Your Calgary home sale, one step at a time

First conversation: bring your dates and questions

Tell the agent why you are moving, when you would prefer possession and what depends on the sale. Ask for an estimated price range supported by completed sales, a preparation budget and likely selling costs.

Discuss representation and read the services, fees, term and cancellation provisions in the written agreement. RECA's consumer guidance is a useful starting point for understanding the professional relationship.

Before listing: finish the useful work

Agree on repairs, cleaning and presentation, with a spending limit. Gather renovation and repair records, and ask about relevant permits and property documents. For a condo or occupied rental, request the appropriate records early.

Set photography and listing dates around the work that can actually be completed. Confirm access, pets, valuables and the notice needed for showings. Read the description and check the included items before publication.

While listed: interpret the response together

Set a regular update with your agent and agree what it will contain: showing activity, recurring questions, repeated feedback, relevant new listings and completed sales. A useful update interprets the response; it does more than forward comments.

If buyers visit but do not offer, ask what common obstacle the feedback suggests and whether it is supported by the competition. If few people are visiting, look at discoverability, access, presentation and price together. Avoid treating one visitor's taste as a renovation instruction.

Choose a specific next action and a date to reassess it. If a price change is proposed, ask what new evidence supports it and how it changes your position against the available alternatives.

When an offer arrives: compare the whole agreement

Work through price, conditions, deposit, included items and possession. Estimate what you would keep and what the moving date would cost you. Get legal advice for unusual terms or questions about obligations.

After acceptance, track the condition and closing dates. Keep the next-home and moving arrangements aligned with the agreement, with a fallback if timing changes.

Before possession: confirm the handover

Follow your lawyer's signing and funds instructions. Arrange moving, cleaning, insurance and utilities for the agreed dates. Ask how keys, any remaining items and a possession issue will be handled.

Keep the contract, closing records and relevant invoices. Use the full selling guide when you need more detail about the price, preparation and offer decisions.

Ask who will handle showing feedback and offer negotiations, not only who attends the listing appointment. Agree how quickly useful feedback is shared and when the price and competition will be reviewed.