1. Real Property Report (RPR) with Compliance Stamp
A Real Property Report (RPR) is one of the most crucial documents for property sales in Alberta. This document is essentially a survey of the land and shows the property’s boundaries, structures, and improvements (such as fences, decks, or sheds). The City of Edmonton also requires the RPR to be stamped for compliance, ensuring that the property meets local zoning and land-use regulations.
Why it Matters:The RPR protects both you and the buyer, ensuring that no surprises arise from structures that might encroach on neighboring properties. A compliance-stamped RPR gives buyers peace of mind and is often a prerequisite for closing the sale.
Tip: If you’re missing an RPR or if it’s outdated due to recent renovations, work with your real estate agent to order a new one as soon as possible. It can take time to get compliance from the city, so getting this document ready early is a wise step.
2. Certificate of Title
Your Certificate of Title is a document that proves your legal ownership of the property. It will also show if there are any encumbrances on the property, like liens or mortgages.
Why it Matters:This document reassures potential buyers that you have the right to sell the property. Additionally, encumbrances like easements, right-of-ways, or restrictive covenants should be disclosed to buyers as they may impact future use of the property.
Tip: You can request a copy of your Certificate of Title through your Real Estate Agent.
3. Utility Bills (Electricity, Water, and Gas)
Providing at least 1–2 years’ worth of utility bills, including electricity, water, and gas, helps potential buyers understand the monthly carrying costs associated with the property.
Why it Matters:Utility costs give buyers a sense of how efficient the home is. A property that is more expensive to heat or cool may require additional insulation or HVAC upgrades.
Tip: Most utility companies offer online billing histories, so retrieving these records is usually straightforward. Having these organized in advance can be a valuable selling tool.
4. Property Tax Records
Buyers are often interested in a property’s tax history, so having the last couple of years’ tax records available is helpful.
Why it Matters:Knowing the property taxes helps buyers calculate their future costs and assess affordability. Some may even ask about previous assessments to get a sense of potential future property tax trends.
Tip: You can obtain tax records through the City of Edmonton’s website or from your annual statements.
5. Mortgage Documents
If you currently have a mortgage on the property, it’s helpful to have the original loan documents on hand, as well as any recent statements.
Why it Matters:The documents clarify if there are any penalties or fees for early discharge of the mortgage.
6. Warranty and Maintenance Records
If your home includes any major appliances, or if you’ve made upgrades (e.g., a new roof, HVAC system, or windows), keeping warranties and maintenance records is a plus.
Why it Matters:Warranties and service records add value by showing buyers that major appliances and systems have been maintained or are still under warranty, giving them peace of mind that they won’t face immediate repair costs.
Tip: Collect receipts, warranty paperwork, and service records to build a package you can hand over to the new owners.
7. Homeowners Association (HOA) Documents (if applicable)
If your property is part of a homeowners association (HOA), buyers will want to review the HOA bylaws, financial statements, and fee schedules.
Why it Matters:These documents inform buyers of any monthly or annual dues, potential assessments, and community rules they’ll need to follow. For example, they may want to know about restrictions on exterior changes or policies regarding rentals.
Tip: Reach out to your HOA to obtain up-to-date copies of these documents, as well as a letter of good standing showing no outstanding fees.
8. Past Inspection Reports
If you’ve had any previous home inspections done, having these reports available can give prospective buyers additional insights.
Why it Matters:A past inspection report may reveal minor issues you’ve already addressed, which can give buyers confidence in the home’s condition. If any concerns remain, an upfront disclosure allows for transparency and can reduce complications in negotiation.
Tip: Past inspections are not mandatory, but they can be useful, especially if recent updates or repairs have improved the property.
9. Renovation or Permit Records
Any major renovations (such as structural changes, basement developments, or additions) may require permits from the City of Edmonton.
Why it Matters:A record of completed permits assures buyers that the work was done legally and meets local safety standards. This can make the property more attractive and protect both you and the buyer from potential legal issues down the line.
