Frequently Asked Questions

The selling time varies depending on the market, price, and property condition. On average, a well-prepared and correctly priced home can sell within 30 to 90 days. I'll guide you to optimize this timeline.

In addition to the purchase price, plan for notary fees, welcome tax, inspection, title insurance, and moving costs. I'll provide you with a detailed estimate of all costs.

The municipal assessment (property assessment) is often perceived as the "true price," when in fact it is delayed, often by two to three years, and is primarily used to calculate taxes. Many buyers and sellers rely on it to negotiate or determine the price of their property, which is not good practice.

Generally, small upgrades that improve first impressions, such as fresh paint, modern light fixtures, or well-maintained landscaping, will offer a good return on investment. On the other hand, major renovations like a kitchen or a complete bathroom rarely recoup 100% of their cost, although they will help with the sale of the property.

In Quebec, a seller has a legal obligation to complete what is called a Seller's Declaration. This document requires them to disclose all known issues with the property, such as leaks, work carried out, maintenance, foundation problems, etc. This is an important protection for the buyer.

That said, this declaration covers what the seller knows and discloses. It does not replace a professional inspection by a certified building inspector. A professional inspection remains your best tool for detecting what is not visible to the naked eye or what has not been mentioned in the Seller's Declaration.

Strictly speaking, nothing prevents you from choosing your own inspector. That said, in Quebec, the regulations are clear: building inspectors must be members of a recognized association and hold mandatory professional liability insurance.

In practical terms, be wary of inspectors who offer excessively low prices, provide a verbal report without a written document, or are not members of the Quebec Association of Building Inspectors (AIBQ). A sloppy inspection report can be very costly after you take possession if significant problems go undetected.