Selling your home is a big decision, and the process can feel overwhelming without a clear plan. That’s why we’ve broken it down into six essential steps to help you move forward with confidence. From choosing the right realtor to preparing your home, marketing it effectively, navigating offers, closing the deal, and making your move, this guide walks you through each phase of the journey. Whether you’re a first-time seller or it’s been a while since your last sale, this roadmap will keep you informed, organized, and in control from start to finish.
It's a Big Deal!
.png)
Step 1
Deciding to Sell Your Home
Is it time to move on? Let’s help you decide. Selling your home is a big decision; emotionally, financially, and logistically. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, relocating, or just ready for a change, it’s important to start with a clear picture of your goals and what to expect from the process.
.png)
Is now the right time to sell?
Ask yourself the following questions:
-
Has your life situation changed? (Job, family, relationship, retirement, etc.)
-
Does your home no longer meet your needs?
-
Are you financially prepared for a move?
-
Are you curious about how much your home is worth?
Talking to a real estate professional early on can help you understand your options, even if you're just in the “thinking about it” phase.
Is Your Home Market-Ready?
It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should shine. Start thinking about:
-
Decluttering and depersonalizing
-
Minor repairs or touch-ups
-
Curb appeal
-
Professional staging or styling
You don’t need to do it all alone, a good realtor can guide you through what’s worth doing (and what’s not).
Understanding the Financial Side
Before you list your home, get a clear view of the numbers:
-
What’s your home worth right now?
(A realtor can provide a Comparative Market Analysis.) -
What do you still owe on your mortgage?
-
What are the costs of selling?
(e.g., realtor commissions, closing costs, repairs, staging) -
Will you need to buy a new home right away?
Knowing your equity position helps you plan your next move.
What’s the Timeline?
The process of selling a home typically includes:
-
Prepping your home (2–4 weeks)
-
Listing and marketing (1–2 weeks)
-
Showings and open houses (2–4 weeks)
-
Offers and negotiation
-
Closing and moving (typically 30–60 days after offer acceptance)
Some sellers need to move fast. Others want to take their time. Either way, setting expectations early helps keep things on track.
What’s your motivation?
Be honest with yourself:
Are you selling to capitalize on the market? To reduce stress? To start fresh?
Understanding your why will help guide your how, and keep you grounded through the ups and downs of the process.
Step 2
Choosing the right Realtor
Selling your home is a big deal, emotionally and financially. That’s why choosing the right realtor can make all the difference. The right agent will guide you through the process, advocate for your interests, and help you get the best possible price with the least amount of stress. Here’s how to make sure you pick the right one.
.png)
Look for Local Market Knowledge
Your realtor should know your neighbourhood like the back of their hand. Ask questions like:
-
How many homes have you sold in this area?
-
What’s the average sale time right now?
-
What are buyers looking for in this neighbourhood?
Tip: Local expertise = better pricing strategy and better marketing.
Check Out Their Marketing Game
How your home is presented matters. Ask potential realtors:
-
Do you use professional photography and staging?
-
Will my home be listed on MLS and promoted online?
-
Do you use social media or video marketing?
A strong marketing plan means more eyes on your listing and a faster, better sale.
Read Reviews & Ask for References
Don’t just take their word for it. Look for online reviews or ask to speak with past clients. You're trusting this person with a major transaction, a little homework goes a long way.
Trust Your Gut
You’re going to be working closely with this person. If something feels off, it probably is. The right realtor will make you feel supported, respected, and in control of the process.
Experience Matters, But So Does Compatibility
An agent with years of experience is great, but if your communication styles don’t align, it might not be a good fit. Choose someone who:
-
Listens to your needs
-
Answers your questions clearly
-
Makes you feel confident and informed
Ask for a Listing Strategy
A great realtor should come prepared with:
-
A pricing recommendation backed by data
-
A timeline for listing and open houses
-
Suggestions to get your home “market ready”
If they don’t have a plan, keep looking.
Ask for a Listing Strategy
Before signing anything, understand:
-
What commission they charge
-
If you’ll be locked into a contract
-
What happens if you want to switch agents
Transparency is key.
What to Look For
✅ Local expertise
✅ Clear communication
✅ Strong marketing
✅ Strategic plan
✅ Good reviews
✅ Transparent terms
✅ A good vibe
Step 3
Getting Ready to Sell Your Home
Once you’ve decided to sell, the next step is getting your home market-ready. This doesn’t mean a full renovation, but a clean, well-staged, and well-presented home can make a huge difference in how quickly it sells and for how much. Here’s how to get your home ready to impress buyers.
.png)
Declutter & Depersonalize
Buyers need to picture themselves living in your space — not you.
-
Remove personal items like family photos, mail, and memorabilia
-
Clear off counters and shelves
-
Store away seasonal or excess furniture
-
Aim for a clean, open, and neutral look in every room
Tip: Less is more. If in doubt, pack it up early!