Being well-prepared with these essential documents can save time and avoid last-minute scrambling. If you’re ready to start the selling process, feel free to reach out!
Why it Matters:The RPR protects both you and the buyer, ensuring that no surprises arise from structures that might encroach on neighboring properties. A compliance-stamped RPR gives buyers peace of mind and is often a prerequisite for closing the sale.
Tip: If you’re missing an RPR or if it’s outdated due to recent renovations, work with your real estate agent to order a new one as soon as possible. It can take time to get compliance from the city, so getting this document ready early is a wise step.
2. Certificate of Title
Your Certificate of Title is a document that proves your legal ownership of the property. It will also show if there are any encumbrances on the property, like liens or mortgages.
Why it Matters:This document reassures potential buyers that you have the right to sell the property. Additionally, encumbrances like easements, right-of-ways, or restrictive covenants should be disclosed to buyers as they may impact future use of the property.
Tip: You can request a copy of your Certificate of Title through your Real Estate Agent.
3. Utility Bills (Electricity, Water, and Gas)
Providing at least 1–2 years’ worth of utility bills, including electricity, water, and gas, helps potential buyers understand the monthly carrying costs associated with the property.
Why it Matters:Utility costs give buyers a sense of how efficient the home is. A property that is more expensive to heat or cool may require additional insulation or HVAC upgrades.
Tip: Most utility companies offer online billing histories, so retrieving these records is usually straightforward. Having these organized in advance can be a valuable selling tool.
4. Property Tax Records
Buyers are often interested in a property’s tax history, so having the last couple of years’ tax records available is helpful.
Why it Matters:Knowing the property taxes helps buyers calculate their future costs and assess affordability. Some may even ask about previous assessments to get a sense of potential future property tax trends.
Tip: You can obtain tax records through the City of Edmonton’s website or from your annual statements.
5. Mortgage Documents
If you currently have a mortgage on the property, it’s helpful to have the original loan documents on hand, as well as any recent statements.
Why it Matters:The documents clarify if there are any penalties or fees for early discharge of the mortgage.
6. Warranty and Maintenance Records
If your home includes any major appliances, or if you’ve made upgrades (e.g., a new roof, HVAC system, or windows), keeping warranties and maintenance records is a plus.
Why it Matters:Warranties and service records add value by showing buyers that major appliances and systems have been maintained or are still under warranty, giving them peace of mind that they won’t face immediate repair costs.
Tip: Collect receipts, warranty paperwork, and service records to build a package you can hand over to the new owners.
7. Homeowners Association (HOA) Documents (if applicable)
If your property is part of a homeowners association (HOA), buyers will want to review the HOA bylaws, financial statements, and fee schedules.
Why it Matters:These documents inform buyers of any monthly or annual dues, potential assessments, and community rules they’ll need to follow. For example, they may want to know about restrictions on exterior changes or policies regarding rentals.
Tip: Reach out to your HOA to obtain up-to-date copies of these documents, as well as a letter of good standing showing no outstanding fees.
8. Past Inspection Reports
If you’ve had any previous home inspections done, having these reports available can give prospective buyers additional insights.
Why it Matters:A past inspection report may reveal minor issues you’ve already addressed, which can give buyers confidence in the home’s condition. If any concerns remain, an upfront disclosure allows for transparency and can reduce complications in negotiation.
Tip: Past inspections are not mandatory, but they can be useful, especially if recent updates or repairs have improved the property.
9. Renovation or Permit Records
Any major renovations (such as structural changes, basement developments, or additions) may require permits from the City of Edmonton.
Why it Matters:A record of completed permits assures buyers that the work was done legally and meets local safety standards. This can make the property more attractive and protect both you and the buyer from potential legal issues down the line.
Being well-prepared with these essential documents can save time and avoid last-minute scrambling. If you’re ready to start the selling process, feel free to reach out!