Pro tips: Reno done right

If you want to sell your home, it’s a good idea to get an inspection FIRST to show that you’re serious—and trustworthy. Plus it gives potential buyers a heads-up on any work they might be looking at before they make an offer. For Pascal Parent, head of the Quebec Association of Building Inspectors (AIBQ), a... View Article

If you plan on being away over the holidays, we’ve got some helpful advice for securing your house so you can leave care‑free. Lock up your house Make sure all windows and doors are locked. Draw your curtains and close your blinds so objects on the ground floor aren’t visible from the street. If you... View Article

Whether you’re a buyer, seller, landlord, or tenant, the new cannabis legislation enacted on October 17 affects you. The regulations contained in the act have given rise to new responsibilities. Here’s what you need to know. Risks of cultivation for a house Cannabis plants require almost 100% humidity and a house that is too humid... View Article

As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, gardens start to change. Here are some tips for keeping your garden looking great until winter and helping it rebound nicely come spring. Bring tropical plants inside Bring your tropical plants—hibiscus, palm trees, banana trees, etc.—back into the warmth of your home before overnight temperatures drop below... View Article

The onset of fall doesn’t just mean a return to routine and cooler weather, it’s also when the real estate market starts picking up again. Fall is always a good time to put a property on the market. But if you’re planning to put up a “for sale” sign in the coming weeks or months,... View Article

Let’s say the time has come to sell your house after you’ve lived in it for quite a few years. Then you realize you have way too much stuff. Like so many other people, you want to sell your home but have no idea how to start clearing out, decluttering, and tidying up the interior... View Article

Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, a certificate of location is something you will come across during a real estate transaction. Why is it so important to review it? Here are the key points. Definition A certificate of location is issued by a land surveyor to describe the current status of a property in... View Article

Before you even start negotiating with a seller, it’s wise to take a look at the condo’s financial statements. For reassurance that the property is being managed well, buyers need to know how much of a reserve fund is set aside for major repairs. Be sure to pay close attention to upcoming work, debt, and... View Article

Buyers usually spend less than 40 minutes at a property and visit quite a few before making a decision. Making your house more attractive will not only get you top dollar but will also get buyers interested in the first place. In general, a property in good condition that doesn’t need a lot of work... View Article

Before you start your search for a new home, it’s a good idea to get pre-approved for a mortgage. It will show real estate brokers and sellers that you are a credible buyer. Stéphane Angers, a mortgage advisor at RBC Royal Bank, walks us through some of the main points to consider as part of... View Article

In Real Estate, latent defects are defined according to four criteria: – The defect must be hidden (“latent” means “not apparent”), i.e., not visible upon close inspection. – The defect must be serious. This means it must make the building less fit for purpose to such an extent that the buyer would not have bought... View Article

Definition: Ground is considered contaminated when there are substances, including pollutants that are a risk to humans or the environment. Ground contaminants found on a residential property can come from a variety of sources. These may include fire ashes that were buried on the site, coal deposits from back when houses were heated with coal,... View Article

Are you thinking of buying a co-ownership property? Before you start looking at listings, you should know the difference between divided and undivided co-ownership. We’re going to break it down so you can make an informed decision. Divided Divided co-ownership is what is commonly known as a “condo.” Each unit in the building is designated... View Article