Thinking about selling your home in Calgary? 🏡 One of the first questions sellers ask me is: “How does the process work, and how long does it take?”

The truth is, selling your home isn’t a one-day event—it’s a step-by-step process that moves from preparation to possession. Understanding this timeline helps you stay organized, stress less, and make confident decisions.

Here’s what the seller’s timeline usually looks like in Calgary.

Step 1: Preparation & Staging 🧹

Before your home ever hits the market, the work begins.

• Declutter and clean to make rooms feel spacious.

• Staging can highlight your home’s best features.

• Professional photos ensure your listing stands out online.

✨ First impressions matter—most buyers see your home online before they ever step through the door.

Step 2: Listing Your Home 📋

Your REALTOR® lists your home on MLS, making it visible to thousands of buyers and agents. Showings and open houses begin, and interest starts to build.

👉 Pro tip: This stage is all about visibility. The right pricing strategy and marketing plan make a big difference.

Step 3: Receiving & Accepting an Offer 🖊️

Once showings bring in interested buyers, the next step is negotiating an offer. This is where terms, price, and conditions are discussed.

✔️ Multiple offers can mean stronger results.
✔️ The accepted offer moves you forward into the next phase.

Step 4: Conditional Period 🔍

Most offers include a 7–10 day conditional period where the buyer completes:

• Home inspections

• Financing approval

• Condo document review (if applicable)

👉 During this stage, the home is “under contract” but not fully sold.

Step 5: Firm Sale = SOLD! 🎉

Once conditions are removed, the sale becomes firm. Paperwork is finalized, lawyers get involved, and the SOLD sign goes up on your front lawn.

This is often the moment when sellers can finally take a breath—it’s official!

Step 6: Possession Day 🔑

On possession day, the keys officially change hands and the buyer takes ownership. Sellers typically need to vacate the property by noon unless otherwise agreed upon.

👉 Possession day can feel emotional, but it’s also the exciting conclusion to the selling journey.

FAQs: Selling in Calgary

Q: How long does the whole process take?
From listing to possession, it often takes 30–90 days, depending on the market and possession dates.

Q: Can I sell faster if I need to?
Yes—with the right pricing and marketing strategy, some homes sell in days.

Q: What’s the most important step?
Preparation and pricing. Homes that show well and are priced correctly sell faster and for more money.

Q: When should I start preparing my home?
Ideally 2–4 weeks before listing to allow time for cleaning, staging, and photography.

Related Reading

• The Best Time to Sell Your Home in Calgary

• Pricing Strategy 101 for Calgary Sellers: How to Price Your Home to Sell

• Why Fall 2025 Could Be the BEST Time to Sell in Calgary

Selling your home in Calgary doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the seller’s timeline—from preparation and staging to possession day—you’ll know exactly what to expect at each stage.

✨ A smooth sale comes down to preparation, pricing, and having the right support in your corner.

Thinking about selling?
💬 DM me “TIMELINE” and I’ll send you my free Seller’s Timeline Guide with tips to help you plan every step.

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.

Calgary Real Estate Market Update – May 2025
Balanced Inventory, Steady Prices, and Strategic Opportunity for Both Buyers and Sellers

As we head into the summer months, Calgary’s real estate market continues to show signs of stabilization. According to the latest CREB® Market Report for May 2025, the city’s housing market is experiencing a return to more balanced conditions—welcoming news for both buyers and sellers navigating a shifting landscape.

Inventory on the Rise, But Below Long-Term Averages

May saw a 38% year-over-year increase in inventory levels, with 4,404 properties available across all sectors. While this marks a significant gain from last year’s ultra-tight conditions, supply still remains 29% below long-term May averages. Buyers now have more choice, but sellers continue to benefit from a competitive marketplace, especially in the lower to mid-price ranges.

Sales Slowing, But Still Above Normal

Sales activity cooled slightly compared to earlier in the year, with 3,092 homes sold in May. That’s down 5% from last month but still 34% higher than long-term trends for May. Detached homes remain the most active sector, accounting for nearly half of all transactions, particularly in the $600K–$700K price range.

Prices Hold Steady, Growth Slowing

Calgary’s benchmark residential price in May reached $595,800, up 0.6% from April and 8.3% from May 2024. While annual price growth is still positive, the pace has clearly moderated. Detached homes hit a benchmark of $746,300, up 10.6% year-over-year, while semi-detached and row properties posted moderate annual gains of 8.2% and 15.6% respectively.

The apartment sector saw the smallest annual price growth at 13.3%, suggesting this segment may be plateauing after months of rapid gains.

New Listings Trend Upward

With 4,333 new listings in May—an 18% increase from April—many homeowners appear to be timing the market to take advantage of still-strong prices. The sales-to-new-listings ratio sat at 71%, indicating solid demand but also slightly reduced urgency compared to earlier months.

Months of Supply Increasing, Signaling Balance

The months of supply edged up to 1.43, the highest level since 2023. While still a seller-favoured market by definition, this shift points to better conditions for buyers, especially those who have been waiting on the sidelines for more selection.

What This Means for You

• Sellers: Strategic pricing is more important than ever. With more inventory coming to market, buyers have options—making presentation, marketing, and negotiation critical to securing top dollar.

• Buyers: Increased supply means less pressure and more time to make informed decisions. However, desirable homes in prime neighbourhoods are still moving quickly—don’t wait too long.

• Investors: Rental demand remains high, particularly in the apartment and row home sectors. Slight cooling in price growth offers room for acquisition in emerging areas.

Final Thoughts

Calgary’s housing market in May 2025 reflects a transition—not a downturn. With a growing population, relatively low inventory, and steady demand, the fundamentals remain strong. Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or invest, staying informed and working with a trusted professional can help you navigate these evolving market conditions confidently.

Want a detailed breakdown of how this affects your specific property or neighbourhood?
📩 Contact Me Today for a personalized market update.

Source CREB.com

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.