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Tips for buyers

Thinking of buying a property? Is this your first purchase or does some change in your life involve a quick move? Finding your ideal home is exciting but it can take a lot of energy, time and significant stress.


Our main goal is that you are happy.
Our commitment is to communicate effectively with you during your buying experience, to provide you with key and strategic information, with honesty, and to help you make informed decisions appropriate to your reality.


Here is some content that may help you in your efforts

The Home Buyers’ Plan

The Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) is a government program that allows first-time buyers like you to achieve financial independence. You can become a homeowner while accumulating funds for your retirement by opting for a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP).

Is the HBP right for me?

It is suitable for most households. With the HBP, your dream of becoming a homeowner becomes a reality while allowing you to save thousands of dollars in tax refunds. For working spouses, repayments could be between $20,000 and $30,000, more than enough to secure your first home. The HBP allows each taxpayer to withdraw up to $35,000 tax-free from their Registered Retirement Savings Plan to purchase a property.

What if I never contributed to an RRSP?

You will still be able to take advantage of the Home Buyers’ Plan, as long as you earn or have earned income that qualifies you to contribute to an RRSP.

By contributing as much as you can to your RRSP, you will receive significant tax refunds!

What if I don’t have the money to contribute to an RRSP?

You can borrow an amount equivalent to your unused RRSP contribution room from your financial institution (up to $35,000) to contribute to your RRSP. This way, you benefit from a significant tax deduction and can receive a considerable tax return, which you can use to purchase your home. After a 90-day waiting period, you can withdraw the amount contributed to your RRSP (tax-free) and repay your loan. You will have almost 18 years to reinvest the funds into your RRSP, without interest. It’s a simple method; the results are great!

How can I get more information about the HBP?

Consult a RE/MAX® broker in your area: he or she is fully trained in the HBP to make the process of buying your home easier. He will provide you with more information on this generous government program.

What do buyers who have done a PAR think?

“Never in a million years did we think we would qualify to buy a property. However, our curiosity led us to learn about the HBP program and to our surprise, we were eligible for a tax deduction of $35,000 each with this program. We bought a nice bungalow for $328,000… Thanks to RE/MAX we are happy homeowners.”

M. Jean-François Therrien and Mme Christine Cholette

“This program allowed us to kill two birds with one stone: acquire an income house and house our little family. The HBP also allowed us to pay 25% in cash towards the purchase of our triplex. Thank you to our RE/MAX broker for his sound advice.”

M. Luc Janson, Mme Magali Jodoin and their son Charles David

What if the mortgage interest on your new home was deductible from your income?

Indeed, for the unincorporated self-employed, this is now possible. As a result of a recent Supreme Court of Canada decision and a new administrative position by Revenue Canada, individuals can now use the “cash damming” technique to convert the non-deductible mortgage interest on their personal residence into deductible interest.

ASTOUNDING NUMBERS

Referring to the table below, we can see that an individual who has chosen to amortize his $150,000 home mortgage (at an average rate of 6%) over a period of 20 years will be able to deduct an impressive $106,388 from his income over the years.

Using a 45% tax rate, the taxpayer will eventually be $47,875 richer after tax. In addition, the cost of using this strategy varies from very low to zero! What do you think…

WHAT IS THE CASH DAMMING TECHNIQUE?

Usually, the unincorporated self-employed person uses his or her gross income (sales) to pay for day-to-day operating expenses and finances major personal expenses, such as the mortgage on their home.

Using the “cash damming” technique, the same individual will use the gross income from his business to accelerate his personal mortgage payment and will now finance 100% of his operating expenses. In doing so, it will gradually transform non-deductible interest (mortgage) into deductible interest (business loan).

JEAN’S EXAMPLE

Jean is an unincorporated self-employed worker and in the course of his profession, he incurs $75,000 in business expenses (rent, salaries, supplies, etc.) which are, to date, paid out of his gross professional income of $200,000. Jean has also just purchased a new home for which he will assume a $150,000 mortgage.

Once the cash damming technique is in place, Jean will use the portion of his income that would normally be used to pay his business expenses to make an additional mortgage payment on his personal residence.

Then, the financial institution will allow Jean to use a mortgage line of credit for an amount equivalent to the additional mortgage payment he has just made. This way, Jean will be able to use his line of credit to pay for his current business expenses.

And since the money borrowed on the line of credit was for business purposes, John can deduct the interest on the amount borrowed from his income. He will have converted non-deductible interest (residential mortgage) into deductible interest (business line of credit).

With annual business expenses of $75,000, Jean will take just 2 years to fully convert his original $150,000 mortgage into a home equity line of credit, making the interest deductible for the remaining life of the debt.

This is how Jean will recover more than $47,875 net of taxes!

THE EMPLOYEE AND THE INCOME PROPERTY

An employee, as well as a self-employed person, who owns or acquires an income property, will be able to use a different version of cash damming in order to transform the non-deductible interest of his residential mortgage into deductible interest.

