Conditional Offers and Closing Preparation for Alberta Sellers

Read the whole offer before comparing prices

A buyer's proposed price is only part of an offer. The conditions, deposit terms, possession arrangements, included items and seller obligations can materially affect whether the proposal works for you. Review the full package with your representative before accepting or countering.

FCAC identifies financing, inspection and sale of the buyer's existing property as examples of conditions and notes that conditions usually have time limits. The precise wording governs what must happen in your transaction. A conditional offer should never be treated as a casual expression of interest or as a guaranteed completed sale.

Sources: FCAC, Selling a home, October 10, 2025

Turn conditions into a practical calendar

After acceptance, record each condition's exact deadline, the person responsible and the required communication. Include the time of day when the contract specifies one. Ask your representative how you will receive updates and what evidence confirms the condition's status.

Also record tasks that support the process, such as access for an inspector, appraiser or contractor. Offer sensible appointment options and keep the relevant equipment accessible. If the buyer requests information, find the actual record rather than providing an unsupported assurance to speed things along.

RECA advises that a financing-condition extension should be agreed by the parties in writing before the original deadline. Do not assume a request for more time changes the contract. Ask your representative or lawyer to explain the effect of missed deadlines and the options available under your signed terms.

Sources: RECA, Financing deadlines article

Respond to inspection requests deliberately

An inspection may lead to a request for repairs, further investigation or a price adjustment. First establish what the buyer is asking for and which finding supports the request. A technical concern may need assessment by the appropriate trade or specialist before you can sensibly agree to a remedy.

If you agree to work, make the scope, completion timing and documentation clear in the written amendment. Avoid an informal promise to “fix everything” when the parties have different expectations. If completion before possession is impractical, seek legal advice about any proposed alternative. Do not improvise a holdback or side arrangement without understanding its terms.

Start legal preparation early

Give your lawyer the accepted contract and amendments promptly. Ask for a transaction-specific document checklist and appointment schedule. Identify travel, signing availability or ownership circumstances that could make last-minute arrangements difficult.

Use a working folder for the Real Property Report and municipal response where required, repair records, property-tax information and other requested documents. RECA has highlighted a disciplinary case in which late review of a title encroachment agreement raised potential closing delays. The practical lesson is to investigate title-related questions early, not wait for the moving truck.

Sources: RECA, June 2022 case summaries, reporting period May 3–June 13, 2022

Make possession a checklist

Compare your packing plan with the contract's included and excluded items. Confirm which appliances, fixtures and other items must remain. Record agreed repairs and arrange a final check that they are complete. Ask how keys, garage remotes and access devices should be delivered.

Check insurance and utility arrangements with the relevant providers so changes align with your responsibilities. If the property will be vacant, ask your insurer about any conditions that apply. Plan for waste removal and the agreed condition of the home at possession.

Finally, ask your lawyer when sale funds are expected to be available and how you will be notified that closing can proceed. Avoid promising those funds elsewhere based solely on a calendar date. Marian Dycoco can help organize the sale-side timeline while your lawyer handles the legal closing questions.