The Selling Process
Your Roadmap From “For Sale” to “Sold”
Selling your home is a significant financial transaction, but it doesn’t have to be an intimidating one. The key to a successful, low-stress sale is understanding the path ahead. This guide breaks down the entire journey into a detailed, step-by-step roadmap. We will manage the complexity at every stage, but knowing what to expect will empower you to make confident decisions.
Step 1: The Initial Consultation
The journey begins with a strategic conversation. During our free, no-obligation consultation, we’ll discuss your specific goals, your desired timeline, and your motivations for selling. We will tour your home to understand its unique features and selling points, and provide an initial assessment of its position in the current Edmonton market. This is also your opportunity to understand the value a professional brings and ensure we are the right fit for you.
Step 2: Strategic Pricing & Preparation
This is the most critical phase where we lay the groundwork for success. We conduct a detailed Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine the optimal list price. Simultaneously, we’ll create a plan for preparing your home for sale. This isn’t about expensive renovations; it’s about strategic updates. We will advise you on the specific home improvements that offer the best return on investment and provide tips for adding value to your property to make it stand out from the competition.
Step 3: Professional Marketing Launch
Once your home is priced right and perfectly prepared, we launch a comprehensive marketing campaign. This is far more than a sign on the lawn. Our strategy begins with stunning visuals, because in today’s market, your first showing is online. We utilize professional real estate photography and create a compelling narrative for your listing. From there, our full modern marketing plan goes live, pushing your home onto the MLS®, targeted social media ads, major real estate portals, and our network of active buyers.
Step 4: Showings and Open Houses
With marketing in full swing, we will begin to receive showing requests. We manage the entire scheduling process to make it as convenient for you as possible. Your role is to ensure the home is “show-ready” for every visit. A clean, bright, welcoming home allows buyers to form an emotional connection. We provide a detailed home showing checklist to make this process simple and stress-free. For more in-depth tips, you can review our full guide to successful showings.
Step 5: Receiving and Negotiating Offers
This is where expertise makes a financial difference. When we receive an offer, we will present it to you immediately and explain every detail, from the price to the terms and conditions. We will provide our professional advice on how to respond and then act as your objective, skilled negotiator. Our goal is always to secure the best possible price and the most favourable terms for you. Learn more in our guide to negotiating offers.
Step 6: The “Pending” Period (Under Contract)
After you’ve accepted an offer, the property’s status becomes “pending.” This is the period where the buyer works to satisfy their conditions, which typically include securing formal financing and conducting a home inspection. It’s also during this time that your Real Property Report (RPR) will be reviewed by the buyer’s lawyer, which is why we ensure it’s ready ahead of time.
Step 7: Waving Conditions & Officially “Sold”
Once the buyer has satisfied all their conditions, their agent will provide a “waiver” or “notice of conditions fulfilled.” This is a legally binding document that makes the deal firm. The “pending” sign comes off the listing, and the “Sold” sign goes up! From this point on, both parties are legally obligated to complete the transaction.
Step 8: Preparing for Closing
With the deal now firm, the final steps are managed by the lawyers. You will meet with your real estate lawyer to sign the final transfer documents. Your main responsibilities during this time are to start packing and to make arrangements for cancelling utilities and mail forwarding for the possession day. For a full breakdown, see our guide to the closing process.
Step 9: Closing Day
On the possession day, the buyer’s money is transferred to your lawyer. Your lawyer then uses those funds to pay off your remaining mortgage, any real estate commissions, and their legal fees. The remaining balance—your net proceeds—is then released to you. Once the money is confirmed, the keys are released to the new owners. Congratulations, your home is officially sold!
Other Key Considerations
For a complete overview of the selling journey, return to the Ultimate Guide to Selling a Home in Edmonton.
Common Seller FAQs
If you’re ready to sell or have more questions, you can contact us here.
What is the step-by-step process for selling my home?
The step-by-step process for selling your home includes preparing the property, determining its value, hiring an agent, listing it, and managing showings and negotiations. Once an offer is accepted, you will sign a sales contract, and the transaction will move to closing, which involves final inspections, paperwork, and the transfer of ownership.
When is the best time to sell my house?
The best time to sell your house is typically spring, as it’s the most popular season for buyers with mild weather and active markets. However, late winter/early spring can offer less competition, and autumn can attract serious buyers wanting to move before the holidays. Ultimately, the best time also depends on your personal situation, local market conditions, and interest rates.
How do I determine the right listing price for my home?
To determine the right listing price for your home, you should use a combination of professional evaluations and personal market research, primarily focusing on the comparative market analysis (CMA) approach.
How long does it typically take from listing to sale?
It typically takes 17 to 34 weeks from listing to sale, with the largest portion of that time spent on receiving an offer and the legal/mortgage process. The process can be broken down into: 1-3 days for listing, 5-14 weeks to receive an offer, 12-16 weeks for conveyancing and mortgage applications, and 1-28 days for exchange to completion.
