How to Sell a Home Privately in Airdrie: Angie Hartmann’s Step-by-Step Guide

How do I sell a home privately in Airdrie? To sell a home privately in Airdrie, you need to set the right price, prepare your property for listing, handle legal disclosures, and market strategically—all without the support of a real estate agent. It’s possible, but it comes with challenges and legal responsibilities.

What Does It Mean to Sell Privately?

Selling privately (also called FSBO or "For Sale By Owner") means you’re not using a licensed real estate agent. You’ll be in charge of pricing, listing, staging, showing, negotiating, and closing. While it can save you money on commissions, it also shifts the full workload and legal liability onto your shoulders. 

In Airdrie, where the 2025 real estate market remains competitive and fast-moving, skipping professional guidance can be risky if you're not prepared.

Step 1: Know the Airdrie Real Estate Market

Before you set a price, study what homes are selling for in your area. 

• Benchmark price in Airdrie (as of July 2025): $509,000 (source: CREB)
• Detached homes average over $580,000, while townhomes and condos vary widely depending on location. 
• Popular neighbourhoods like Bayside, Windsong, and Reunion can drive higher buyer interest and prices.

Use tools like REALTOR.ca, HouseSigma, or Zoocasa to compare your home against similar recent sales. 

Pro Tip from Angie Hartmann: "Overpricing is the #1 mistake I see in FSBO sales. Buyers do their homework. If your home is out of line with the market, it won’t get showings."

Step 2: Price It Right

You’ll need to decide whether to: 

• Hire a licensed appraiser (approx. $400–$500) 
• Use online valuations and then adjust based on comparables 
• Walk through open houses in your neighbourhood to compare

Remember to factor in: 

• Condition of your home 
• Upgrades and finishes 
• Lot size and orientation 
• Location within the neighbourhood (e.g., cul-de-sac, corner lot, near schools)

Step 3: Prepare Your Home for Sale

A well-presented home sells faster and for more money. 

Key Tasks: 

• Declutter and depersonalize: Remove family photos, fridge magnets, etc. 
• Deep clean: This includes carpets, windows, walls, and baseboards. 
• Repairs: Patch holes, fix squeaky doors, replace burnt-out bulbs. 
• Curb appeal: First impressions matter. Mow the lawn, weed flower beds, and clean the front step. 
• Stage smartly: You don’t need a professional stager, but you do need thoughtful furniture placement and neutral colours. 

Angie Hartmann’s tip: "Less is more. Airdrie buyers are often families looking for space. Open rooms and clean lines go a long way."

Step 4: Create a Strong Listing

You’re competing with agent-listed homes, so your ad needs to stand out. 

Essentials: 

• Professional photos (not your phone) 
• A detailed and honest description 
• A floorplan (optional, but helpful) 

What to Include: 

• Price 
• Square footage 
• Number of beds/baths 
• Year built 
• Lot size 
• Key features (e.g., walkout basement, A/C, new roof) 
• What’s nearby: parks, schools, grocery stores, etc.

Post your listing on: 

• Facebook Marketplace (be detailed and respond quickly) 
• Kijiji.ca 
• FSBO-specific websites like ComFree or PropertyGuys 
• Your own social media channels 

Tip: You can't list on REALTOR.ca without an agent, but you can pay a flat-fee service to do it on your behalf.

Step 5: Handle Showings Professionally 

Always: 

• Ask for ID before letting anyone in 
• Keep valuables locked up or removed 
• Be available for evenings and weekends 

Have a sign-in sheet or log to track interest. 

Consider using a booking tool like Calendly or a dedicated phone number.

Step 6: Legal Requirements in Alberta 

Selling a home without a REALTOR® in Alberta means you need to understand provincial rules. 

You must: 

• Provide a Real Property Report with compliance certificate (unless the buyer waives it) 
• Disclose any known material latent defects 
• Have a lawyer draft or review the offer to purchase 
• Prepare for the conveyancing process 

You’re not legally required to use a lawyer to write the offer, but it’s strongly recommended. 

Angie’s advice: “Skipping legal review can cost you thousands later. Don’t cut corners on the paperwork.”

Step 7: Negotiate and Close 

Most buyers will still use an agent, which means you’ll be negotiating with a professional.

Be prepared for: 

• Low offers 
• Conditions (financing, home inspection, etc.) 
• Buyers asking you to cover agent commissions

When You Accept an Offer: 

• Forward it to your real estate lawyer 
• Schedule closing tasks: utilities, taxes, insurance, and moving  

Pros and Cons of Selling Privately in Airdrie 

Pros 

• Save on commission (up to 4%)
• Full control of the process 
• Direct communication with buyers 
• Opportunity to learn the process 

Cons  

• Higher risk of legal mistakes
• Time-consuming and emotionally taxing
• May result in a lower sale price  
• Reduced marketing reach without REALTOR.ca access

When to Consider Hiring a Pro Instead

Selling privately is not for everyone. 

If you: 

• Work full time 
• Don’t enjoy marketing or negotiating 
• Feel unsure about contracts 
• Want access to the MLS and bigger buyer pool 

...it may be time to talk to a local expert like Angie Hartmann at Property Sisters & Co. 

She’s helped over 109 families sell their homes across Airdrie, Cochrane, and Calgary. With $25M+ in sales, she knows how to price, market, and negotiate to get top dollar—without the stress.

Final Thoughts: Should You Sell Privately in Airdrie?

You can sell your home privately in Airdrie, but it takes preparation, time, and legal diligence. For many sellers, the effort saved and value gained by working with a seasoned REALTOR® like Angie Hartmann outweighs the commission.

Still curious about doing it yourself? Angie is happy to chat, even if you’re not ready to list.

Ready to explore your options? Get local advice you can trust. Contact Angie Hartmann at Property Sisters & Co. for a free, no-pressure home selling consultation in Airdrie.