The Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Home in Ottawa

Selling a home is a big decision — one that comes with a lot of moving parts. Even if you’ve been through the buying process before, selling brings a new perspective. Understanding what’s involved at every stage will help you make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and maximize your return.

Use this guide to walk through the process with confidence.

Step 1: Hire an Experienced Real Estate Agent

While it’s possible to sell a home on your own, most homeowners turn to a licensed Realtor for support — and for good reason. An experienced agent brings local market knowledge, pricing strategy, and marketing tools to help you attract serious buyers and get the best deal possible.

Key Benefits of Working with an Agent:

• Market expertise and comparable sales data

• Professional photography and marketing tools

• Listing across the MLS and high-traffic real estate sites

• Scheduling and managing showings

• Negotiating offers and managing paperwork

Tip: Interview 3–5 agents before making your decision. Ask about their commission rate, listing agreement terms, and how they handle showings and negotiations.

Step 2: Set the Right Price

Overpricing your home is one of the biggest mistakes sellers make. A price that’s too high can lead to extended time on the market — or no sale at all. Your real estate agent will conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to help you determine a competitive asking price based on similar properties in your neighbourhood.

Setting a realistic price from the start increases your chances of a faster sale and can generate multiple offers.

Step 3: Prepare Your Home for Sale

Making a strong first impression is essential. Buyers are more likely to make an offer on a home that’s clean, well-maintained, and move-in ready. Your agent can provide a checklist of minor repairs or updates that can boost your home’s appeal.

Common Pre-Listing Fixes:

• Apply fresh paint in neutral tones

• Repair doors, windows, and cabinets

• Replace worn-out carpeting or flooring

• Ensure all lights, switches, and plumbing fixtures work

Focus on updates that offer the most visual impact for the least investment.

Step 4: Stage Your Home

Staging helps buyers imagine themselves living in your space. This may mean rearranging furniture, removing personal items, and creating an open, clutter-free atmosphere. Think: model home.

Tips for Staging Success:

• Deep clean every room — top to bottom

• Declutter countertops, shelves, and storage areas

• Remove personal photos and memorabilia

• Eliminate pet odors and allergens

• Maximize natural light by opening curtains or blinds

• Define each room’s purpose (home office, guest room, etc.)

Staging can lead to higher offers and a faster sale.

Step 5: List Your Home

Your agent will handle the listing process, including professional photography, writing the listing description, and syndicating it across major real estate platforms.

You’ll also complete a Seller Disclosure Form, which outlines any known issues with the property — past or present. Transparency helps build buyer trust and reduces the chance of surprises down the road.

Step 6: Show Your Home

Once listed, your home will start attracting interest. Your agent will coordinate and schedule showings with potential buyers. Flexibility is key — buyers may want to view your home in the evenings or on weekends.

Pro tip: Consider using a lockbox or smart entry system to make showings easier to accommodate.

Keep the home clean, well-lit, and ready to show on short notice.

Step 7: Review Offers and Negotiate

When offers come in, your agent will help you review each one. Even if an initial offer is lower than expected, don’t dismiss it right away — negotiation is part of the process.

You can:

• Accept the offer as-is

• Reject the offer outright

• Submit a counteroffer (adjusting price, conditions, or timeline)

A well-priced home in Ottawa’s active market may even attract multiple offers — giving you negotiating power.

Step 8: Enter the Escrow Period

Once you accept an offer, the buyer will submit a deposit known as earnest money to show their commitment. The sale then moves into escrow — a period where conditions are met and financing is arranged.

During this time, the buyer will schedule:

• A home inspection

• A property appraisal

Step 9: Manage the Home Inspection and Appraisal

The home inspection is a detailed evaluation of the property’s condition. If issues are found, the buyer may request repairs, a price reduction, or additional credits before closing.

Be prepared to negotiate, but also know that minor cosmetic flaws are usually not deal-breakers.

The appraisal ensures the home is worth the agreed-upon price. If the appraisal comes in lower than expected, your agent will help you evaluate your options — such as lowering the price or disputing the appraisal.

Step 10: Close the Sale

Once the buyer’s financing is approved and all conditions have been met, the final paperwork will be signed. On closing day, you’ll transfer ownership of the property.

Make sure to hand over:

• House keys

• Garage remotes

• Mailbox and gate keys

• Any manuals or warranties

The funds from the sale will be wired to your account or issued as a certified cheque. Congratulations — you’ve successfully sold your home!

Thinking of Selling Your Home in Ottawa?

Let’s talk strategy. Contact us today for a free home evaluation and expert guidance through every step of the selling process.