Blog

  • Divorce and Selling the Marital Home in Edmonton

    Divorce is difficult enough without adding a real estate transaction on top of it. Yet for most Alberta couples, the marital home is the single largest shared asset, and figuring out what to do with it is usually one of the first practical decisions that has to be made. Here’s what Edmonton homeowners going through a separation need to understand.

    Who Has the Right to Sell?

    Under Alberta’s Family Property Act, both spouses generally have an interest in the matrimonial home regardless of whose name is on title. That means one spouse typically cannot sell the property unilaterally while a separation is unresolved. Any sale usually requires both parties to agree, or a court order authorizing the sale. Getting legal advice early prevents costly missteps here.

    Buyout Versus Sale

    One spouse may want to keep the home and buy out the other’s share, which usually requires refinancing the mortgage in one name and proving they can carry the payments alone. When a buyout isn’t financially realistic, or neither party wants to remain in the home, selling and splitting the proceeds is often the cleaner path forward.

    Timing Can Add Pressure

    Divorce proceedings often come with deadlines tied to settlement agreements or court dates. A traditional listing, with showings, negotiations, and financing conditions, can take months and doesn’t always fit neatly around those timelines. That uncertainty can drag out an already stressful process.

    A Neutral, Straightforward Sale Can Lower the Tension

    Coordinating showings, agreeing on a price, and negotiating with a buyer can become another source of conflict between separating spouses. Selling directly to an investor removes much of that back-and-forth. There’s one offer, one closing date both parties agree to, and no strangers walking through the home during an already difficult time.

    If you’d like to talk through your options with no pressure and no obligation, give us a call at 587-401-2627 or fill out the form on our website today.

  • What Happens to Your Credit Score When You Sell Your Home in Edmonton?

    Most homeowners think carefully about how buying a home affects their credit. But the credit implications of selling are far less discussed, even though they matter just as much, particularly if you’re planning to purchase another property or take on any new debt in the near future. Here’s what you need to know:

    Selling Itself Doesn’t Directly Hurt Your Credit

    The act of selling your home doesn’t appear as a negative event on your credit report. There’s no “sold a house” entry that damages your score. In that sense, a straightforward sale has a neutral-to-positive credit impact.

    Paying Off Your Mortgage Can Temporarily Lower Your Score

    This surprises many sellers. When your mortgage is paid out at closing, your credit report loses an active installment loan with a long history. Credit scoring models reward the length and diversity of your credit history, so closing a long-standing mortgage can cause a modest temporary dip in your score.

    This is usually minor and temporary. If you’re opening a new mortgage shortly after, the impact is largely offset.

    Where It Gets Complicated: Distressed Sales

    If your sale is the result of financial hardship, a power of sale, a foreclosure, or a short sale, the credit implications are significantly more serious and longer-lasting. These events are reported and can reduce your credit score substantially, affecting your ability to borrow for several years.

    This is one of the most important reasons to act early if you’re in financial difficulty. Selling proactively, even at a discount, before a lender initiates foreclosure proceedings gives you far more control over the outcome and protects your credit considerably better than waiting.

    What If You’re Selling and Buying Simultaneously?

    If you’re selling one home and purchasing another within a short window, the timing of mortgage applications and credit inquiries matters. Multiple hard inquiries within a short period are typically treated as a single inquiry for mortgage purposes, but it’s worth discussing the sequencing with a mortgage broker before you commit to a timeline.

    The Bottom Line

    For most sellers, the credit impact of a straightforward home sale is minimal. The bigger risks come from delayed action in difficult financial situations, where a proactive sale is almost always better for your credit than waiting for a lender to take action.

    If you’re in a situation where timing matters and you want a fast, clean sale that puts you in control, we can help. Call us at 587-401-2627 or fill out the form on our website today. We’re here to help you move forward on your terms.

  • Selling Your Home in the Fall and Winter in Edmonton: Does It Still Make Sense?

    There’s a widely held belief in real estate that spring and summer are the only seasons worth selling in. And while it’s true that listing activity tends to peak in warmer months, writing off fall and winter entirely is a mistake, particularly in a market like Edmonton.

    Here’s what you actually need to know about selling your home in the cooler months.

