Selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make, and the right preparation makes all the difference between a smooth sale and a stressful one. Mary Bark and David Szusz of The Real Estate Team, REALTORS® with RE/MAX River City, have put together this guide to walk you through every stage of the process, from your first thought about listing to handing over the keys.

We work across Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Leduc, Beaumont, and the rural areas of Strathcona County, Sturgeon County, and Parkland County, so wherever your property is, we understand the local market dynamics that affect your sale.

Step 1: Deciding It Is Time to Sell

Before you list, take stock of your reasons and your timeline. Are you upsizing, downsizing, relocating for work, or simplifying your life? Your motivation shapes your strategy. A seller who needs to close quickly will price and negotiate differently than one who can wait for the right offer. Talk with your team about your goals so the plan we build actually fits your life, not just the market.

Step 2: An Honest Pricing Conversation

Pricing is the single biggest factor in how quickly your home sells and how much you net. We prepare a comparative market analysis using recent sales of similar properties in your specific neighbourhood, factoring in lot size, condition, upgrades, and current buyer demand. Overpricing a home almost always backfires. It sits on the market longer, buyers start to wonder what is wrong with it, and you often end up settling for less than if you had priced it accurately from day one.

Step 3: Preparing Your Home to Sell

First impressions happen online before a buyer ever sets foot in your home. We recommend:

A deep clean of every room, including baseboards, windows, and closets. Decluttering so buyers can picture their own belongings in the space. Minor repairs such as leaky faucets, chipped paint, or squeaky doors. Fresh, neutral paint where rooms feel dated or overly personal. Curb appeal touches like a tidy lawn, trimmed hedges, and a clean front entry.

Staging does not need to be expensive. Sometimes rearranging existing furniture and removing excess pieces makes the biggest visual impact.

Step 4: Professional Photography and Marketing

Once your home is ready, our team arranges professional photography and, where it suits the property, video or drone footage. Your listing is then distributed through Paragon to the MLS system, your dedicated MyRealPage listing page, our Instagram and Facebook channels, and BoldTrail email campaigns to buyers actively searching in your area. We write a compelling listing description that highlights what makes your property stand out, not just a list of features.

Step 5: Showings and Open Houses

We coordinate all showing requests and keep you informed at every step. Some sellers prefer a series of private showings, others benefit from a well attended open house early in the listing period to build momentum. We will recommend the approach that fits your home and your comfort level with people in your space.

Step 6: Reviewing Offers

When an offer comes in, we walk you through every clause, not just the price. Conditions around financing, home inspection, and closing date all matter, and a slightly lower offer with cleaner conditions can sometimes be the stronger choice. We negotiate on your behalf to get you the best possible outcome on price and terms together.

Step 7: Conditions, Inspections, and Financing

Most offers in our market include conditions, commonly financing approval and a home inspection. We help you respond to any issues that come up during inspection, whether that means a price adjustment, a repair, or simply documentation showing the issue has already been addressed.

Step 8: Closing Day

Once conditions are removed, your lawyer handles the legal transfer of title and the funds are exchanged. We stay involved right through to possession day, coordinating timing, key handoff, and any final details so nothing falls through the cracks.

Common Seller Questions

How long will my home take to sell? It depends on price, condition, location, and the current market, but we will give you a realistic estimate based on comparable listings before you sign anything.

Do I need to be there for showings? No. In fact, it is usually better for buyers to view the home without the seller present so they feel free to look closely and talk openly with their agent.

What costs should I expect as a seller? Typical costs include real estate commission, legal fees, any agreed upon repairs, and your mortgage discharge fee if applicable. We will walk through a full net proceeds estimate with you before you list.

Can I sell and buy at the same time? Yes, and it is something we manage often. We will help structure closing dates and possession conditions so your sale and purchase line up as smoothly as possible.

Why Sell With The Real Estate Team

Mary Bark and David Szusz bring local market knowledge, a proven marketing system, and a steady, honest approach to every listing. Mary also serves as Managing Liaison on the Edmonton and Area Local Group Advertising Committee, giving our team additional insight into how homes are marketed and positioned across the region. Whether your property is in the heart of Edmonton or out in Rural Parkland County, you get a team that treats your sale like it is the only one we are working on.

Ready to talk about listing your home? Reach out any time.

The Real Estate Team Mary Bark and David Szusz, REALTORS® RE/MAX River City 780.905.6255 thereteam.ca