From the first conversation to key release, know what happens next.
A practical, beginning-to-end guide for Alberta homeowners across Grande Prairie and the Peace Region.
Our approach
Understand the journey.
Prepare the property and information before launch, understand each decision as it arrives and keep the marketing, paperwork, deadlines and closing connected from beginning to end.
Choose a chapter
Open the part you need now.
01
Chapter 1
Start with the selling plan
Before pricing or preparing the home, understand why you are selling and what the sale needs to accomplish.
Define the goal
Discuss your preferred timing, next move, financial priorities, ideal possession date, tolerance for showings and whether another purchase depends on this sale.
Identify everyone involved
Confirm the registered owners, anyone who must consent to the sale, occupants, tenants, family members, mortgage professionals, lawyers and other decision-makers who may affect the process.
Build the timeline backwards
Work from the preferred move or possession date and allow time for preparation, marketing, buyer conditions, legal work, moving and possible delays.
02
Chapter 2
Gather the property information
Complete information helps us price, market and answer buyer questions more confidently.
Ownership and legal information
Be ready with the full legal names of the owners, current contact information, property address, mortgage lender, approximate mortgage balance, lawyer information and any ownership, estate, separation or power-of-attorney matters that may require advice.
Property records
Gather the real property report and compliance, property tax notice, permits, warranties, surveys, condominium documents where applicable, utility information and records for major systems or improvements.
What stays and what goes
Identify appliances, window coverings, garage controls, sheds, security equipment, water systems and other attached or unattached goods. Confirm rentals, leases, financing or service contracts for furnaces, hot-water tanks, solar, alarms or other equipment.
03
Chapter 3
Walk through the property together
A property review helps separate important work from work that may not improve the result.
Look through a buyers eyes
Review condition, cleanliness, odours, lighting, storage, exterior presentation, drainage, maintenance, visible damage, unfinished work and anything likely to create questions during a showing or inspection.
Disclose known material defects
Tell your Realtor about known defects, insurance claims, water events, structural concerns, unpermitted work, environmental issues, disputes or other matters that could be material. Obtain legal advice when the disclosure obligation is uncertain.
Choose specialist advice where needed
Some concerns may require a contractor, electrician, plumber, roofer, engineer, environmental professional, surveyor, condominium specialist, insurer or lawyer before listing.
04
Chapter 4
Decide what to prepare
The goal is not to make every home perfect. It is to remove avoidable distractions and present the property honestly.
Maintenance before makeover
Address leaks, damage, broken items, safety concerns, poor workmanship and obvious deferred maintenance before spending heavily on cosmetic changes.
Clean, simplify and present
Deep cleaning, decluttering, neutral organization, brighter lighting, small paint corrections, yard care and curb appeal can often improve presentation without a major renovation.
Spend with a reason
Before renovating, ask what problem the work solves, what it will cost, how long it will take and whether buyers in this price range are likely to value it.
The asking price is a market-positioning decision, not simply an opinion of what the home should be worth.
Review the evidence
Compare recent sales, active competition, pending activity where available, location, lot, size, age, condition, garage, basement, improvements and meaningful differences.
Think about the buyers choices
Buyers compare your home with what else they can purchase now, including resale, new construction and homes in nearby communities or price ranges.
Choose a strategy and a review point
Set the launch price, understand the likely search ranges and decide what evidence would trigger a discussion about positioning, presentation or price after launch.
The written listing establishes authority, responsibilities, marketing instructions and the terms of the relationship.
Information needed for the listing
Your Realtor will typically need legal names, contact details, title information, mortgage and lawyer details, occupancy, possession preference, property features, inclusions, exclusions, known issues, improvements and access instructions.
Review representation and compensation
Understand the services, listing term, brokerage relationship, confidentiality, marketing authority, compensation and how buyer representation may affect the transaction.
Confirm accuracy
Review measurements, room details, features, zoning or condominium information, taxes, directions and public remarks. Correct errors promptly and distinguish verified facts from estimates or seller-provided information.
07
Chapter 7
Prepare photography and marketing
The first public impression should be accurate, clear and ready on launch day.
Prepare for the appointment
Complete agreed cleaning and repairs, remove private papers and valuables, organize counters and storage, manage pets and vehicles, and make each room easy to understand.
Build the property story
Connect professional photographs, measurements, floor plan where used, property details, neighbourhood context, improvements and the features most relevant to the likely buyer.
Protect privacy and security
Remove medication, financial records, identification, keys, collectibles, firearms and sensitive photographs. Discuss cameras, alarm systems, access codes and any areas that should not be photographed.
08
Chapter 8
Launch the listing
A coordinated launch gives buyers and their Realtors a complete, consistent first look.
