Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones in life—but what happens after your offer is accepted? Many clients ask me, “Now that I’ve bought the house, what’s next?”
If you’re buying a home in Alberta, it’s important to understand the steps between offer acceptance and receiving your keys. Here’s what you can expect once you go under contract—and how I help make it smooth and stress-free.
Step 1: Finalizing Conditions
Most offers come with conditions like financing approval, home inspection, or reviewing condominium documents. Once your offer is accepted, you typically have 7–10 days to satisfy these.
Common conditions include:
- Financing approval: Your mortgage broker works with your lender to finalize the loan.
- Home inspection: A licensed inspector checks the home’s structure, systems, and overall condition.
- Reviewing condo documents (if applicable): For condos, you’ll review bylaws, reserve fund studies, and meeting minutes.
Once all conditions are met, we’ll sign a Waiver of Conditions—this makes the sale firm.
🔍 Read our Home Buying FAQ for more insights on conditions.
Step 2: Your Deposit & Legal Documents
You’ll have already submitted your initial deposit with the offer, but now it’s time to engage a real estate lawyer. Your lawyer will:
- Handle all legal paperwork and land title registration
- Conduct title searches and review taxes and fees
- Coordinate with your lender and ensure funds are available
📝 Tip: Choose a local lawyer familiar with Grande Prairie real estate transactions to ensure a smooth process.
📘 Download the Home Buying Guide for a full checklist.
Step 3: Mortgage Approval & Appraisal
Even if you’re pre-approved, your lender still needs to complete final approval for this specific property. They may also request:
- An appraisal to ensure the home’s value matches the loan
- Verification of documents like employment, income, and assets
As your real estate agent, I stay in close contact with your mortgage broker and help navigate any hiccups that might arise.
💡 Pro tip: Avoid large purchases or new credit applications until after possession day!
Step 4: Preparing for Possession Day
Once the sale is firm and the legal work is underway, it’s time to prepare for moving day! You’ll want to:
- Book movers or a rental truck
- Arrange home insurance (required before possession)
- Set up utilities and internet
- Start packing essentials
We’ll also book a final walkthrough just before possession to ensure everything is in the condition expected.
Step 5: Possession Day – Getting the Keys
On possession day, your lawyer completes the final steps, and funds are transferred. Once confirmed, you’ll get a call or message from me with the best words in real estate:
“Congratulations — you’re officially a homeowner!”
I’ll meet you at the property, hand over the keys, and ensure everything is in order for you to move in.
👉 Book a Free Buyer Consultation to get started on your homeownership journey.
Buying a home in Alberta doesn’t end at the offer. From waivers and legal paperwork to coordinating with lawyers and lenders, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes. That’s why working with a dedicated real estate professional makes all the difference.
If you’re planning a move in Grande Prairie, I’d be honoured to help you every step of the way—from offer to keys.
