, or professional standards.

We reserve the right to remove, disable, or report such content at our discretion and to suspend or terminate any User account that violates this section.

4. Intellectual Property

4.1. Except for User-generated or imported third-party content, the Site and all original content, software, trademarks, branding, text, and design elements are our property and protected under Canadian IP laws.

4.2. You may not copy, reproduce, modify, or distribute any part of the Site unless expressly permitted.

4.3. MLS® is a trademark of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and is used to describe services provided by real estate professionals. All REALTOR®-related trademarks are owned by CREA.

5. No Real Estate Advice or Representation

5.1. We are not liable for any real estate decisions, negotiations, agreements, offers, or transactions between Users.

5.2. You acknowledge that:

• the Site does not verify the accuracy of listing data or User information;
• all information is provided "as is";
• you must independently verify property information;
• Users connect at their own risk.

5.3. We strongly recommend consulting a licensed REALTOR®, lawyer, or financial advisor for any real estate transaction.

6. Disclaimer of Warranties

6.1. The Site and all content (including third-party content) are provided "as is" and "as available".

6.2. We make no warranties that:

• the content is accurate, complete, or reliable;
• the Site will be uninterrupted or error-free;
• imported content is authorized for your use.

6.3. You use the Site entirely at your own risk.

7. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by Canada law:

7.1. We are not liable for any damages arising from:

• User-imported content;
• use or misuse of third-party data;
• interactions or transactions between Users;
• errors or inaccuracies in listing material;
• Site interruptions or failures.

7.2. We are not responsible for the conduct of Users, buyers, sellers, agents, REALTORS®, or brokerages.

8. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless HouseTrade, its owners, directors, employees, and partners from any claim, loss, liability, damage, cost, or expense (including legal fees) arising from:

• your own content or use of third-party content;
• your failure to obtain necessary permissions or licences;
• your violation of any third-party platform terms;
• your breach of these Terms;
• your infringement of any IP rights;
• any transaction or communication initiated through the Site.

9. Third-Party Links

9.1. The Site may contain links to third-party websites or platforms.

9.2. We do not endorse, control, or guarantee third-party content or policies.

9.3. When you access such platforms, you are subject to their terms.

10. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account or access to the Site at any time if you breach these Terms.

11. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Canada. Any dispute shall be heard exclusively in the courts of Ontario, located in Ottawa.

12. Trademarks

• HouseTrade and the HouseTrade logo are trademarks of HouseTrade.
• The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA.

13. Severability

If any portion of these Terms is found invalid or unenforceable, the remainder will continue in full force.

14. Contact Information

For questions regarding these Terms, please contact: