Advantages offered by a broker
In short, there are many advantages to doing business with a real estate broker.
Better protection
What’s more, to be a real estate broker, you need to have obtained a licence to practice from the Organisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ), following basic training and a rigorous examination.
In addition, the real estate broker :
- has the obligation to verify all information used to promote the property for sale. This includes ensuring that the description is accurate and that all measurements are correct;
- must take part in ongoing training activities to keep up to date with developments in the profession;
- uses the most recent version of the required forms;
- ensures that you are legally protected and served by a qualified professional.
Take advantage of professional services
Real estate brokers are highly qualified and well supervised professionals. They are governed by a code of ethics and standards of professional practice.
- Real estate brokers are in the best position to offer you the best advisory service for your real estate transactions. They’ll help you take into account a number of aspects that are critical to the success of your purchase or sale transaction.
- Real estate brokers have a vast network of professional contacts who are essential to the purchase or sale of a property. This network includes building inspectors, notaries, financial institutions, mortgage brokers, appraisers and any other professional required for your transaction.
- The broker takes care of filling out all the legal sale and purchase forms. These documents protect you and can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Working with a real estate broker can help you complete one of the most important transactions of your life, without a lot of hassle. Not to mention the fact that you only pay for the results you achieve, since the broker has to close a sale to receive his fee.
Selling or buying at the right price
A real estate broker can advise you on the right selling price or the right buying price for a property. In fact, he evaluates the fair market value of a property through privileged access to the Centris® system. This enables the broker to perform a comparative market analysis. The broker can therefore compare the property for sale or the property in question with regard to its sales history and the selling prices of similar properties in the same sector.
The real estate broker takes care of everything when selling a property. He will set the asking price after discussion with his clients, he will make inquiries, he will handle requests for visits, he will promote the property for sale, he may act as a negotiator, etc.
As such, he is the professional of reference and will give your property the best possible visibility thanks to the Centris® system.
Be well advised
When you do business with a broker, you can rest assured that you’ll be well advised, with complete objectivity, to ensure the success of your buying or selling transaction.
Tips for buyers
Dreaming of a large lakefront home? Is it really the right property for you? Sometimes you have to know the difference between the house of your dreams and the one that really suits you. Before you start looking, take some time to think.
Your needs
Every family has its own needs and priorities. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Is a dining room really necessary? Will the garage become another storage space?
Your preferences
Take your tastes and skills into account. If you’re not a handyman, avoid homes that need major renovations. Fancy a large plot of land? Don’t forget that you’ll have to maintain it. If you prefer urban living to be closer to services, entertainment venues and trendy restaurants, expect to live in a noisier, less green environment. In short, set your priorities!
What’s your budget?
Don’t make the mistake of buying a home you can’t afford. To find the property that’s right for you, match your needs to your budget. Once you’ve become a homeowner, your investment will increase in value, enabling you to opt for a property closer to your ideal later on. At the outset, it’s important to remember to set aside funds for purchase-related costs and contingencies. And don’t forget maintenance, insurance and repairs, whose annual costs are generally equivalent to 2% or 3% of the house price.
Your environment
Your environment is also an important factor. Is there a daycare center or school nearby? Will your children be able to use public transportation, or will you have to drive them to their activities? Also consider the distance to work.
Tips for sellers
Making a good impression is essential to attracting the interest of potential buyers.
Outside
The exterior of your property is very important. An attractive appearance encourages the buyer to visit the interior. Your lawn should be well groomed; in winter, have photos on hand to help visitors visualize how the yard will look in summer. Cleanliness is paramount: an uncluttered entrance and sparkling windows will also make all the difference.
Inside
Inside too, cleanliness is essential. Clean up and get rid of unnecessary objects. Remove old furniture that obstructs passageways or clutters up rooms. Clear the space so that visitors don’t feel cramped.
Does the paint need refreshing? Repainted properties often sell for more. You should also know that dark colors don’t sell well. Instead, opt for light, bright tones. The condition of carpets can also be a determining factor. If you can’t replace them, clean them to give them a facelift.
The kitchen and bathroom should be immaculate. Take the time to clean appliances and faucets, as well as the bathtub, toilet and sink. Clear the countertops and don’t leave dishes in the sink or towels on the edge of the bathtub. Let the buyer see all the storage possibilities.
Throughout the house, repair leaky faucets, faulty handles, drawers and cupboard doors that don’t close properly, etc. Replace burnt-out light bulbs and yellowed electrical plates. These small repairs are relatively inexpensive and will have a positive influence on the buyer.
Create a pleasant atmosphere
It’s essential that your home is well lit. Open the curtains during the day and turn on the lamps in the evening. If necessary, add lamps in dark corners. Make sure the house is well ventilated. Don’t repel buyers with strong odors, such as incense or spicy foods.
During the buyer’s visit, be discreet and leave your broker alone with the customer. This will make it easier for him to show off your home, and the customer will feel freer to give his comments.
Documents to have on hand
Want to sell your property quickly? Put all the odds on your side and make sure the transaction goes smoothly by keeping these essential documents handy:
- certificate of property location;
- test results for pyrite, vermiculite, iron ochre, etc., for the regions concerned;
- invoices for property renovations;
- declaration of co-ownership, if applicable;
- lease, or leases in the case of rental property;
- municipal and school tax statements;
- statement of monthly electricity costs;
- statement of fixed costs associated with the property.