The 7 documents to have on hand when selling your home
Last updated on March 2, 2022
You need a few documents when selling a property, be it to provide information to a potential buyer or finalize the transaction at the notary’s office.
Here are the documents you should have on hand:
1. Declaration of the Seller
The Declaration of the Seller is a tool owners use to give an overview of their property when selling it. Filled out to the best of the owner’s knowledge, this document gives potential buyers important information about the property’s condition and history. Everything that can affect its value!
Download the document
Since July 1, 2012, the Declaration of the Seller document is mandatory when selling a home or an apartment building with less than five units. You can download this form from our website in the section.
2. Property tax, electricity and/or gas bills
Most buyers want to know how much they can expect to pay in taxes and utilities. In fact, this can sway their final decision. It’s helpful to have these documents on hand. In addition to gas and electricity bills, and school and property tax bills, it’s good to have any rental contracts (e.g. for a water heater or other) and fixed fee statements (maintenance, alarm system, etc.), where applicable.
3. Declaration of Co-ownership (if applicable)
The Declaration of Co-ownership has three sections: the incorporating documents, the building’s regulations and the descriptive summary. In short, it describes how the co-owned building is shared and administered. It also includes the cadastral description of the private and common spaces.
In addition to being mandatory for the sale of divided co-ownership property, the Declaration of Co-ownership is also important to potential buyers, who will want to consult the administrative regulations and rules on life in the building before deciding if they want to live there.
4. Copy of the Offer to Purchase
The notary will need this document to complete the bill of sale. The Offer to Purchase is the contract in which the buyer formally commits to purchasing the property. It also stipulates that the seller agrees to sell the property provided that the terms of the contract are accepted by both parties.
The Offer to Purchase form (for different types of properties) can be downloaded in PDF format from our website at no cost.
5. Property’s certificate of localisation
The certificate of localisation describes the property in a plan that shows the lot(s), main buildings and outbuildings. It also describes the state of the property, as per the applicable municipal laws and by-laws. This document, which protects both parties, is required for all real estate transactions in Quebec.
Is your property’s certificate of localisation several years old?
When selling, the certificate of localisation must be less than 10 years old, whether any changes have been made or not. The notary could require a more recent certificate before completing the transaction if it does not describe the current state of the premises. You can have a certificate of localisation drawn up by a land surveyor: this is the only professional who can produce such a document.
6. Mortgage discharge
If you took out a mortgage to purchase the property, you will need to present a mortgage discharge document for the transaction. Signed by the creditor and a notary or lawyer, this document confirms to the buyer that the mortgage has been repaid in full. This way, the titles are clear and the lender waives their right to the property.
Note: The removal of the creditor’s rights to the property must be entered in the land register to show that it is no longer being used as collateral for the seller’s debt.
7. Previous deed of sale
The deed of sale is a document the notary prepares to officially seal a real estate transaction. The deed you received when you purchased the property proves you have the right to sell it.
In conclusion, these seven documents are needed to finalize the sale of your property. You could also add copies of invoices for major renovations or maintenance work done in recent years. They show that your property has been well maintained and is in good condition, in addition to justifying the asking price.
Here's a handy checklist!
To understand how DuProprio can help you with the different steps involved in selling your property, call us at 1-866-387-7677 or watch our information webinar.
