The real estate broker: your guide to peace of mind

A real estate transaction is a complex and delicate process that requires a thorough knowledge of the real estate market and a great talent for negotiation. How about doing business with a real estate agent who does it for you?

When you sell your property, your agent conducts a complete market analysis in your neighborhood and determines the right price. It also uses the power of the MLS® system to give exceptional visibility to your home to more than 14,000 fellow members of a real estate board.

Think about it: to sell a property, you must be available to visit it 7 days a week. Your real estate broker can take care of everything: inquiries, managing calls and visits, promoting your property to potential buyers, etc.

After the submission of an offer to purchase comes the negotiation. In any real estate transaction, it is essential to have a seasoned negotiator by his side, and your real estate broker is an expert in the field! Whether it's financing, buyer qualification, terms of sale, technical inspection of the property or legal aspects, your broker will guide you from start to finish.

The broker also serves as an intermediary in your dealings with the many players involved in the sale of your property. Its strong network of contacts extends from the building inspector to the notary, the financial institution and the mortgage broker. In fact, your broker acts almost like a one-stop shop! Not to mention that its involvement guarantees you the legal protection offered by the Real Estate Brokerage Act.

Should you buy or sell your property first? Each option has its advantages and risks. By carefully considering the pros and cons, and providing alternatives in case of a glitch, you will be able to make an informed choice.

Buy first?

By purchasing first, you will know in advance your new address, the exact cost of your new home, the date you will become the owner and the date of the transaction. You will consider these when you receive a promise to purchase for your current property.

It is also possible to make a promise to purchase conditional on the sale of your property. In this case, the owner of the residence you are interested in may receive another promise to purchase that does not impose any conditions. In order to give you priority, he will ask you to withdraw your condition. You will then have the choice to buy this property before selling yours, or withdraw your offer.

Be that as it may, it's a good idea to have a temporary source of financing in case your current property is not sold when you sign the purchase agreement for your new property.

To view more information to buy, visit our additional information page on buying a property.

Sell first?

By selling your property before you have found another, you will know the exact amount that will come back to you as part of the sale. You will therefore have a precise idea of the amount available to purchase your new home.

You may feel an urgent need to find a new home. However, if you decide to sell first, you will have all the information you need to make a solid purchase promise. For example, knowing when your home buyers will move will help you determine when you want to take over your new property. If these dates do not coincide, you can always opt for temporary accommodation.

To view more information to sell, visit our additional information page on selling a property