Consider Professional Staging
Staging can highlight your home’s best features and make every space feel more inviting.
Options include:
-
DIY staging using your own furniture and decor
-
Partial staging to enhance key rooms (like the living room, kitchen, and primary bedroom)
-
Full staging for vacant homes or luxury listings
Your realtor can guide you on whether staging is worth it for your home and market.
Boost Your Curb Appeal
First impressions happen before the door even opens.
-
Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and weed the garden
-
Clean walkways, gutters, and the front porch
-
Paint or freshen up the front door
-
Add potted plants or seasonal decor
You want the outside to say, “Welcome home.”
Plan for Showings
Once your home hits the market, it needs to be ready for buyers to walk through, often with short notice.
-
Have a plan for pets, kids, and valuables
-
Keep the home tidy daily
-
Be ready to leave during showings or open houses
Pro Tip: Keep a laundry basket handy for last-minute clutter sweeps!
Make Minor Repairs
Small details can make a big impact.
-
Fix leaky faucets, loose handles, squeaky doors, or cracked tiles
-
Touch up paint scuffs and holes in the wall
-
Replace burnt-out lightbulbs or outdated fixtures
-
Repair anything that might raise red flags during showings
Think like a buyer: What would stand out to you if you were touring your home?
Deep Clean: Like, Really Deep!
A spotless home signals that it’s been well cared for.
-
Clean baseboards, windows, floors, and light fixtures
-
Scrub kitchens and bathrooms until they sparkle
-
Eliminate pet smells, smoke, or strong cooking odors
Consider hiring a professional cleaning service before listing
Get Ready for Photography
Professional photos are a must — they’re your home’s first introduction to buyers online.
Before the shoot:
-
Turn on all lights
-
Open blinds/curtains for natural light
-
Clear all surfaces and hide cords
-
Make beds, fluff pillows, and tidy everything
Your realtor or photographer may provide a full prep list for photo day.
Are you ready to list?
Getting your home ready doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right plan and a great realtor by your side, you’ll be set up for a smooth and successful sale.
Step 4
Marketing your Home
Attract the right buyers. Get the best offer.
A great marketing plan is more than a For Sale sign and a listing on MLS. It’s about presenting your home in the best possible light, reaching the right audience, and generating buzz — online and offline. Here’s how marketing your home should look, and what both you and your realtor can do to make it a success.
.png)
What Your Realtor Should Be Doing
A good agent doesn’t just list your home, they launch it! Here's what they should bring to the table:
1. Professional Photography and Virtual Tour
-
High-quality, well-lit photos that highlight your home’s best features
-
Drone shots or video walkthroughs for extra wow factor
-
Floor plans to help buyers visualize the layout
-
Virtual tour: Video or a Matterport
Pro Tip: This is non-negotiable. Listings with professional photography get more views and better offers.
3. Printed Materials That Sell
-
Feature sheets with photos, floor plans, and key details
-
Brochures or postcards for open houses
-
Neighbourhood guides or custom info packets for interested buyers
These materials should be beautiful and informative — not just printed from the office copier.
5. Paid Ads for More Reach
-
Facebook & Instagram ads to target local and out-of-town buyers
-
Google ads or boosted listings on Realtor.ca
-
Postcard drops to nearby homes or condo buildings
A smart mix of organic and paid marketing ensures your listing gets noticed.
2. Eye-Catching Signage
-
A well-designed “For Sale” sign on your lawn
-
Directional signs in the neighborhood for open houses
-
Clear contact info and QR codes linking to your online listing
Curbside interest still matters!
4. Online Listings & Social Media Marketing
Your home should be featured:
-
On the MLS (Multiple Listing Service)
-
On top real estate websites like Realtor.ca, Zillow, and the agent’s site
-
On Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok with engaging content
-
In email newsletters or blog posts that go out to potential buyers and agents
Your agent should know how to create social content that stops the scroll.
6. Open Houses & Private Showings
-
Professionally hosted open houses (with great signage, music, snacks, and printed materials)
-
Private showings scheduled at buyer-friendly times
-
Follow-up with everyone who tours the home
Your agent should help make your home feel welcoming, comfortable, and memorable.
What You Can Do as the Seller
Your role is just as important, especially in keeping the home show-ready and promoting the listing to your own network.
Keep Your Home in Show-Ready Condition
-
Tidy up daily: clean counters, make beds, empty trash
-
Leave during showings when possible
-
Keep pets out of sight and smells under control
Be Flexible With Showings
-
The more buyers who see your home, the better your chances
-
Try to be accommodating with viewing times, even if it's short notice
Share Your Listing!
-
Post the listing on your own social media
-
Tell friends, coworkers, and neighbours
-
Share what you love about the home or neighbourhood
Your network might know someone looking for a place just like yours.
The Goal: Maximum Exposure = Maximum Offers
-
The more people who see your home; online, in person, or through word-of-mouth, the more likely you are to get the right offer, quickly and with less stress.
