For owners considering an as-is or cash saleBefore you accept a cash offer: checklist
Know your other number
- Get a realistic as-is market value — what the home would sell for, listed, in its current condition.
- Estimate what you’d net from listing, after commission, legal fees and the time it takes.
- Write down what matters most, in order: speed, certainty, price, privacy.
Read the offer
- Is it truly unconditional, or is there an inspection or “due diligence” condition?
- How big is the deposit, who holds it in trust, and when is it paid?
- Does the buyer’s name include “and/or assigns”? Ask who the real buyer is.
- Is anyone asking you to pay a fee up front? Legitimate buyers don’t.
- Is the person you’re dealing with licensed? Check the Real Estate Council of Alberta’s ProCheck.
- If the buyer is a real estate professional, or connected to one, have they disclosed it in writing?
Before you sign
- Disclose any serious hidden problem you know about — “as-is” doesn’t cover concealment.
- Have your own lawyer read the contract, especially any clause removing seller warranties.
- Compare net to net: the cash offer against your listing estimate, and how long each takes.