In fact, in such a situation, the individual will only have to use the portion of his rental income that would normally have been used to pay the operating expenses of the rental building (taxes, insurance, maintenance, mortgage payments, etc.) to make an additional mortgage payment on his personal residence. And just like Jean in the previous example, once this additional payment is made, the individual will then use his mortgage line of credit to pay for the current disbursements on his income property.

And since the amounts borrowed on the mortgage line of credit will have been borrowed for business purposes, he will have gradually transformed non-deductible interest (residential mortgage) into deductible interest (business line of credit).

A FEW RECOMMENDATIONS

Since there are other planning strategies available to maximize the tax benefits of the cash damming technique, consult a professional who can develop a strategy that is perfectly suited to your needs, taking into account the following aspects, among others:

  • The rules surrounding the division of the family patrimony;

  • Personal and business expenses (e.g. car);

  • GST and QST collected on your sales in the course of your profession;

  • The situation where the spouses are co-owners;

  • And so on…

A move that pays off!

It is increasingly common for an individual to have to relocate to another municipality as a result of obtaining a new job or transferring (voluntarily or involuntarily) to another location from their current or future employer.

For practical reasons, this person will probably consider selling his or her house to be closer to his or her new place of work. Perhaps good news awaits him…

In fact, the real estate broker’s fee, as well as all moving expenses, could become fully deductible from income earned at the new location!

Let’s see the applicable rules in a little more detail…

Both federal and provincial tax laws provide that when an individual changes his or her place of residence in Canada because he or she is or will be employed at a new place of work, or because he or she will be carrying on business at a new place of work, he or she may deduct eligible moving expenses, including real estate broker’s fees, to the extent that his or her new residence (house, rented apartment, condo, etc.) allows him or her to be at least 40 kilometers closer to his or her new place of work (regardless of whether he or she will be working on a full-time or part-time basis).

We can therefore see that many expenses are eligible for deduction; even the notary fees and the transfer tax of the new residence can be deducted, if the old residence is sold and a new residence is actually acquired!

A true gift from the sky…

Note that individuals who have moved in recent years and were eligible for these deductions but failed to claim them, may apply to Revenue Canada and Revenue Quebec for a retroactive refund, provided that no more than 10 years have elapsed between the year of the move and the year of the claim.

Last technicalities…

If you paid expenses in any of the years following your move, you can now deduct those expenses from income in the year you paid them.

Your deduction cannot exceed the amount of income you earned at your new place of employment. However, you can carry forward any unused portion to future years or until your income at your new location allows you to deduct it. Note that the move does not have to take place in the same year as the change in work location, but must, among other things, have taken place because of the change in work location.

The comparative market analysis is prepared especially for you, by analyzing properties similar to yours. It is therefore important for the Real Estate Broker who represents you, to have evaluated your property with full knowledge of the facts. This evaluation should start with a visit of the premises in order to have a professional and critical look on your property and also to know your selling objectives.

The purpose of this analysis is to determine the best selling price for your property, while ensuring that it sells within a reasonable time frame. Ultimately, the selling price established will be the highest expected selling price given the current market.

The comparative market analysis is based on properties comparable to yours that have recently sold in your area. Such an analysis provides an accurate picture of the value of your property in the current market.

This market analysis ensures that you establish the right selling price for your property, right from the start.

You will also find in this market analysis other information relevant to the sale of your property and the market in which it evolves.

Beware of virtual or telephone assessments. A dealer will never give you an exchange value over the phone… Why would a broker, or better yet, a buyer, do this? You could also be losing without even realizing it.

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a key step in your home buying process.

Let’s say you’ve decided it’s time to buy your first home.

You know the transaction fees and some of the important steps you need to take before buying your first home.

Wow ! You find the house of your dreams where you would like to spend the rest of your life.

You go to mortgage lenders and no one is willing to lend you enough to buy your dream home.

Ouch! You find out too late that you’ve fallen in love with a house you can’t afford.

Disappointing ! Is it not?

While a mortgage pre-approval doesn’t guarantee you’ll be able to buy your dream home, it can save you a heartache. It can also give your offer much more weight and credibility in a multiple or conditional offer situation.

Let us clarify what the terms “mortgage prequalification” and “mortgage pre-approval” mean.

PREQUALIFICATION FOR OBTAINING A MORTGAGE LOAN

This procedure is different from the pre-approval of mortgage loans. This is an initial step in the mortgage process where you meet with a mortgage broker or advisor and discuss your plans to get a mortgage. The lender will ask you for information about your income, assets and liabilities. Without asking for tangible proof of your finances or carrying out a credit check, the lender will give you an estimate of how much you can claim. There is no commitment on the part of the lender and their assessment may change once they have more information about your financial situation and credit history / rating.

PRE-APPROVAL OF THE MORTGAGE LOAN

This is a step forward in mortgage prequalification. The lender will then ask you for documents relating to your assets, income and liabilities. He will also have access to your credit report after obtaining your agreement. Once pre-approved, the lender will determine the maximum amount they are willing to lend to you, subject to certain conditions. You will be able to lock a mortgage rate against increases for a period of time and the lender can provide you with written confirmation or a certificate of pre-approval.

