Want to sell your house quickly? Here are 7 essential steps to take before listing

1. Ask yourself the right questions

Before doing anything else, ask yourself the right questions to make informed decisions and identify your needs.

Why are you selling your house?

  • Is your family growing?
  • Are you getting ready for retirement?
  • Do you want to be closer to your family?
  • Are you planning a trip?
  • Etc.

When do you want to sell?

  • Are you selling to buy a new home?
  • Are you interested in working with a broker to sell your property?

2. Collaborate with a Proprio Direct real estate broker.

Selling your home is a major milestone in your life! By partnering with the right realtor, you'll benefit from their expertise, market knowledge, and effective marketing strategies.

The unique advantages of working with a Proprio Direct real estate broker

For over 35 years, our business model has been centered around our clients' best interests. Our unique and flexible approach attracts 100% of buyers, ensuring you get the best possible results. With our Complici-T program, sellers can find their own buyers while still benefiting from full real estate brokerage services. Plus, enjoy a competitive 2% commission rate. The best of both worlds!

Your Proprio Direct real estate broker handles everything, even if you find the buyer.

  • Free home market value estimate
  • Professional photography
  • Exclusive and high-performance marketing strategy
  • Listing your property on Realtor.ca, Centris, Facebook, and more
  • Verification of required documents
  • Handling of calls, viewings, and other requests
  • Managing negotiations and preparing the purchase contract
  • Help with mortgage financing
  • Follow-up with other specialists (surveyor, appraiser, building inspector, etc.)
  • Handling of the file until the notary
  • Support service for buying your new home
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3. Sign your Exclusive brokerage contract

Once you've found a real estate broker, you'll need to sign a listing agreement. This agreement officially authorizes your agent to sell your home. It grants the real estate agency the authority to market and sell your property. Additionally, it outlines the legal relationship between you and the agency and any specific conditions you may wish to set.

Exclusive brokerage contract:

  • Outlines your rights and responsibilities, as well as those of your real estate agent.
  • Provides detailed information about your property that can be published on the MLS® system to help potential buyers find your home.
  • Serves as the foundation for preparing offers to purchase your home.


Different types of Exclusive brokerage contract:

  • Exclusive brokerage contract – Sale – Chiefly residential immovable containing less than 5 dwellings excluding co-ownership;
  • Exclusive brokerage contract – Divided co-ownership – Fraction of a chiefly residential immovable held in divided co-ownership;
  • Exclusive brokerage contract – Undivided co-ownership – Share of a chiefly residential immovable held in undivided co-ownership;
  • Exclusive brokerage contract – Sale – Mobile home situated on leased land

4. Complete the Seller Declaration form

This form provides a detailed snapshot of the property being sold. It allows the buyer to obtain specific information about the current condition of the property and protects both parties. Your Proprio Direct real estate broker will complete this form with you when you sign your brokerage agreement. This declaration will protect you from potential legal claims by the buyer. Furthermore, the Seller's Property Declaration is available to all potential buyers who wish to make an offer to purchase, real estate brokers, building inspectors, or any other party involved in the transaction. When you receive a purchase offer, the buyer must sign the form and attach it to the offer.

Please note that if you refuse to complete or sign this form, your real estate agent will be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations.

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5. Prepare the required documentation for the sale

Your broker will need several documents when signing your brokerage contract:

  • Certificate of location describing the current condition of the property;
  • Deed of sale;
  • Invoices justifying work carried out (re-roofing, changing windows or other renovations);
  • Electricity, gas, municipal and school tax bills ;
  • Last mortgage statement;
  • Home insurance documents;
  • Any documents required for the file (septic systems, water supply, etc.);
  • Etc.

If you own a condominium, you must also provide :

  • Declaration of co-ownership;
  • Certificate of location of the private and common portions;
  • Undivided agreement for an undivided condo;
  • Financial statements;
  • Minutes of recent meetings;
  • Property rules;
  • Information on the contingency and reserve funds;
  • Etc.

6.Verify your mortgage

What happens when you want to sell your home and you haven't yet paid off your mortgage in full? You have three options:

  • Paying off your mortgage
  • Loan transfer
  • Take over your mortgage

1- Paying off your mortgage

With an "open" mortgage, you can repay the full balance at any time without incurring any penalties. If you have a "closed" mortgage, you will likely face a penalty, the amount of which can vary based on several factors. In both cases, you may also need to cover notary fees to discharge the mortgage.

2- Transfer your mortgage

A "transferable" mortgage allows you to move your mortgage from one property to another without incurring any penalties. This is beneficial if your current mortgage rate is lower than the prevailing rates. However, if interest rates have dropped, it may be more advantageous to secure a new mortgage.

3- To transfer your mortgage to the buyer

If the interest rate on your mortgage is lower than current rates, it can be an added incentive for buyers looking to assume the mortgage.

Prepare

7. Prepare your property for sale

To maximize your chances of selling your property, it's important to prepare it. By following these tips, you can attract potential buyers, showcase your home, and close a deal quickly:

  • Do a pre-sales inspection
  • Declutter your home
  • Give your home a good spring cleaning.
  • Make as many repairs as possible
  • Depersonalize your home

Need help? Contact a Proprio Direct real estate broker today. They can help you achieve all your real estate goals!