CANADIAN HOMEOWNER CHECKLIST

Selling your house? Read this first.

By Trusted Home Group · September 23, 2026

Before you choose a listing price, spend money on renovations or accept a buyer’s proposal, write down what you need from the sale. A quick closing, the highest possible price and avoiding repairs are different priorities. Knowing which matters most makes the next decision easier.

What should I do before selling my house?

Start with three numbers: your expected selling price, the amount needed to pay off your mortgage, and your likely selling costs. Ask your lender for a current payout estimate. An early mortgage payout may involve a penalty; ask about your own contract rather than using someone else’s estimate. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada outlines common selling expenses and considerations. Read Canada.ca’s selling-a-home guidance.

Should I sell privately, use an agent or speak with a direct buyer?

Compare the work you will take on as well as the proposed price. A private sale puts marketing, enquiries and negotiations on your list. An agent offers services under a listing agreement. A direct buyer may offer different timing or as-is terms, but you still need to compare the actual written offer.

Trusted Home Group is a property-buying business. A direct sale is one option, not automatically the best outcome for every homeowner. If you want to try selling yourself, start with our Ontario private-sale guide.

What should I check before signing?

Write down the proposed closing date, conditions, deposit arrangements and any costs you are expected to pay. Have an appropriate local professional explain terms you do not understand before you commit. In Ontario, RECO’s seller checklist also highlights closing costs, showing arrangements and coordinating the sale with your next home. Read RECO’s seller checklist.

Make a short plan today

1. Choose your ideal moving date and a workable alternative.
2. Get mortgage and selling-cost estimates.
3. List repairs you can reasonably take on.
4. Compare written options using the same costs and assumptions.

For an example of how to compare routes, read cash offer versus listing in Ontario. Provincial rules and individual circumstances differ; this is general information, not advice on your transaction.