Frequently Asked Questions

All your questions,
clear answers.

Selling, buying, getting an evaluation, understanding fees: here is what you need to know.

Sell Buy Valuation & Pricing Fees, Contracts & Legal Seniors & Transitions

01 · Selling

Selling
my property.

From the first call to the signing at the notary's office.

How long does it take to sell a property on the South Shore?

The timeframe depends on the price, the type of property, and the area. With a fair pricing strategy and professional marketing, many properties in Châteauguay and the surrounding areas find a buyer within a few weeks. A property listed too high, however, risks staying on the market longer.

What is the best time of year to sell?

Spring remains the most active period, but there is also more competition. Autumn often attracts buyers who are more serious and in a hurry. In reality, a well-prepared and well-listed property sells in any season—the important thing is to be ready when you list.

Should I renovate or repair before selling?

Major renovations are rarely necessary: they often don't pay for themselves. It is primarily cleanliness, decluttering, light, and small visible repairs that yield the best return. During our meeting, I will tell you exactly what is worth the effort and what is not.

Can I sell while I am still living in the property?

Yes, this is the most common situation. Viewings are scheduled according to your availability, and the possession date is negotiated to give you time to move peacefully.

Do I need to be present during viewings?

No, it is actually recommended that you are not there. Buyers feel more comfortable discussing the property and projecting themselves into it when the owner is absent. I handle the viewings and provide you with a detailed report afterwards.

How do you handle multiple offers?

This is a good starting point: there is the price, but also the deadlines, conditions, and the reliability of the financing. I negotiate every element in your best interest, and you remain the sole decision-maker.

What if I need to buy at the same time as I sell?

We coordinate both transactions: possession dates, conditions related to the sale, and financing. This is precisely the situation where a broker helps you avoid unpleasant surprises and double payments.

02 · Buying

Buying
on the South Shore.

First purchase, family expansion, or investment.

How much should I plan for a down payment?

The minimum is 5% for a primary residence (up to a certain amount), but it can vary depending on the type of property and your situation. I can put you in touch with mortgage specialists who will calculate the exact scenarios for you.

Is mortgage pre-approval mandatory?

It is highly recommended. Pre-approval sets your actual budget, protects your rate for a few months, and makes your offer much more credible to a seller. I can refer you to trusted mortgage brokers.

How much does it cost me to work with you as a buyer?

In the vast majority of transactions, the broker's compensation is covered by the seller. You therefore benefit from guidance, research, viewings, and negotiation at no direct cost. Everything is explained clearly from the start.

Is an inspection really necessary?

Yes. An inspection by a recognized professional reveals the actual condition of the building and becomes a legitimate negotiation lever. It is a few hundred dollars that can save you tens of thousands.

What is the Welcome Tax and when is it paid?

It is the land transfer tax, billed by the municipality a few weeks to a few months after the purchase. The amount is calculated in brackets based on the price paid or the municipal assessment, whichever is higher. I will provide you with an estimate before the offer.

How can I be notified of new properties before everyone else?

I set up a personalized alert based on your criteria, and I contact my network of buyers first when a matching property becomes available. Send me your criteria and you will be on the list.

03 · Evaluation & Price

Value,
Price and Market.

Understand what your property is truly worth today.

How much is my property worth on the South Shore?

The value depends on the area, square footage, condition of the building, renovations, and especially recent comparable sales. I will provide you with a detailed market analysis to establish a realistic price.

Does the municipal assessment correspond to the sale value?

No. The assessment roll is used to calculate your taxes and is updated every three years, often without a visit. It does not take into account your recent renovations or the current state of the market. The market value can be significantly higher—or lower.

What happens if I list it too high "just to see"?

The first three weeks generate the most traffic. A price that is too high wastes them: the property stagnates, accumulates days on the market, and becomes suspicious in the eyes of buyers. It generally ends up selling for less than a fair price set from the start.

Is the evaluation really free and without obligation?

Yes, entirely. You leave with a realistic figure, the comparables that support it, and a clear strategy—even if you don't plan to sell for another year or two. No fees, no obligation to sign anything.

What influences the value of my property the most?

Location is the primary factor, followed by the general condition of the building and the kitchen/bathrooms. However, market timing also plays a role. I will explain the specific factors for your neighborhood during our meeting.

Is it a good time to sell right now?

This depends heavily on your area and your type of property—conditions are not the same for a condo in Brossard as they are for a bungalow in Châteauguay. I will give you an honest portrait of the local market before you decide anything.

04 · Fees, Contract & Legal

Fees,
Contract and Legal Framework.

What you pay, when, and what protects you.

What are the fees for selling with a broker?

The compensation is agreed upon in advance, in writing, and is only payable at the time of the sale, at the notary's office. If the property does not sell, you pay nothing. Professional photography, home staging advice, Centris listing, and advertising are included.

What exactly is a brokerage contract?

It is the document regulated by the OACIQ that defines the asking price, the duration of the mandate, the compensation, and the obligations of each party. We read it together, line by line, before you sign anything.

Am I committed if I meet you for an evaluation?

Absolutely not. The evaluation meeting is a free consultation. You are only committed from the moment you sign a brokerage contract, and never before.

What is the Seller's Declaration?

It is the form where you declare what you know about the property: leaks, damage, renovations, easements. Transparency protects you: voluntarily omitted information can lead to the cancellation of the sale or legal recourse years later.

Is the certificate of location mandatory?

The buyer and their notary almost always require it. It must reflect the current state of the premises: if you have added a pool, a fence, or a shed since the last certificate, a new one will likely be needed.

What is the FICI (Real Estate Indemnity Fund)?

It is a protection offered by the OACIQ that protects consumers in case of fraud or professional negligence. It is one of the great advantages of working with a licensed broker. I will explain the conditions and limits to you during our meeting.

05 · Seniors & Transitions

Accompanying
a parent or loved one.

A life stage before it is a transaction.

My mother needs to sell to move into a residence. Where do we start?

With a no-pressure meeting, at her home, at her pace. We look at the property, establish a realistic value, and talk about the timeline: moving into the residence, sorting belongings, the move. Nothing is put up for sale until the family is ready.

How do you handle sorting and moving?

I am not a mover, but I have a network of trusted partners specialized in seniors' transitions: sorting, estate sales, and specialized moving. I coordinate the logistics so that the family can focus on the human aspect.

How do you manage communication between siblings?

I ensure that everyone receives the same information at the same time: evaluation, offers, deadlines. My role is to keep the file clear and factual so that family decisions can be made calmly.

What should be done in case of succession or a protection mandate?

These situations require specific documents—liquidator, probate, homologated mandate. I work with the family's notary to validate who can sign what, and at what time, before putting the property on the market.

Can we just discuss it without deciding anything?

Of course, and it is often the best way to start. A call or a coffee, with no obligation. Many families contact me a year before selling, simply to know what to expect.