What you need to know
Price against comparable units and buildings, make the total monthly cost clear, and have the condo documents ready. Strong presentation and easy access help buyers make a confident decision.
Compare the building as well as the unit.
Begin with recent sales and current listings in the same building when enough useful examples exist. Then compare similar buildings, adjusting the discussion for age, amenities, parking, fees, condition and location.
Floor, orientation, view, noise, layout and outdoor space can distinguish units with similar square footage. List those differences explicitly so the pricing discussion is about the home’s actual features.
Explain the monthly fee clearly.
Record the current fee and what it includes. Buyers need to compare the total ownership cost, not just the purchase price. Heat, water, insurance arrangements and amenities can differ between buildings.
Obtain the current information rather than carrying forward an old listing’s figure. If a buyer asks about increases or major work, refer to the corporation’s documents and management information instead of guessing.
Order documents early.
Find out which resale documents are available, how to order them and the turnaround time. Buyers may review budgets, financial statements, meeting minutes, bylaws, insurance information and reserve planning as part of their due diligence.
Alberta’s condominium resources explain ownership responsibilities and reserve funds. Having the package ready gives buyers time to investigate the building and helps avoid a last-minute scramble during conditions.Government of Alberta: condominium informationGovernment of Alberta: condominium reserve funds
Photograph the space and the useful extras.
Show the main living area, storage, balcony, parking and relevant common areas where access and photography are permitted. Use room layouts that make circulation and furniture placement clear.
If the unit is vacant, discuss whether staging or clearly identified virtual staging would help. Keep photos accurate about the space and its condition. Confirm measurements and avoid combining balcony or below-grade space with the advertised interior area.RECA: Residential Measurement Standard
Make showing and access details straightforward.
Coordinate keys, fobs, visitor parking, elevator access and any building rules. Give buyers enough time to see the unit and relevant amenities. If a tenant occupies the property, plan lawful notice and access arrangements before marketing.
A buyer who can understand the building and view it without avoidable complications is better able to make a decision. Keep the offer process organized by answering document and possession questions promptly.
Use the fee and price together in your sale plan.
Don’s fee is 2% combined commission: 1% for the listing brokerage and 1% for the buyer’s brokerage, plus GST. That includes pricing advice, professional photography, MLS® exposure, showing coordination and negotiation through the sale.
At a $400,000 condo sale, Don’s commission is $8,000 before GST. The 7%/3% comparison is $16,000, a difference of $8,000 before GST. Use the savings alongside your payout and closing costs when planning your next home.
Don has sold more than 650 Calgary-area homes. Request a free condo evaluation with your unit address, parking details, monthly fee and recent improvements to get a pricing and preparation plan.
Sources and further reading
Research checked September 26, 2026. Market figures below use the periods identified in the article.