    The Myth of the “Dead” Winter Market

    Yes, there are fewer buyers actively browsing listings in January than in May. But fewer buyers doesn’t mean no buyers, and the buyers who are actively searching in the fall and winter tend to be serious. They’re not browsing casually. They have a reason to move, a timeline, and the motivation to make decisions.

    A motivated buyer in November is worth more to you than a curious browser in April.

    Less Competition Works in Your Favour

    When overall listing inventory drops in the fall and winter, your home has less competition. A buyer who has three properties to choose from in December is going to give yours more attention than a buyer choosing from thirty listings in June. Reduced competition can actually support your price.

    Edmonton’s Market Has Its Own Rhythms

    The Edmonton real estate market doesn’t always follow national trends. Local economic conditions, oil and gas sector activity, migration patterns, and interest rate movements all influence demand in ways that don’t always align with the calendar. Staying focused on Edmonton-specific market data rather than general seasonal assumptions will serve you better.

    Presentation in Winter Requires Extra Attention

    Curb appeal in an Edmonton winter takes more deliberate effort. Keep walkways and driveways cleared, ensure the exterior lighting is working well for evening showings, and make sure the home is warm and inviting the moment a buyer steps inside. First impressions still matter, they’re just different in December than in July.

    The Bottom Line

    If you need to sell your Edmonton home, don’t let the calendar be the thing that stops you. The right buyer exists in every season. And if your priority is a quick, certain sale without the stress of showings and market timing, a direct cash sale removes seasonal uncertainty entirely.

    We buy Edmonton homes year-round, in any season and any condition. Call us at 587-401-2627 or reach out through our website whenever you’re ready.

  • Why Cash Offers Are Different, and What They Mean for Edmonton Home Sellers

    If you’ve spent any time looking into selling your home, you’ve probably come across the term “cash offer.” But what does a cash offer actually mean, and is it really better than a financed offer from a traditional buyer?

    Let’s break it down clearly.

    What Is a Cash Offer?

    A cash offer means the buyer has the funds available to purchase your home without needing to obtain a mortgage. The purchase is not dependent on bank approval, appraisal requirements set by a lender, or any financing conditions.

    This is different from a buyer who says they’re “pre-approved” for a mortgage. Pre-approval is not a guarantee of financing, banks can and do pull loan approvals close to closing for a variety of reasons, leaving sellers back at square one.

    Why Does It Matter?

    The biggest advantage of a cash offer for a seller is certainty. When a cash buyer makes you an offer, you don’t have to wonder whether their financing will come through. The deal is not subject to a bank’s appraisal of your property or a last-minute change in lending criteria.

    This certainty has real financial value. A firm, unconditional cash offer is worth more in practical terms than a slightly higher offer loaded with conditions that may or may not be satisfied.

    Cash Offers Close Faster

    Without the mortgage approval process involved, cash transactions can close significantly faster than financed ones. While a traditional sale typically takes 30–90 days to close after an offer is accepted, a cash sale can often close in as little as 7–14 days, or on whatever timeline works best for you.

    For sellers dealing with time pressure, whether from a relocation, financial hardship, an estate, or simply a desire to move on, the speed of a cash closing can make an enormous difference.

    Are Cash Offers Always Lower?

    This is the most common concern sellers have. The honest answer is that cash offers are often below the highest price achievable on the open market, but that gap is frequently smaller than people expect once you factor in agent commissions, closing costs, repair expenses, carrying costs during a traditional sale, and the risk of a financed deal falling through.

    When you compare a cash offer to the net proceeds of a traditional sale, not the asking price, but what actually ends up in your pocket, the difference often narrows considerably.

    Interested in Seeing What a Cash Offer Looks Like for Your Home?

    At FairKey Home Buyers, we make fair, transparent cash offers on Edmonton homes with no hidden fees and no obligation. We’re happy to walk you through the numbers so you can make an informed decision.

    Call us at 587-401-2627 or fill out the form on our website today.

  • First Time Selling a Home in Edmonton? Here’s What to Expect

    Buying your first home gets a lot of attention. But selling for the first time? That process can be just as overwhelming, and far less talked about. If you’ve never sold a property before, the number of decisions, timelines, and moving parts can feel daunting.

