By Rafael “Rene” Asprer, REALTOR®. Updated October 20, 2026.The short version
- An offer sets the price, the deposit, your conditions and the possession date.
- Conditions such as financing and inspection protect you. Once they’re met or waived, the deal is firm.
- The price is usually negotiable. In a busy market you may compete with other offers.
- After the deal is firm, your lawyer and lender finish the paperwork and you get the keys on possession day.
When you find the right home, Rene writes an offer with you. In Alberta, offers on resale homes use a standard purchase contract, and the important parts are the same every time.
What goes into an offer
- Price. Based on what similar homes nearby have sold for recently, not just the asking price.
- Deposit. Paid after the seller accepts and held in trust by a brokerage until closing, when it goes toward your purchase. The amount is negotiable.
- Conditions. Things that must happen before the deal is firm, each with a deadline:
- Financing: your lender approves your mortgage for this home.
- Home inspection: a professional inspector checks the home and you’re satisfied with the results.
- Condo documents: for a condo, you or your lawyer review the bylaws, finances, reserve fund and minutes.
- Sale of your home, if you need to sell first.
- Possession date. The day you get the keys.
- What’s included. Appliances, window coverings and anything else that stays with the house.
How negotiation works
The seller can accept your offer, reject it, or send back a counter-offer with a different price or terms. You can accept the counter, counter again, or walk away. Price is only one lever: the possession date, the deposit and the conditions can matter just as much to a seller.
If several buyers want the same home, the seller may hold offers until a set time and ask everyone for their best offer. Rene will talk you through what’s sensible to change and what’s too risky, such as waiving an inspection on an older home.
After your offer is accepted
- Pay the deposit by the deadline in the contract.
- Work through your conditions. Book the inspection right away, send your lender everything it asks for, and review the condo documents if it’s a condo.
- Remove or waive the conditions in writing once you’re satisfied. From that moment the deal is firm.
- Hire your lawyer. Rene sends the contract to your lawyer, who handles the title search, the transfer and your mortgage documents.
- Arrange home insurance. Your lender needs proof of insurance before it releases the money.
- Sign at your lawyer’s office, a few days before possession, and bring your down payment and closing costs.
- Possession day. The money is sent, the transfer is registered, and you get the keys.
Firm means firm
Once your conditions are removed, the deal is binding. Make sure you’ve read the inspection report, your financing is approved in writing, and you understand the condo documents before you sign the condition removal.
Questions about a specific home?
Rene is happy to walk through an offer with you before you need to write one, so you’re ready when the right home comes up.