Selling a home has a lot of moving parts. This is the checklist I walk my clients through, from the first thought about listing to the day you hand over the keys. If anything raises a question, Call or text me at 780-297-8437.
Prefer a printable version? Download the checklist as a PDF.
- Find out what your home is actually worth based on recent sales nearby
- Locate your Real Property Report and check that it is current
- If the RPR is out of date or missing, order a new one early since it takes weeks. If time is short, title insurance may be an option instead. We will discuss which makes sense for you
- For condos, order your condo documents early for the same reason
- Get a mortgage payout figure from your lender and ask about penalties
- Decide your timeline and whether you are buying at the same time
- Declutter room by room, starting with closets and the garage
- Deep clean, including windows, baseboards and appliances
- Fix the small things buyers notice, like sticking doors and burnt-out bulbs
- Touch up paint where it is scuffed
- Clear the front entry and tidy the yard
- Put away personal photos and anything you would not want in listing pictures
- Find a home for the pets on showing days
- Review the comparable sales and agree on a list price
- Book professional photos once the home is ready, not before
- Decide your showing hours and be as flexible as possible
- Arrange somewhere to go during open houses
- Tell me about anything a buyer should know, since it is better disclosed up front
- Keep it show-ready, since the shortest notice is often the serious buyer
- Take the feedback seriously, especially if you hear the same thing twice
- Revisit the price if there is traffic but no offers
- Look at the whole offer, not just the price
- Check the possession date against your own plans
- Check what conditions the buyer has and how long they have
- Confirm the deposit amount and when it is due
- Note what they are asking to be included in the sale
- Counter, accept or decline. There is no rush to answer in the first ten minutes
- Give access for the home inspection
- Be ready for the buyer to come back with questions or requests
- Do not cancel anything until conditions are removed in writing
- Once conditions are removed, it is firm
- Book movers
- Set up utility final readings for possession day
- Change your address with Canada Post, banks and Alberta registries
- Sign at your lawyer's office
- Gather keys, garage remotes, mailbox keys and any manuals or warranties
- Have the home clean and empty, including the garage and shed
- Leave anything that was included in the sale
- Drop keys and remotes as arranged
- Wait for the call. I usually hear from the lawyer between noon and 2pm. That call is what makes it key exchange time
Questions at any stage? Just ask.
Brenda Patton, REALTOR®
Homes & Gardens Real Estate Limited
780-297-8437
brendarpatton.com