    Here’s a straightforward walkthrough of what to expect so you can approach the process with confidence.

    Step 1: Understand What Your Home Is Worth

    Before anything else, you need a realistic picture of your home’s current market value. This isn’t the same as what you paid for it, what you’ve invested in it, or what your neighbour sold theirs for two years ago. The market is always moving, and an accurate current valuation is the foundation of every decision that follows.

    You can get a comparative market analysis from a real estate agent at no charge, or request a cash offer from a buyer like FairKey Home Buyers to see what your property would sell for in a direct sale.

    Step 2: Decide How You Want to Sell

    You have more options than most first-time sellers realize. You can list with a real estate agent on the MLS, sell privately without an agent, or sell directly to a cash buyer. Each approach has different cost structures, timelines, and levels of involvement required from you.

    Step 3: Prepare the Property

    If you’re listing on the open market, presentation matters significantly. This includes decluttering, deep cleaning, addressing obvious repairs, and potentially staging the home for photos and showings. If you’re selling directly to a cash buyer, none of this is required.

    Step 4: Navigate Offers and Conditions

    When an offer comes in, it will typically include a purchase price, a proposed closing date, and a number of conditions, most commonly a financing condition and a home inspection condition. Each of these gives the buyer an opportunity to revisit or withdraw from the deal if something doesn’t meet their expectations. Understanding what conditions mean and how to respond to them is important.

    Step 5: Close the Sale

    Closing in Alberta is handled by a real estate lawyer or notary. They’ll manage the transfer of title, ensure the mortgage is paid out, and release your net proceeds to you. Budget for legal fees, real estate commissions if applicable, and any outstanding property tax adjustments.

    Step 6: Plan Your Move

    Don’t underestimate the logistics of moving. Coordinate your move-out date with your closing date carefully, and give yourself buffer time wherever possible.

    If you’re selling for the first time and want to talk through your options without any pressure, we’re always happy to help. Call us at 587-401-2627 or reach out through our website.

  • Selling a Home with Liens in Edmonton: What You Need to Know

    Discovering that your property has a lien against it can feel like a roadblock, but it doesn’t have to stop your sale. Liens are more common than most people realize, and in many cases they can be resolved as part of the sale process itself.

    Here’s what you need to know about selling a home with liens in Edmonton.

    What Is a Lien?

    A lien is a legal claim registered against your property by a creditor. It gives that creditor the right to be paid from the proceeds of any sale before you receive your equity. Liens can be registered by mortgage lenders, the Canada Revenue Agency for unpaid taxes, contractors for unpaid work, or judgment creditors following a court ruling.

    In Alberta, liens must be registered on title, which means they’ll show up in a title search during any real estate transaction.

    Common Types of Liens on Edmonton Properties

    Mortgage liens are the most common, your lender holds a lien on your property until the mortgage is paid in full. These are standard and resolved automatically at closing when the mortgage balance is paid from sale proceeds.

    Builder’s or contractor’s liens, sometimes called mechanic’s liens, are registered when a contractor or tradesperson hasn’t been paid for work done on the property. These are common on properties that have undergone renovation.

    CRA liens can be registered if you owe back taxes. These are serious and must be addressed before or during the sale.

    Judgment liens arise from court decisions where a creditor has been awarded money against you and has registered that judgment against your property.

    Can You Sell With a Lien on Title?

    In most cases, yes, but the lien must be resolved at or before closing. If the sale proceeds are sufficient to pay off the lien, it can simply be settled at closing and removed from title as part of the transaction. Your lawyer or notary handles this as part of the closing process.  If the liens exceed the value of your property, the situation is more complex and you’ll need legal and potentially financial advice to navigate your options.

    Don’t Let a Lien Stop You From Exploring Your Options

    Many homeowners with liens assume they can’t sell and simply do nothing, which often makes the situation worse over time. The truth is that experienced buyers and real estate professionals deal with liens regularly and can help you find a path forward.

    At FairKey Home Buyers, we’ve purchased properties with various encumbrances and we’re happy to walk you through the process honestly. Give us a call at 587-401-2627 or reach out through our website.

