Thinking about selling your home in Edmonton? Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, the process can feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the key stages of selling your home, so you can feel confident and prepared every step of the way.
Step 1: Choose the Right Realtor®
The first and most important step is selecting an experienced and knowledgeable real estate professional. A great realtor will guide you through the entire process, provide market insights, help you price your home correctly, and develop a strong marketing strategy to attract serious buyers. Look for someone who understands your local market, communicates clearly, and has a solid track record of successful sales.
Learn More About Award-Winning, Top 1% Realtor® Wally Fakhreddine
Step 2: Determine Your Home’s Value
Your realtor will conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA) to determine your home's fair market value based on recent sales of similar properties in your area. Pricing your home accurately is key to generating interest and maximizing your return. Remember, buyers are savvy—if your home is priced too high, it may sit on the market longer and require price reductions.
Why Pricing a Home to Sell is So Important
Step 3: Prepare Your Home for Sale
First impressions matter. Work with your realtor to identify areas of your home that may need cleaning, decluttering, minor repairs, or staging. Small upgrades like fresh paint, updated lighting, or spruced-up landscaping can make a big difference. Don’t underestimate the power of a clean and neutral space—buyers want to imagine themselves living there.
This is also a good time to emotionally prepare for the sale. Letting go of a home, especially one filled with years of memories, can be challenging. Give yourself permission to feel emotional but also focus on the opportunities ahead. Try to view your home as a product and keep your long-term goals in mind.
Step 4: List Your Home
Once your home is ready, your realtor will list it on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and other online platforms, ensuring it reaches the widest audience possible. Professional photos, compelling descriptions, and targeted marketing will help your home stand out from the competition. Your realtor may also promote your listing on social media and through their network of contacts.
Step 5: Showings and Open Houses
Your realtor will coordinate showings and, if appropriate, host open houses to give buyers a chance to experience your home in person. It’s important to keep your home clean and tidy during this time so it’s always show-ready.
Emotionally, this phase can be stressful—strangers are walking through your space and you may face last-minute showings. Try to stay flexible and remind yourself that these steps are bringing you closer to your next chapter.
Step 6: Review Offers and Negotiate
In a seller’s market, you may receive multiple offers. Your realtor will help you review each one carefully—looking beyond just the price to evaluate conditions, timelines, and buyer qualifications. They’ll also negotiate effectively on your behalf to secure the best terms possible.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or even disappointed if an offer doesn’t meet your expectations. Trust your realtor’s guidance and stay focused on your overall goals.
Step 7: Accept the Offer and Sign the Contract
Once you accept an offer, you’ll sign a purchase agreement outlining the terms of the sale. Your realtor will ensure that all legal documents are properly completed and that deadlines are met throughout the transaction. This stage marks a major milestone—congratulations!
Step 8: Satisfy Conditions and Prepare for Closing
Most offers come with conditions, such as financing approval or a home inspection. Your realtor will help manage these steps and keep the deal on track. During this time, you’ll also begin preparing for your move—booking movers, packing, forwarding mail, and organizing your next living arrangement.
Be aware of unexpected costs that may arise at this stage, including:
- Legal fees
- Real estate commission
- Moving expenses
- Repairs or credits negotiated after inspection
- Mortgage discharge or penalties
- Property taxes or utilities adjustments
Budgeting for these ahead of time will help reduce surprises and stress.
Step 9: Closing Day
On closing day, the legal and financial aspects of the sale are finalized. Ownership is transferred to the buyer, and you receive the proceeds from the sale. Your realtor and lawyer will work together to make sure everything runs smoothly. Take a moment to reflect and celebrate—you’ve successfully sold your home!
Ready to Sell?
Selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful when you have the right guidance. Reach out to Wally Fakhreddine today to start your selling journey with confidence, expert support, and a clear path forward.
Call/text Wally at 780.238.7384 today.