The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to Selling Your Home in Canada (2025)
Selling a Home (2025 Guide)
Welcome to your complete guide to selling your home in Canada. Our goal is simple: to help you sell your property for the highest possible price, in the shortest amount of time, with the least amount of stress.
Whether you’re a first-time seller or a seasoned homeowner, the market is always changing. This guide will walk you through the three core phases of the selling process, providing a complete overview and linking you to detailed resources every step of the way.
Phase 1: Preparation & Strategic Pricing
This is the most important phase. A successful sale is won before the “For Sale” sign ever hits the lawn. The goal is to present a desirable “product” to the market that is priced to attract immediate interest from qualified buyers.
- Determine Your “Why”: Are you relocating for a job? Upsizing for a growing family? Downsizing? Your motivation will determine your timeline and pricing strategy.
- The “Instant Value” Check: The first step is to get a baseline. Use an online estimation tool to get an instant, data-driven AVM (Automated Valuation Model) of your home’s worth.
- The Professional CMA (The “Real” Price): An AVM is just a starting point. A professional REALTOR® will prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). This is a deep dive into what similar homes in your specific neighbourhood have actually sold for in the last 90 days. This is the data we use to set the perfect list price.
- Home Staging & Repairs: Focus on the high-ROI fixes. This includes decluttering (buyers need to picture their own furniture), a fresh coat of neutral paint, and fixing small items like leaky faucets or loose handles. Staged homes sell faster and for more money.
- Gather Your Documents: Get your legal paperwork in order, including your property tax bills, utility bills, and a copy of your existing property survey or Real Property Report (RPR), if you have one.
Learn More: link to my home is worth how much.ca
Phase 2: Expert Marketing & Flawless Showings
Once your home is prepared and priced, the “go-to-market” phase begins. The goal is to make a powerful first impression online and an unforgettable one in person.
- Professional Photography & Videography: In today’s digital market, your photos are your first showing. We will use high-resolution photos, a cinematic video tour, and (if needed) 3D floor plans to make your listing stand out.
- The MLS® System: Your listing will be syndicated to the national MLS® (Multiple Listing Service), pushing it to thousands of real estate websites across Canada, including this one.
- Digital & Social Marketing: We will launch a targeted ad campaign on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to get your home in front of thousands of potential buyers who match the ideal demographic for your home.
- Managing Showings: This is the most disruptive part of selling, but it’s crucial. We will coordinate all showings to fit your schedule.
- The “Open House” Strategy: We will run a strategic Open House to create a sense of urgency and social proof, encouraging buyers to act quickly.
Learn More: Our 10-Point Marketing Plan to Sell Your Home Faster (link to a “cluster” post)
Phase 3: Navigating Offers & Closing the Deal
This is the final and most financially critical stage. Expert negotiation and careful management of the closing process are key to protecting your interests.
- Evaluating Offers: The highest-priced offer is not always the best. We will compare offers based on Price, Conditions (like financing or inspection), and Closing Date.
- Negotiation Strategy: You have three options: accept the offer, reject it, or (most commonly) submit a counter-offer.
- Handling Multiple Offers: In a hot market, we will set a clear deadline for all offers and review them with you one by one, giving you the power to choose the strongest possible deal.
- The Closing Process: Once you have a “firm” (unconditional) offer, your real estate lawyer takes over. They will:
- Receive the funds from the buyer’s lawyer.
- Pay off your remaining mortgage.
- Pay the real estate commissions and legal fees.
- Transfer the “net proceeds” (your profit) directly to your bank account.
- Possession Day: Once the money is confirmed, the keys are released, and the home is officially sold!
Your Expert Partner
Navigating this entire process is why our clients hire us. It’s our job to manage every detail, provide expert advice, and get you the best possible result. Learn more about the value we provide in our guide: Why Use a Realtor®?
What Our Clients Are Saying
u0022Matt is an expert negotiator and didn’t stop working until my property sold for what I wanted. My property was sold during the pandemic as well. I think that alone speaks volumes for his dedication.u0022
u0022We had the pleasure of working with Matt u0026amp; Melanie… They are a very ambitious duo, who were always willing to work hard on our behalf… I highly recommend to anyone looking for a realtor!!!u0022
u0022The Matt Ferguson real estate team got me the house of my dreams within my budget! Will be forever grateful for this amazing team and all their hard work!u0022
u0022Matt Ferguson and his team have been wonderful and have helped me find my dream home. I would recommend them in a heartbeat… very professional and responsive.u0022
u0022Matt and his team made the selling process so easy and stress-free. From the initial consultation to the final closing, everything was handled with professionalism.u0022
u0022As a first-time home buyer, I was incredibly nervous. Matt walked me through every step of the process with patience and expertise. I couldn’t have done it without him.u0022
u0022Highly recommended. The team’s knowledge of the Edmonton market is second to none. They helped us find a great investment property that cash-flowed from day one.u0022
u0022True professionals from start to finish. They gave us honest advice about pricing and preparation, and it paid off. Our house sold in a week for over asking price.u0022
u0022The communication was fantastic. We were never left wondering what was happening. Matt was always available to answer our questions, no matter how small.u0022
u0022We were relocating to Edmonton and knew nothing about the city. Matt’s team was an incredible resource. They helped us find the perfect family-friendly neighbourhood and a home we love.u0022
FAQs
If you’re ready to sell or have more questions, you can contact us here.
How much are real estate agent commissions in Canada?
Commissions are negotiable and vary by province. A “typical” commission is between 3% to 7% of the final sale price, which is split between the seller’s agent (for marketing) and the buyer’s agent (for bringing the buyer). Some agents use a tiered model (e.g., 7% on the first $100,000 and 3% on the rest).
Do I have to pay capital gains tax when I sell my home in Canada?
In most cases, no. If the home you are selling was your “principal residence” for every year you owned it, any profit you make (the “capital gain”) is 100% tax-free. This is one of the biggest financial benefits of homeownership in Canada.
What are the main closing costs for a seller?
The top 3 closing costs for a seller are: 1) Real estate commissions, 2) Legal fees to your lawyer for closing the deal, and 3) Any mortgage “discharge fees” or prepayment penalties if you are breaking your mortgage term early.
When is the best time of year to sell a house?
The Spring Market (March-June) is traditionally the busiest, with the most buyers. However, the Fall Market (September-October) is also very strong. Selling in the “off-season” (like Winter) can also be a smart strategy, as there is far less competition from other sellers.
