Selling a Home in Calgary 2025 | Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners

Happy family standing in their new home while holding sold real estate sing and looking at camera.

Selling a Home in Calgary 2025: Step-by-Step Guide

Thinking of selling your home in Calgary this year? Whether you are upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, the process can feel overwhelming. But with the right plan in place, it can also be smooth and stress free. In this guide, we will walk through every step of the home selling process so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.

Want the video version? Watch: Selling a Home in Calgary 2025 – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: When Is the Right Time to Sell Your Home in Calgary?

Start by understanding why you are selling and what your ideal timeline looks like. Do you need to buy something else before you sell? Are you moving for work or family? The clearer you are about your goals, the easier it is to build a plan that works.

Even if you are just exploring the idea of selling, now is a good time to get a feel for what homes like yours are selling for in your neighbourhood.

Step 2: Get a Free Calgary Home Evaluation

Getting an accurate home evaluation is essential. Do not rely on automated tools or a neighbour’s listing price. Every home is different and the Calgary market can shift quickly depending on the area and price point.

Having a real estate agent visit the property in person allows them to account for upgrades, layout, condition, and other details that impact value. This gives you a realistic price estimate based on current buyer demand and recent sales.

You can request a free home evaluation using the link below:

Request a Home Evaluation

Step 3: Choosing the Best Calgary Realtor to Sell Your Home

Your agent can make or break the selling experience. Look for someone who works full time, has local experience, and understands the Calgary market. There are over 7,000 agents in the city, but many are part time or do only a few deals per year.

The right agent will help you price the home correctly, prepare for showings, market your property effectively, and negotiate the best possible terms.

Step 4: How to Prepare Your Calgary Home for Sale

Preparing your home does not always mean costly renovations. Often, simple changes like a deep clean, decluttering, paint touch-ups, and improving curb appeal are enough to make a big difference.

Your agent should walk through the home and suggest changes that will appeal to buyers. If the home is vacant, they may recommend staging or virtual staging. The goal is to create a strong first impression both online and in person.

Step 5: What Are the Costs of Selling a Home in Calgary?

Selling your home involves more than just paying commission. Make sure you budget for the full range of expenses so there are no surprises.

Typical selling costs in Calgary include:

Real estate commissions (usually split between listing and buyer’s agents)
Legal fees (typically $1,500 to $2,000)
GST on commissions
Minor repairs or improvements

You can download a free Seller’s Guide below that includes a full breakdown:

Download the Seller’s Guide

Step 6: Listing Your Home and Real Estate Marketing in Calgary

Once the home is ready, your agent will arrange professional photography, measurements, and a video walkthrough. From there, the listing goes live on the MLS and is shared across real estate platforms.

But great marketing goes beyond just listing your home. Your agent should also promote it through social media, email marketing, and targeted ads. Calgary buyers often find homes online first, so quality media and wide exposure are key to getting more interest and better offers.

Step 7: How Showings and Open Houses Work in Calgary

Once listed, you will begin receiving showing requests. Being flexible with your schedule allows more buyers to see your home, which can lead to a quicker sale.

Your agent may also suggest an open house depending on your home’s location and buyer demand. They will help coordinate everything and guide you on how to keep the home show ready.

Step 8: Reviewing and Negotiating Offers on Your Calgary Home

When offers come in, your agent will help you evaluate each one. It is not just about the price. You also want to review the deposit, possession date, financing conditions, terms, and other key details.

The strongest offer is usually the one with the best overall terms and the highest likelihood of closing smoothly. Your agent will help you negotiate and respond to offers to ensure you get the best outcome possible.

Step 9: From Offer to Firm Sale and Legal Process in Calgary

Once you accept an offer and all conditions are satisfied, the sale becomes firm. That is when the real work behind the scenes begins.

Your agent will send the paperwork to your real estate lawyer. They will handle title transfers, coordinate with the buyer’s lawyer, discharge your mortgage, and arrange the final balance of funds.

You will usually meet with your lawyer about two weeks before possession day to review and sign the final documents.

Step 10: What to Expect on Possession Day When Selling a Home

On possession day, the buyer’s lawyer sends the money to your lawyer. Once funds are received and confirmed, the keys are released to the buyer and your home is officially sold.

If any repairs or services were promised before possession, the buyer’s agent will confirm that they have been completed. It is also a good idea to leave the home clean, remove all personal items, and leave any spare keys, garage remotes, and mailbox information on the counter for the next owner.

Your real estate agent will take care of the final handoff, and that’s it — the sale is complete.

Thinking About Selling Your Home in Calgary?

If you are thinking about selling your home in Calgary, feel free to reach out with questions or request a home evaluation. Even if you are just getting started, I am happy to help you make a plan.