  • Understanding Home Equity and How to Access It in Edmonton

    For most Edmonton homeowners, their property is their single largest financial asset. And yet, many people have a surprisingly fuzzy understanding of what their home equity actually is, how it grows, and how they can access it when they need it. Let’s clear that up.

    What Is Home Equity?

    Home equity is simply the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe on it. If your Edmonton home is worth $450,000 and your remaining mortgage balance is $280,000, your equity is $170,000.

    Equity grows in two ways: as your home increases in value over time, and as you pay down your mortgage principal with each payment.

    Why Does Equity Matter?

    Equity is the portion of your home that you actually own outright. It represents real, accessible wealth, but only if you can get to it. Many homeowners find themselves “equity rich and cash poor,” meaning a significant portion of their net worth is tied up in their property while their day-to-day finances are tight.

    How Can You Access Your Equity?

    There are several ways to tap into home equity, each with its own trade-offs.

    A Home Equity Line of Credit, or HELOC, allows you to borrow against your equity at relatively low interest rates. It’s flexible and useful for ongoing expenses or renovations, but it adds debt and requires qualification through your lender.

    Refinancing your mortgage can allow you to pull out equity by increasing your loan amount, giving you a lump sum of cash. Again, this increases your debt and your monthly payment.

    A second mortgage or home equity loan provides a lump sum secured against your property, typically at a fixed interest rate. Selling your home is the most complete way to access your equity. It gives you the full amount, minus your remaining mortgage, closing costs, and any agent commissions, in cash.

    When Selling Makes More Sense Than Borrowing

    If your goal is to access a large portion of your equity and you’re open to moving, selling is often cleaner than taking on more debt. There are no loan payments, no interest costs, and no lender qualification required.

    For homeowners who want to access their equity quickly and move on, whether to downsize, relocate, or simply free up capital, a direct cash sale can put money in your hands within days rather than weeks.

    We’d be happy to give you a clear picture of what your Edmonton home would sell for today. Call us at 587-401-2627 or reach out through our website.

  • Relocating for Work? Here’s How to Handle Your Edmonton Home Quickly

    A job opportunity in another city, or another country, is exciting. But when you own a home in Edmonton, the logistics of relocating can quickly turn that excitement into stress. What do you do with the property? Do you sell? Rent? And how do you manage any of it from a distance?

    If you’re facing a work relocation and need to figure out your home situation fast, here’s a practical guide to help you think it through.

    The Timeline Problem

    Most job relocations come with a start date, and that date doesn’t care about the real estate market. Whether your new employer is giving you four weeks or four months, you’re working against a deadline, and traditional real estate sales in Edmonton can take anywhere from weeks to several months, with no guarantees.

    The pressure of a hard deadline changes the calculation significantly. Every week your home sits unsold is a week you may be paying rent or accommodation costs in your new city while still carrying your Edmonton mortgage.

    Should You Rent It Out?

    Renting your Edmonton home while you’re away might seem like an attractive option, but it comes with real challenges. Managing a rental property remotely is difficult, you’ll need a property manager, which typically costs 8–12% of monthly rent. You’ll also need to deal with maintenance calls, tenant issues, and vacancy periods from a distance.

    If you plan to return to Edmonton eventually and the rental income genuinely covers your costs, it can be a viable strategy. But if you’re uncertain about returning, or if the numbers don’t work, holding onto the property may cost you more than it earns.

    Selling Quickly Is Often the Cleanest Solution

    For many relocating homeowners, a clean, fast sale eliminates the most stress. You walk away with your equity, you don’t have to manage a property from another city, and you can focus entirely on your new opportunity.

    If speed and certainty are your priorities, selling to a cash buyer removes the uncertainty of the traditional market. You pick the closing date, you skip the showings and negotiations, and you leave Edmonton knowing everything is settled.

    Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

    The biggest mistake relocating homeowners make is waiting too long to address the property. The earlier you start exploring your options, the more flexibility you have. If you wait until two weeks before your start date, your choices narrow considerably.

    We work with relocating homeowners regularly and understand the time pressure you’re under. At FairKey Home Buyers, we can make you a fair cash offer within 24 hours and close on your schedule.

    Call us at 587-401-2627 or fill out the form on our website today.

