Selling your home in Calgary is a big milestone, but many sellers are surprised by what comes next. Once your home is sold and the offer is accepted, the question becomes: how long until the sale is officially closed and you get paid?
In this post, I’ll walk you through the typical closing timeline in Calgary, what affects the speed of closing, and how to make the process as smooth as possible.
Typical Closing Timeline in Calgary
In Calgary’s real estate market, selling a home typically follows a three month cycle from the time it’s listed to the day the new owner takes possession. While every transaction is unique, this general timeline offers a helpful framework for what sellers can expect.
From Listing to Possession: A Typical Calgary Home Sale Timeline
- Listing and Marketing (Weeks 1–4):
Once your home is listed, it generally takes a few weeks to attract buyer interest, host showings, and receive an offer. In balanced market conditions, many homes in Calgary receive offers within the first two to four weeks. In strong seller’s markets you could receive offers within a few hours of listing. - Offer Accepted and Condition Period (Week 4–5):
After accepting an offer, there’s typically a condition period lasting 7 to 10 days. During this time, the buyer will complete due diligence such as securing final mortgage approval and arranging a home inspection. Once satisfied, they formally remove conditions and the deal becomes firm. - Legal and Closing Process (Day 1–60 after condition removal):
Once the sale is firm, lawyers representing both parties begin processing legal documents and arranging for the transfer of title, mortgage payout, and final disbursements.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of that post sale period:
- Day 1–7: Conditions are removed and both parties instruct their lawyers to begin the closing process.
- Day 8–30: Lawyers prepare documents, confirm financials, and ensure all legal requirements are met.
- Day 30–60: On the agreed possession date, the buyer’s lender transfers mortgage funds to the seller’s lawyer. The title is transferred, and the buyer receives the keys.
While 30 to 60 days is standard from condition removal to possession, timelines can vary depending on the buyer’s financing, legal complexities, or the agreed possession date in the contract.
What Can Affect the Timeline?
Several factors can speed up or delay the closing of your Calgary home:
1. Buyer Conditions
If the buyer includes conditions such as a home inspection or financing approval, it may take a few days, or even weeks for them to waive those conditions. The deal isn’t firm until that happens.
2. Legal and Title Work
Both the buyer and seller need real estate lawyers to complete the sale. If there are any title issues, liens, or delays in document signing, that can slow things down. For example, I once sold a townhouse where the condo plan had incorrect unit placements and we couldn’t close for over half a year while the lawyers sorted it out behind the scenes.
3. Buyer’s Financing
Even if a buyer is pre-approved, final mortgage approval and funding can take time. Lenders will often recheck income and employment before finalizing everything.
4. Possession Date Negotiations
The closing date is typically negotiated as part of the offer. Some sellers need a quick close. Others want time to find a new home. This is flexible but must be agreed on by both parties. It isn’t uncommon to have super quick possessions as well as closing dates that are pushed back into the future as every transaction is different.
5. Sale of Buyer’s Home Condition
Some offers have a clause where the potential buyer can’t buy the home until they sell their own home, and in challenging markets this could delay the entire process.
When Do You Get Paid?
Sellers usually receive their money on the day of possession. After the title officially transfers and the buyer’s mortgage funds clear, your lawyer will deposit the proceeds into your account, minus commissions, legal fees, and any mortgage payout amounts.
Depending on your lawyer and the bank, this might take a few hours but typically happens the same day.
Click here to read my article on the full breakdown of how much it costs to sell a home in Calgary.
Can You Close Faster?
Yes, if both parties agree and all paperwork is in order, some Calgary home sales close in as little as 10 to 21 days. This is more common in vacant homes, cash deals, or when the buyer waives conditions quickly.
If speed is important to you, your real estate agent can help structure your listing and negotiations to attract buyers who are ready to move fast.
Final Thoughts
From accepted offer to possession day, most Calgary home sales close in 30 to 60 days. Staying organized and working with a responsive lawyer and real estate agent can make the process easier and faster.
Have questions about selling your home or timing your next move?
Let’s chat about your options. I’d be happy to walk you through what to expect based on your timeline and situation.
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