When selling your home in St. Albert or the surrounding areas like Edmonton and Sturgeon County, receiving an offer is an exciting moment — but it’s far from the end of the journey. Once you accept an offer, several important steps occur before the sale officially closes. Understanding what happens next can help you stay prepared, avoid delays, and ensure a smooth real estate transaction.
1. The Offer Becomes a Binding Agreement
Once both the buyer and seller sign the offer, it becomes a legally binding contract known as a Purchase Agreement. In Alberta, this agreement outlines all conditions, deadlines, responsibilities, and financial terms. Your St. Albert Realtor will review the documents with you to make sure everything is clear and accurate.
2. Conditional Period (Also Known as the “Subject-To” Phase)
Most offers include conditions that must be satisfied before the sale becomes firm. Common conditions include:
- Financing – The buyer must secure mortgage approval from their lender.
- Home Inspection – A certified Canadian inspector assesses the property.
- Condo Document Review (if applicable) – For condos in St. Albert or Edmonton, a condo specialist reviews financial and structural documents.
- Sale of Buyer’s Home – Occasionally included if the buyer needs to sell their property first.
The conditional period typically lasts 5–14 days in Alberta, though timelines vary depending on the property type and market conditions.
3. Buyer’s Deposit
Once the offer is accepted, the buyer submits a deposit (often held in trust by the buyer’s brokerage). This shows seriousness and commitment. Under Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA) rules, all trust funds must be handled in accordance with provincial regulations.
4. Satisfying or Waiving Conditions
After completing inspections, securing financing, and reviewing documents, the buyer will either:
- Waive the conditions – The sale becomes firm.
- Not waive the conditions – The offer collapses (and the deposit is usually returned unless otherwise stated).
Your Realtor will guide you through this stage and help address any renegotiations that may arise based on inspection results or lending requirements.
5. Preparing for Closing Day
Once all conditions are removed, both parties begin preparing for closing. This includes several important steps:
- Hiring a real estate lawyer (or confirming the one you already work with)
- Providing necessary documentation such as RPR (Real Property Report) and compliance, required in most Alberta transactions
- Coordinating utilities and property tax adjustments
- Booking movers and organizing possession timelines
In St. Albert and across Alberta, lawyers handle the transfer of funds, title registration, and mortgage payouts.
6. Lawyer Review and Signing Documents
Your lawyer will contact you before closing to sign the final paperwork. This will include:
- Transfer of land documents
- Payout statements for mortgages or liens
- Adjustments for taxes, HOA fees, or condo fees
Alberta’s land title system, overseen by the Government of Alberta, ensures secure and transparent ownership transfer.
7. Possession Day
On possession day — usually noon in Alberta — the buyer’s lawyer releases funds to your lawyer, and keys are transferred through the Realtors involved. Your St. Albert Realtor will confirm that everything has been processed properly before handing over keys.
8. After the Sale
Once the sale is complete, you may need to:
- Cancel or transfer home insurance
- Redirect mail
- Finalize utility cancellations
- Retain documents for tax purposes
Your Realtor may also conduct a follow-up to ensure your transition goes smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Accepting an offer in St. Albert is just the beginning of the closing journey. With a knowledgeable St. Albert Realtor guiding the process — and the support of Alberta-regulated professionals like lawyers and inspectors — you can move confidently through each step. Whether you’re buying or selling in St. Albert, Edmonton, or Sturgeon County, understanding what happens after accepting an offer ensures a smoother, stress-free real estate experience.
