What questions should you ask the owner and what should you look for when visiting a property? In this section, you’ll find answers to your questions about buying real estate and about the steps involved in a purchase, from searching for your dream home to submitting an offer.
All about buying
New or used: What type of home is right for you?
New or used? This is a question people always ask themselves when thinking of buying a home.
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All about buyingWhat you need to know about the First-Time Home Buyer IncentiveAre you looking to buy your first home but can’t find anything on the market that meets your needs and fits your budget? The all-new First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, launched by the Canadian government on September 2, was created to help people like you achieve their dream.
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All about buyingWhat if an inspection report reveals problems?A seller and a buyer agree on the purchase price of a property. So far, so good. An offer to purchase is made, pending a favourable inspection. However, during the inspection, the building inspector uncovers some defects. Major work will be required. Now what?
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All about buyingA building inspection: The best precautionUsing the services of a building inspector is probably the best precautionary measure you can take before buying a property. Although it’s not mandatory, a pre-purchase inspection will give the buyer peace of mind.
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All about buyingThe legal warranty: Protection against hidden defectsSome people have nightmares about hidden defects. But a better understanding of the legal warranty could help make sure they get a good night’s sleep. Above all, it means buyers can look for their dream home with peace of mind.
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All about buyingA sale without legal warranty: What does it involve?When we see a home for sale “without legal warranty,” we automatically think it must have a lot of issues. But that’s not necessarily the case. This term is commonly used with estate sales or foreclosed homes.
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All about buying3 tips for finding the perfect cottagePurchasing a cottage requires a certain level of preparation, similar to acquiring a new home.
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All about buyingMaking the most of an open housePlanning on going to or organizing an open house soon? Read our team’s tips and make the most of this big event.
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All about buying4 secrets to evaluate a home’s potential during a visitYou just visited a home and, at first glance, you just didn’t like it: the yard was neglected, the decor was straight out of a previous decade and the owner has put up heavy curtains that block all the light.
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All about buying5 ways to know whether you’re an informed buyerWant to buy a house but are waiting for that golden opportunity? That’s great, but telling a great deal from a lemon requires at least a basic understanding of real estate.
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All about buyingGetting ready to apply for a mortgageHas the time come for you to meet a financial advisor or mortgage broker to apply for a mortgage? If so, you’ll need to provide certain information so they can assess your credit file and learn more about your financial situation.
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All about buyingHow much is the welcome tax?When a property in Quebec sells, the buyer must pay the real property transfer tax, better known as the “welcome tax.”
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All about buyingUnderstanding the terminology used in mortgagesAbout to buy your first property? You’ll soon be talking about mortgages with financial advisers from various banks. Here’s a glossary to familiarize you with the terms and conditions you’ll be negotiating in your mortgage contract.
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All about buyingMake an offer to purchase in 10 easy stepsYou’ve found your dream home and you’re ready to buy! Here’s how to make a formal offer to purchase to the owner in a few simple steps.
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All about buyingDivided vs. undivided co-ownership: Do you know the implications?When you’re looking for a condo, one of the first things you should check is whether the property is divided or undivided co-ownership. Depending on the type you choose, the implications will be different.
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All about buyingDeclaration of Co-ownership: Read it before buyingThinking of buying a divided co-ownership property, more commonly known as a condo? You should be aware that there is a charter setting out all the regulations for the building. It’s called the Declaration of Co-Ownership.
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All about buying5 Ways to Financially Prepare to Buy a HomeFor a lot of people, the main obstacle separating them from their goal of buying a home vs.renting is their financial situation. However, there are ways to prepare for buying a property.
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All about buying5 tips for visiting a home efficientlyVisiting a home is a natural step in the process of buying a property. Not only do you have to check whether it’s in good condition, but you also have to determine whether it meets your needs.
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All about buying3 recurrent conditions in an offer to purchaseThere are a number of common conditions in an offer to purchase a property that must be adhered to, whether you’re buying a house or a condo. Until each and every one of those conditions has been met (and in a timely matter), the sale is not considered complete.
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All about buying20 questions to ask homeownersHomeowners know their house best. To make sure that a property really meets your needs and is in good condition, you should feel free to ask the owners certain questions.
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All about buyingBecome a moving proThe best way to have your moving day go smoothly is to be well-prepared. Turn a stressful, tiring day into a productive one with these tips. They will help you work efficiently and get settled into your new home as soon as possible.
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All about buyingBuying a property in Quebec in 5 stepsThe steps to becoming a homeowner are not the same everywhere you go. Just within Canadian borders, these steps vary from one province to the next.
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All about buyingUnderstanding the “72-hour clause” in the offer to purchaseWhen your buyer is a homeowner wanting to buy a new home, that buyer will make the offer to purchase conditional on the sale of their existing property. It’s important to understand that, as long as the conditions of that offer aren’t met, you can keep looking for a new buyer.
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All about buyingTop 4 Tips for Buying a CondoWithout a doubt, condos have taken on a new popularity in Quebec. Condominiums are quickly surpassing the traditional family home for first-time buyers.
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All about buyingShould you start by buying or selling?When planning to move, many owners wonder: is it better to sell your current home before looking for a new one, or to find a new place before selling? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
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All about buying4 points to negotiate when buying a homeWhen preparing to write the Offer to Purchase for a home, the buyer must talk with the owner and reach an agreement on various points.
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All about buyingWho pays for what at the notary’s?The final, compulsory step in every real estate transaction in Quebec takes place at the notary’s office. This is when the buyer and the seller formally confirm the bill of sale. And often during this appointment, the house keys are handed over to the new owner.
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All about buyingGoing from renter to homeowner: How much does it cost?Have you outgrown your apartment? Becoming a homeowner might be the solution. But you should be aware that this change will require a certain investment.
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All about buying5-part breakdown of the Offer to PurchaseThe moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here! Someone wants to make an offer on your home! The Offer to Purchase is a contract that binds you to the buyer and is required by the notary to prepare the bill of sale.
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All about buyingWhat is the notary’s role when you buy a house?In Quebec, all real estate transactions have to go through a notary. The buyer usually chooses which one to go to.