  • The Real Cost of Renovating Before You Sell in Edmonton

    It seems like common sense: fix up your home before you sell it and you’ll get more money. But in practice, the math doesn’t always work out the way sellers expect, and in some cases, renovating before a sale can actually cost you more than it returns. Here’s an honest look at the real cost of renovating before selling in Edmonton.

    Not All Renovations Are Created Equal

    Some improvements genuinely add value and help a home sell faster. Others are expensive, taste-specific, or simply don’t move the needle for buyers. Understanding the difference is critical before you spend a single dollar.

    Renovations that typically offer a reasonable return in the Edmonton market include fresh neutral paint throughout, updated fixtures and hardware, professional cleaning and carpet cleaning, and minor landscaping improvements. These are relatively low cost and make a strong first impression.

    Renovations that frequently cost more than they return include full kitchen remodels, bathroom additions, high-end flooring upgrades, and any customization that reflects personal taste rather than broad appeal.

    The Time Factor

    Renovations take time, and time costs money. Every week your property sits under renovation is a week you’re paying the mortgage, utilities, insurance, and property taxes on a home you can’t sell yet. A kitchen renovation that takes six weeks can easily add $4,000–$6,000 in carrying costs on top of the renovation itself.

    Contractor Reliability

    Anyone who has renovated in Edmonton knows that timelines are rarely guaranteed. Contractors face supply chain delays, labour shortages, and competing projects. A renovation you expected to take three weeks can stretch into two months, compounding your carrying costs and delaying your sale.

    Buyers May Not Share Your Vision

    Even a well-executed renovation isn’t guaranteed to appeal to the buyer who eventually purchases your home. Many buyers prefer to choose their own finishes and would rather negotiate a lower price than pay a premium for someone else’s design choices. You may spend $25,000 on a kitchen update only to have the buyer gut it in year one.

    The Alternative Worth Considering

    If your home needs significant work and you’re wondering whether to renovate or sell as-is, it’s worth getting a cash offer before you commit to any renovation budget. You may find that selling directly, without spending a dollar on repairs, nets you a comparable or even better outcome once renovation costs, carrying costs, and agent commissions are factored in.

    At FairKey Home Buyers, we buy Edmonton homes in any condition and we’ll give you an honest, no-obligation offer so you can compare your options clearly.

    Call us at 587-401-2626 or fill out the form on our website to get started.

  • Probate and Real Estate in Alberta: What Happens to a Home When Someone Passes Away

    Dealing with the loss of a loved one is hard enough without the added complexity of figuring out what happens to their property. If you’ve recently lost a family member who owned a home in Edmonton or the surrounding area, you’re likely navigating the probate process, and you may have a lot of questions.

    This post is designed to give you a plain-language overview of how probate works in Alberta and what your options are when it comes to the property.

    What Is Probate?

    Probate is the legal process of validating a deceased person’s will and authorizing the executor to administer the estate. In Alberta, probate is granted by the Court of King’s Bench, and it gives the executor the legal authority to deal with the deceased’s assets, including real estate.

    Not all estates require probate, but if real estate is involved and there is no joint tenancy arrangement, probate is almost always required before the property can be sold or transferred.

    How Long Does Probate Take in Alberta?

    This varies depending on the complexity of the estate and the court’s current workload, but in Alberta, probate can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. If the will is contested or the estate is particularly complex, it can take longer. During this time, the property cannot be sold without court authorization, although it can and should be maintained.

    Who Is Responsible for the Property During Probate?

    The executor named in the will is responsible for managing the estate’s assets during probate, including the property. This means keeping up with mortgage payments if applicable, maintaining insurance, paying property taxes, and ensuring the property is secure.

    If the estate doesn’t have liquid funds to cover these costs, it can create real financial pressure on the executor, particularly if they’re covering expenses out of pocket while waiting for probate to complete.

    What Are Your Options Once Probate Is Granted?

    Once you have probate, you can move forward with the property in several ways. You can sell it on the open market through a real estate agent, transfer it to a beneficiary, rent it out, or sell it directly to a cash buyer.

    For families who want to settle the estate quickly and avoid the ongoing costs and responsibilities of holding the property, selling to an investor is often the most efficient option. There are no showings, no repairs, and no lengthy conditions, just a clean, straightforward sale on a timeline that works for the estate.

