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CHK Seller FAQs

PAPERWORK & LEGAL

What is FINTRAC, and why do you need my ID?

FINTRAC is a federal requirement for all real estate transactions in Canada.

Every brokerage must verify the identity and occupation of anyone buying or selling property.

It is part of Canada’s anti–money laundering rules, and it ensures the transaction is legitimate and properly recorded.

To complete your FINTRAC record, we will need:

  • A copy of your driver’s licence or passport
  • Your occupation, including title and employer
  • Your full legal name
  • Your date of birth, already shown on your ID
  • Your current home address

It is quick, standard, and required for every sale, and we will walk you through it.

What does it mean when my sale becomes “firm”?

Once all conditions have been waived, or if your offer had no conditions, your sale becomes firm.

This means the buyer is legally committed, the price and terms are locked in, and the closing date is confirmed.

At this stage, you can relax a little because the heavy lifting is done and we are moving straight toward closing.

What are “conditions” in an offer?

Conditions are protections for the buyer that must be satisfied before the sale becomes firm.

While your home is marked as Sold Conditional, the buyer may still be completing:

  • Financing approval
  • A home inspection
  • A condominium status certificate review
  • A lawyer review
  • The sale of their own property

Once these items are satisfied, the buyer signs a waiver and the deal becomes firm.

What happens if the buyer does not waive their conditions?

If a buyer is unable to meet their conditions by the deadline, the deal ends, the buyer’s deposit is returned, and your listing goes back on the market.

There is no penalty to you as the seller.

We resume marketing and showings immediately.

You are never required to extend a condition period unless you choose to.

What is a financing condition?

A financing condition allows the buyer’s lender time to finalize approval.

Even if the buyer is pre-approved, the bank still reviews the property, the buyer’s income and documents, and the appraisal if needed.

If financing is approved, the condition is waived and the sale moves forward.

What is a home inspection condition?

The buyer hires a certified inspector to assess the home’s major systems and structure.

After the inspection, the buyer may:

  • Waive the condition
  • Request repairs or a price adjustment
  • Decide not to proceed

If they choose not to proceed within the condition period, their deposit is returned.

What is a status certificate condition (condos, POTL)?

The buyer’s lawyer reviews the condominium corporation’s financial health, reserve fund, rules, upcoming expenses, and any special assessments.

If the lawyer does not approve the status certificate, the buyer may walk away within the condition period.

What is a lawyer review condition?

This gives the buyer’s lawyer time to review the full agreement to ensure everything is accurate and legally sound.

If the lawyer identifies concerns, the buyer may decide not to waive the condition.

What is a “sale of buyer’s property” condition?

This means the buyers must sell their own property before committing fully to yours.

It often includes a 48 hour escape clause, which protects you.

If another offer comes in, the buyer must waive their condition within the 48 hour window.

If they do not, the deal ends and you are free to accept the new offer.

DEPOSIT AND MONEY

When is the deposit due?

The deposit must be delivered within the timeframe written in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, usually 24 hours after acceptance.

We will notify you the moment it is received.

Who holds the deposit?

The deposit is held in trust by our brokerage until closing.

It cannot be released early unless both parties agree in writing.

When do I receive the rest of the deposit?

After closing, once your lawyer confirms the transaction is complete, the balance of the deposit is released to you.

If the deposit is larger than the commission owing, you may choose:

  • Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) which is the fastest
  • A cheque mailed after closing

Funds usually arrive within 1 to 3 business days after your lawyer confirms closing.

SHOWINGS AND MARKETING

How do showings work?

Once your listing goes live:

  • Agents request showings through our front desk
  • You receive text or email confirmations
  • You may approve, decline, or request a different time

We balance your comfort with buyer demand to get the best results.

How much notice will I get for showings?

You choose the notice window.

Most sellers select options like 2 hours, 4 hours, or overnight.

If your schedule changes, we can update the showing instructions at any time.

Should I stay home during showings?

We strongly recommend being out of the home during showings.

Buyers feel more comfortable exploring freely, and homes typically show better when the seller is not present.

Do I need to secure valuables?

Yes. We ask sellers to remove or lock up jewellery, passports, cash, medications, and important documents.

We take every precaution, but securing valuables ensures peace of mind.

PREPARING THE HOME

How do I prepare for photography?

Your home should feel clean, bright, open, and decluttered.

We will send a full preparation checklist with simple tips to help your photos turn out beautifully.

What should I remove before showings?

We recommend removing:

  • Personal photos
  • Valuables
  • Pet items
  • Laundry
  • Excess clutter

Think of preparing your home like preparing a hotel suite. Clean, calm, and welcoming.

CLOSING DAY

How long does closing take?

Closings usually occur in the late afternoon once both lawyers exchange funds and documents.

We’ll update you as soon as your lawyer confirms the deal is complete.

What should I expect on closing day?

Your lawyer will:

  • Transfer mortgage funds
  • Pay the seller
  • Register you as the new owner

Once that’s done, you get your keys!

What if closing is delayed?

Delays are rare, but if they happen due to banking or legal timing, we’ll communicate with you immediately and ensure your lawyer manages the next steps.

LISTING STATUS

What happens if my listing is suspended or terminated?

If your listing is paused or removed from MLS:

  • Showings stop immediately
  • The sign is removed
  • The lockbox is picked up
  • MLS will show the listing as suspended or terminated

Whenever you are ready to re-enter the market, we will be here to support you.

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CHK Real Estate redefines industry standards with an unparalleled work ethic, innovative marketing strategies, and a community-centric approach to client service. Their dedication to excellence sets a new benchmark in the real estate sector, while their deep commitment to annual community initiatives reflects CHK's culture of giving.