Step 5
Closing the Sale
From offer to keys, here’s how the deal gets done.
You’ve received an offer, exciting! But now what? Closing the sale involves several key steps, and your realtor will guide you through every one of them. Here's what to expect from the moment that offer hits the table, all the way to handing over the keys.
.png)
Reviewing the Offer
When a buyer submits an offer (called an Agreement of Purchase and Sale), your realtor will:
-
Review the price, deposit, terms, and conditions with you
-
Explain the closing date (the date ownership transfers)
-
Highlight any subjects (conditions) the buyer has included (like financing, inspection, or sale of their own home)
Your job: Decide whether to accept, reject, or counter the offer. Your realtor will negotiate on your behalf to get you the best possible outcome.
Subject Removal (a.k.a. Going Firm)
The sale isn’t technically sold until the buyer removes all subjects/conditions in writing.
Common subjects include:
-
Financing approval from the buyer’s lender
-
Home inspection satisfaction
-
Review of strata documents (for condos or townhomes)
-
Property appraisal
Once the buyer removes all conditions, the deal is firm. You should then receive a deposit, usually 24 hours after the subject removal day.
What Are the Seller’s Closing Costs?
Here’s what you can expect to pay at closing:
-
Realtor commission: Typically 7% on the 1st $100,000 and 3% on the balance of the sale price (split between buyer/seller agents)
-
Legal fees: $800-$1,500 depending on complexity
-
Mortgage discharge fee: Varies by lender
-
Moving costs: Movers, cleaning, storage (optional)
Accepting the Offer
Once you’ve accepted an offer:
-
The clock starts ticking on the subject removal period — usually 5 to 10 business days, depending on what was agreed.
Your realtor will:
-
Keep you updated on the buyer’s progress with their conditions
-
Continue marketing your home until the offer becomes firm (unless agreed otherwise)
Legal & Financial Steps to Closing
At this point, it’s time to get everything in place for the final handover.
You’ll need to:
-
Hire a real estate lawyer or notary public to handle the paperwork
-
Gather documents: mortgage details, property tax info, strata forms (if applicable), and utility accounts
-
Provide a void cheque for any adjustments (taxes, utilities, etc.)
-
Make arrangements for moving day
Your lawyer will:
-
Prepare the Statement of Adjustments showing final costs
-
Discharge your mortgage
-
Handle the transfer of title to the buyer
Receive the sale proceeds and disburse funds to you after closing day.
Step 6
What’s Next: Transitioning After the Sale
You sold your home, now it’s time to plan your next chapter.
Closing the sale is a huge milestone, but the journey isn’t over yet. From packing up to settling in somewhere new, there are still a few more steps to take, and we’re here to help guide you through them.
.png)
Planning Your Move
Start early to reduce stress. Here’s what to consider:
✅ Moving Checklist
-
Book professional movers or rent a truck (they fill up fast!)
-
Gather boxes, tape, labels, and packing supplies
-
Start packing non-essentials first (seasonal items, décor)
-
Notify utility companies of your move date
-
Change your address with Canada Post, banks, insurance, etc.
-
Set aside essentials for moving day (clothes, meds, chargers, important papers)
Your realtor may have trusted moving, cleaning, and junk removal referrals, don’t hesitate to ask!
​
Pro tip: You can reach out to us for a free moving list!
Emotional Transition
Leaving a home is a big deal, it’s okay to feel nostalgic, excited, sad, or all of the above.
​
Tips for navigating the emotional side:
-
Take photos of the home one last time
-
Write a letter to the new owners if you feel inspired
-
Focus on what you’re moving toward, not just what you’re leaving behind
Take breaks and breathe, moving is hard work
Stay Connected
Even after the sale, we’re still here for you.
-
Need a referral for a lawyer, mover, or contractor? Just ask.
-
Wondering about the real estate market where you’re headed? We can help.
-
Thinking about buying again soon? Let’s get a plan in place.
Want to know what your old home sold for in the future? We’ll keep you in the loop.
Preparing the Home for the New Owners
Leave the place how you’d want to find it:
-
Do a final clean (or hire a cleaner if needed)
-
Remove all belongings and garbage
-
Leave keys, remotes, and any warranties/instructions for appliances
-
Ensure the home is in the condition agreed upon in the contract
A smooth handover makes for happy buyers — and avoids last-minute issues.
Where Are You Headed Next?
Everyone’s next chapter looks different. You might be:
-
Moving into your next home (ask us for buying guidance!)
-
Renting while you wait for the right place
-
Relocating to a new city or province
-
Downsizing, upsizing, or moving in with family
Whatever your next move, a great realtor can help you plan your strategy and timing, so you’re not left in limbo.
Moving On, Moving Forward
Selling a home is more than a transaction, it’s a transition. The good news? You don’t have to navigate it alone.
​
We’re here to support you through this move and whatever comes next.