    We Work Sensitively With Families in These Situations

    At FairKey Home Buyers, we understand that selling an inherited property is never just a financial transaction. We work respectfully and patiently with families navigating estate sales, and we’re happy to answer questions at no cost or obligation.

    Give us a call at 587-401-2627 or reach out through our website whenever you’re ready.

  • Downsizing in Edmonton: How to Sell Your Family Home and Move Forward with Confidence

    The kids have moved out. The house feels too big. The yard that used to be full of activity now just means more work on weekends. If any of this sounds familiar, you may be thinking about downsizing, and you’re not alone.

    Downsizing is one of the most common reasons Edmonton homeowners sell, and it can be one of the most emotionally complex. After years, sometimes decades, in a family home, the decision to sell is never purely financial. But with the right approach, it can be an incredibly freeing next chapter. Here’s how to navigate it well.

    Give Yourself Time to Process

    Downsizing is as much an emotional journey as a practical one. Rushing the decision because of outside pressure, from family members, financial advisors, or market conditions, can lead to regret. Take the time to sit with the idea before committing to a timeline.

    That said, once you’ve made the decision, moving with purpose tends to produce better outcomes than dragging the process out indefinitely.

    Declutter Before You Do Anything Else

    Decades in a home means decades of accumulated belongings. Before you can properly assess, stage, or sell your property, you’ll need to sort through what comes with you, what goes to family, what gets donated, and what gets discarded.

    This process takes longer than most people expect, start early. Many people find it helpful to tackle one room per week rather than trying to do everything at once.

    Understand What Your Home Is Worth Today

    The Edmonton real estate market has shifted considerably in recent years. What your home was worth three years ago may be quite different from what it will sell for today. Getting an honest, current assessment of your property’s value is an essential first step before making any plans around your next purchase.

    Consider Your Next Home Carefully

    Downsizing doesn’t necessarily mean compromising. Many Edmonton homeowners find that a smaller, well-chosen property in the right neighbourhood actually improves their quality of life significantly. Think about proximity to family, access to healthcare, walkability, and long-term maintenance demands before settling on your next home.

    Timing the Sale and Purchase

    One of the trickiest parts of downsizing is coordinating the sale of your current home with the purchase of your next one. Selling first gives you clarity on your budget but may mean a period of temporary accommodation. Buying first removes that uncertainty but carries financial risk if your sale takes longer than expected.

    For homeowners who need certainty and a firm closing date, selling directly to a buyer like FairKey Home Buyers removes the timing uncertainty entirely. You choose the closing date, and we work around your schedule.

    Ready to Talk About Your Options?

    We work with Edmonton homeowners at every stage of life, including those ready to downsize and move on to the next chapter. If you’d like a no-pressure conversation about what your home is worth and how quickly we could close, we’d love to hear from you.

    Call us at 587-401-2627 or fill out the form on our website today.

  • What is an As-Is Home Sale, and Is It Right for You?

    You’ve probably seen the phrase before, “sold as-is.” But what does it actually mean, and more importantly, is an as-is sale the right move for your situation? Let’s break it down simply and honestly.

    What “As-Is” Actually Means

    When you sell a home as-is, you’re telling buyers upfront that what they see is what they get. You’re not going to fix the leaky roof, replace the aging furnace, or update the dated kitchen before closing. The buyer accepts the property in its current condition.

    It does not mean you can hide known defects. In Alberta, sellers are still legally obligated to disclose material issues that could affect the value or safety of the property. As-is simply means you won’t be making repairs, not that you can conceal problems.

    Who Typically Sells As-Is?

    As-is sales are common in a number of situations, including:

    • Estates and inherited properties where the new owner doesn’t want to invest in updates
    • Homeowners facing financial hardship who can’t afford repairs before selling
    • Landlords dealing with tenant-damaged properties
    • Anyone who needs to sell quickly and doesn’t have the time for a traditional listing process
    • Homeowners with older properties that need significant work

    The Trade-Off

    The main downside of selling as-is on the open market is that most retail buyers are nervous about taking on unknown repair costs. They’ll either walk away, come in with a lowball offer, or load the deal with conditions and inspection clauses that give them room to renegotiate or back out entirely.

    That uncertainty can make the traditional listing process frustrating for as-is sellers.