Go live only when ready
Confirm the price, possession, inclusions, exclusions, showing process, property description, photographs, measurements and documents before the listing becomes active.
Make access workable
Agree on showing notice, appointment confirmation, lockbox use, alarm instructions, tenant or occupant coordination, pet arrangements and any restricted times.
Watch the market around the listing
New competition, price changes, pending sales, sold results and changes in buyer activity can affect the strategy after launch.
09
Chapter 9
Manage showings and feedback
Each showing is both an opportunity and a small piece of market evidence.
Prepare the home each time
Keep the property reasonably clean, bright, comfortable and accessible. Secure valuables, manage pets, reduce strong scents and leave enough time for buyers to view without pressure.
Use feedback carefully
One opinion may not justify a change. Repeated concerns about price, condition, layout, odour, maintenance or presentation deserve a closer look alongside showing volume and market activity.
Protect people and property
Use the agreed showing system, report access concerns promptly and avoid allowing unconfirmed visitors into the property.
10
Chapter 10
Review and negotiate offers
An offer is a complete package of price, conditions, dates, inclusions and risk.
Review the complete offer
Consider price, deposit, financing, inspection, sale-of-buyer-property conditions, possession, inclusions, exclusions, requested work, buyer qualifications and any unusual terms together.
Understand the choices
An offer may be accepted, rejected, countered or allowed to expire. A counteroffer changes the proposal and can create new timing and risk, so follow the written documents and your Realtors advice.
Keep decisions confidential
Discuss offer details with the people and professionals who need to know. Avoid public comments or social-media posts that could affect negotiations.
11
Chapter 11
Work through buyer conditions
The property may be conditionally sold while the buyer completes financing, inspection or other due diligence.
Keep the home available as agreed
Continue following the listing and showing instructions unless your Realtor confirms a change. The contract and seller instructions determine how backup interest is handled.
Prepare for the inspection
Provide reasonable access to the attic, mechanical systems, electrical panel, crawlspace, garage and other agreed areas. Keep available permits, invoices, warranties and maintenance records organized.
Handle requests through the contract
Inspection findings or financing issues can lead to questions, amendments or further negotiation. Respond through your Realtor and obtain appropriate legal or technical advice before agreeing to changes.
12
Chapter 12
Prepare for the lawyer
Once the sale is firm, legal preparation should begin early rather than waiting for closing week.
What the lawyer commonly needs
Government-issued identification, the signed sale contract and amendments, mortgage information, property tax details, real property report and compliance where applicable, condominium information, marital-status information and any documents the law office specifically requests.
Share important contract details
Make sure the lawyer receives information about deposits, included goods, holdbacks, repairs, tenant matters, assumed contracts, possession timing and any unusual terms.
Ask about sale proceeds
Confirm mortgage payout, legal fees, adjustments, commissions, possible penalties, required funds if proceeds are insufficient and how the remaining proceeds will be delivered.
13
Chapter 13
Plan the move and final property preparation
The seller must deliver the property according to the contract, not simply move out.
Utilities, insurance and address changes
Arrange final meter readings or account changes, but do not end essential services or insurance too early. Update mail, identification, banking, employer, subscriptions and service providers as applicable.
Complete agreed work
Finish documented repairs, removal of excluded goods, cleaning and other seller obligations by the required date. Keep invoices, permits or proof where the agreement calls for them.
Prepare the handoff
Collect house, garage, mailbox, shed and outbuilding keys; garage controls; alarm and door codes; appliance manuals; warranties; and useful property information. Do not leave unwanted belongings unless agreed in writing.
14
Chapter 14
Closing, possession and key release
Legal closing and physical possession are connected, but keys are not released until the transaction is ready.
Follow the possession terms
Vacate by the agreed time, leave the property in the required condition and keep access available for any agreed final walkthrough.
Keys follow legal confirmation
Key release occurs according to the purchase contract after the lawyers confirm the transaction is ready. Timing can vary, so do not promise early access or hand keys directly to the buyer without direction.
Keep the sale file
Retain the purchase contract, amendments, legal statement, tax information, improvement receipts and other important records for accounting, tax and future reference.
15
Chapter 15
After the sale
A completed possession is the end of the transaction, but questions and future planning can continue.
Confirm the practical details
Make sure mail forwarding, utility closures, insurance changes, tenant or condominium notifications and any post-closing obligations have been completed.
Ask before assuming
Questions about proceeds, taxes, legal adjustments, claims or contract obligations should go to the appropriate lawyer, accountant, insurer or real estate professional.
Stay connected
Keep your Realtor connected for future market information, property planning and the next purchase or sale.
General education and planning information only. Requirements vary by seller, lawyer, contract, property, municipality, condominium, lender and transaction. Legal, tax, title, disclosure, insurance and property-specific decisions should be confirmed with the appropriate qualified professional.