From the first call to getting paid at the lawyer's office.
1. The first conversation
You share the address and a bit about the house and your situation. A good buyer will ask about condition, what you owe, and your timeline, and will not pressure you.
2. A look at the house
Most buyers want one walkthrough to confirm condition. No staging or cleaning needed.
3. The written offer
You get a price and a proposed closing date in writing. Read the conditions carefully. A firm offer has few or no conditions. Ask whether the buyer may assign the contract to someone else.
4. Lawyers
In Alberta both sides use a real estate lawyer to handle the title transfer and money. Your lawyer pays out your mortgage and sends you the rest.
5. Closing day
On the closing date the buyer's funds go to your lawyer, the mortgage is paid, and the title transfers. You hand over the keys. With us, most sales close in 14 to 30 days.
Red flags to watch for
- Asking you for money up front
- Pressure to sign the same day
- Refusing to let your lawyer review
- Vague promises of full market value with no written terms
Related
- Sell Your House As-Is in Edmonton, No Repairs Needed
- Your Edmonton Listing Expired? Sell Your House Fast Instead
- How Selling an Inherited House Works in Alberta
- Selling a House With Tenants in Edmonton
This guide is general information only and is not legal or financial advice. Talk to a lawyer, accountant, or licensed mortgage professional about your own situation.