    Selling As-Is to an Investor

    This is where selling directly to a real estate investor like FairKey Home Buyers changes the equation entirely. We buy homes as-is, in any condition, without requiring you to do a single repair or even a deep clean before closing.

    There are no conditions, no inspections used to renegotiate, and no surprises. We make you an offer based on the home’s current condition and we stick to it.

    For many Edmonton homeowners, this is the cleanest and least stressful path to a completed sale.

    Is It Right for You?

    If your home needs significant work and you don’t have the time, money, or energy to deal with it, an as-is sale may be exactly what you need. If your property is in great shape and you have time to wait for the right retail buyer, a traditional listing might net you more. We’re happy to walk you through both options honestly and help you decide what makes the most sense for your specific situation.

    Give us a call at 587-401-2627 or reach out through our website today. No pressure, no obligation, just straight answers.

  • Selling a Rental Property in Edmonton: What Landlords Need to Know

    Being a landlord in Edmonton has its rewards, but there comes a time when selling makes more sense than holding. Whether you’re burnt out on managing tenants, looking to cash out your equity, or simply ready to move on, selling a rental property comes with its own unique set of considerations that are very different from selling a primary residence. Here’s what you need to know before you put that rental on the market.

    Your Tenants Have Rights, and So Do You

    In Alberta, the Residential Tenancies Act governs the relationship between landlords and tenants, and it doesn’t disappear just because you’ve decided to sell. If your property is currently occupied, you cannot simply ask tenants to leave because you’ve listed the home. You must follow proper notice procedures, and in many cases, tenants have the right to remain in the property through the sale. If a buyer intends to occupy the property personally, proper written notice must be given, and timelines must be followed carefully. Skipping this step can delay your closing or expose you to legal liability.

    Tenants Can Complicate Showings

    Even cooperative tenants can make showings difficult. You’re required to give proper notice before entering the property, and a tenant who isn’t thrilled about the sale may not present the home in its best light. Dishes in the sink, personal clutter, and general untidiness are all out of your control. This is one of the biggest reasons landlords choose to sell to an investor rather than listing on the open market, investors buy the property as-is, tenants and all, with no showings required.

    Capital Gains Tax Applies

    Unlike a primary residence, a rental property is not exempt from capital gains tax in Canada. When you sell, you’ll owe tax on 50% of the profit above your adjusted cost base. This is a significant consideration and one worth discussing with a tax professional before you sign anything. Timing your sale strategically,  for example, in a lower income year, can make a meaningful difference in what you owe.

    The Property Doesn’t Need to Be Empty to Sell

    Many landlords assume they need to wait for a tenant’s lease to end before selling. That’s not always true. Investors and experienced buyers purchase tenanted properties regularly. In fact, a property with a reliable, long-term tenant already in place can be an attractive feature for certain buyers.

    You Have Options

    If you’re ready to sell your Edmonton rental property and want to avoid the hassle of showings, tenant negotiations, and months on the market, we can help. At FairKey Home Buyers, we purchase rental properties in any condition, with or without tenants, and we handle the process from start to finish.

    Give us a call anytime at 587-401-2627 or fill out the form on our website today.

  • 5 Hidden Costs of Holding Onto a Property Too Long in Edmonton

    When Edmonton homeowners decide to sell, most focus on one number: the sale price. But there’s another number that quietly grows every single day you wait, and most sellers never see it coming until it’s too late. That number is the cost of holding.

    Whether you’re between buyers, waiting for the market to shift, or simply undecided about your next move, the carrying costs of an unsold property can add up faster than most people expect. Here’s what’s actually eating into your equity while your home sits.

    1. Your Mortgage Doesn’t Take a Break
      This one sounds obvious, but it’s easy to underestimate. If your monthly mortgage payment is $1,800 and your home sits on the market for four months longer than expected; that’s $7,200 out of pocket, before anything else is factored in. Every month of delay is a month of payments that don’t build you equity in your next home.
    2. Property Taxes Keep Accumulating
      In Edmonton, property taxes are assessed annually but the obligation doesn’t pause because your home is listed. Depending on your assessed value, you could be looking at hundreds of dollars per month in tax obligations on a property you’re no longer living in or benefiting from.
    3. Utilities, Insurance, and Maintenance Add Up Quickly
      A vacant or partially occupied home still needs heat, electricity, and water running, particularly through Alberta winters. Pipes freeze, sump pumps fail, and insurance companies sometimes require active utilities as a condition of coverage. Add in lawn care, snow removal, and the occasional emergency repair, and you’re easily spending $400–$800 per month just to keep the lights on in a home you’re trying to leave.
    4. Your Insurance Premium May Increase
      Many homeowners don’t realize that once a property becomes vacant for 30 days or more, standard home insurance policies can become void, or the premium jumps significantly. Vacancy insurance in Alberta is a real product, and it costs more than your standard policy. If something goes wrong in an unoccupied home and you’re not properly covered, the financial consequences can be severe.
    5. Opportunity Cost Is the Sneakiest Cost of All
      This is the one nobody talks about. While your equity sits locked in an unsold property, it isn’t working for you. Whether you had plans to invest, purchase your next home, pay down debt, or simply get a fresh start; every month of delay is a month that money isn’t in your hands doing what you need it to do.

    So What Can You Do?
    If you’re feeling the pressure of a property that isn’t moving, you have more options than just waiting it out or dropping your MLS price and hoping for the best.

    At FairKey Home Buyers, we work with Edmonton homeowners who need to stop the clock on carrying costs. We buy houses as-is, with no showings, no repairs, and no months of uncertainty. In many cases, we can close in as little as seven days, which means those carrying costs stop almost immediately.

    Sometimes the fastest sale is actually the most profitable one, once you factor in everything you’re no longer paying.

    Curious what your home is worth in a fast cash sale? Give us a call anytime at 587-401-2627 or fill out the form on our website today. There’s no obligation, just a straightforward conversation about your options.

  • Why Won’t My House Sell In Edmonton?

    Is Your Edmonton, AB Home Stuck on the Market?

    You keep hearing the same story in the news:
    The housing market is heating up. Homes are selling fast. Prices are climbing.

    So why is your property still sitting unsold?

    If your house in Edmonton hasn’t attracted the right buyer yet, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is “wrong” with the market. More often, it comes down to a few fixable issues. The following tips can help explain what may be holding your sale back.


    Why Isn’t My House Selling in Edmonton?

    6 Practical Reasons (and What to Do About Them)

    1) Make sure you’re working with experienced professionals.

    Hot markets attract a flood of new agents and investors who promise big results but lack real-world experience. Many struggle with pricing accuracy, financing challenges, and deal execution.

    Because your home is likely one of your most valuable assets, expert guidance matters. Align yourself with professionals who understand the local market and know how to close.


    2) Avoid upgrading beyond market expectations.

    It’s easy to go too far with renovations. Even high-quality improvements don’t always translate into higher value if they exceed neighborhood standards.

    Buyers often prefer to add their own finishing touches. Focus on decluttering, simplifying, and presenting a clean, neutral space rather than expensive customization.


    3) Take care of obvious repairs.

    Unaddressed maintenance issues raise red flags for buyers. Small problems can suggest larger, hidden concerns.

    Handle the basics—repair trim, replace missing fixtures, address minor wear and tear. A professional home inspection and a clean report can reassure buyers and strengthen trust.


    4) Presentation and design influence buyer decisions.

    First impressions matter, inside and out. Exterior appearance sets expectations before buyers ever step inside.

    Fresh paint, maintained landscaping, and a spotless interior make a significant difference. Thoughtful staging or design guidance can help buyers envision themselves living in the home.


    5) Price positioning is critical.

    Strong showing activity with no offers often indicates the price is close—but still too high. Little to no activity usually means the price is missing the mark entirely.

    The market always responds to price. Adjusting early can prevent your listing from becoming stale.


    6) Every home will sell—under the right conditions.

    There’s no guaranteed formula, but experience and flexibility matter.

    If traditional selling methods aren’t producing results, alternative solutions may be worth considering.


    Need to Sell a House Near Edmonton?

    We can help. We buy houses in Edmonton, AB.

    We work with homeowners who need to sell quickly, without repairs, showings, or uncertainty.

    Give us a call anytime 587-401-2627 or fill out the form here today!