WHY YOU NEED A MORTGAGE PRE-APPROVAL

1. Save Time: Having a pre-approval gives you an idea of how much home you can afford and the potential amount of monthly mortgage payments. This will allow you to limit your searches and save time.

2. Lock in the mortgage interest rate: A mortgage pre-approval allows you to lock in the interest rate between 90 and 120 days. This means that if interest rates rise during this time, your lender will stick to the lower frozen rate. If mortgage rates go down, it will adjust your rates down accordingly. Basically, you are covered against a possible rate hike for 3 to 4 months.

3. Realtors take you seriously: Realtors don’t want to waste their time with buyers who are not “ready for finance”. When you get a mortgage pre-approval, real estate agents see you as a serious buyer and are ready to help you through the buying process.

4. Sellers Are Ready to Negotiate: A seller may prioritize your offer to purchase if you have a pre-approval letter or certificate showing that you are likely to close the deal. He may also be willing to negotiate price and other terms than he would with a buyer who does not.

5. No Commitment: Getting pre-approved is free and does not mean you agree to get your mortgage through the lender. There are no financial repercussions or penalties if you choose to go to another lender or even if you decide to postpone your home buying plans.

THE MORTGAGE PRE-APPROVAL PROCESS

Obtaining a mortgage pre-approval is a relatively quick process that shouldn’t take more than 1 to 2 days. However, be prepared to provide plenty of documentation. I advise first-time homebuyers to get their finances in order, check their credit report, reduce their credit card debt, understand their gross debt service (SDB) ratios, and total debt service (TDS) and get a feel for the type of home they want to buy.

In order to be able to make a decision, the lender will want to have documents relating to

Your personal information and identification: A piece of photo identification and a social insurance number.

Proof of income: Pay slips, T4 slip or notice of assessment.

Job Verification: A letter of employment stating your current position, salary, type of job (temporary or permanent) and length of employment. If you are self-employed, you may be required to provide additional documents, including your business financial statements.

Proof of down payment: Recent bank and investment account statements.

Proof of other assets: Vehicles, property, jewelry, etc.

Debts and Liabilities: Including credit card balances, lines of credit, student loans, car payments, personal loans, liens, spousal or child support, current monthly obligations of mortgage or rent.

Also, the lender will perform a credit check with your consent. Lenders will examine your credit report to determine your creditworthiness. If you are applying with a spouse or partner, they will also be required to provide all of the above documents.

PRE-APPROVAL OF THE MORTGAGE LOAN: IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE

No guarantees A mortgage pre-approval does not guarantee that the mortgage lender will approve your final mortgage application. Several things can still go wrong. In particular, the lender may change their mind about the possibility of lending you money:

Changes in your financial situation. These may include the following

You lose your job or change jobs

Your credit rating is bad, for example if you don’t pay the bills on a loan

You add new debt or new credit – getting a new credit card, a new line of credit, a new car rental agreement, etc. will increase your debt-to-income ratio and may also negatively impact your credit rating

Provide false or partial information about your financial situation which becomes evident at closing

You do not have sufficient cash reserves to cover your closing costs

The house does not pass the appraisal: this could mean that it has flaws or that it is appraised at a lower price than what you negotiated to acquire it. To avoid problems, you can request a review before you make an offer or include review terms in your offer to purchase.

Add a financing condition: When you complete your “offer to purchase”, always add financing conditions or clauses that make your purchase conditional on your mortgage financing being approved by the lender. This will protect you from liability if your mortgage application is refused.

Reinstate your pre-approval: If you cannot find a home that you are satisfied with within the rate blocking period (90-120 days), you can reset your pre-approval to extend the rate block if the lender allows it. If your financial situation has changed, the lender may decide to start the approval process all over again.

Pre-Approval or Prequalification: If the lender does not ask you to submit documents or ask you for your consent to perform a credit check, it is most likely a prequalification. It is not the same as a pre-approval. Confirm with the mortgage advisor what exactly you are getting. You should choose a lender who is willing to review your documents and give you a pre-authorization.

FINAL THOUGHTS

There are many aspects to buying a home. After getting your finances in order, get a pre-approved mortgage before you get serious about finding a home. While there are no guarantees, if you clean up your finances and avoid financial indiscretions, you have a good chance of closing the deal!

Determine your specific needs

The reasons and characteristics of buying a property vary from person to person. It is therefore very important to discuss your specific needs with your real estate broker before visiting a property.

Before meeting with your real estate broker, make a list of important characteristics and identify your specific needs such as location, price, type of property sought, number of rooms, environment, important utilities, etc.

Check with your financial institution for the mortgage amount you can afford to get a pre-approved loan.

Contact a RE / MAX broker

When you have analyzed your needs, contact a RE / MAX broker in your area. If you move to a location other than where you currently live, your broker can refer you to a professional broker in the desired region.

If you do not know of a RE / MAX broker in your area, click here and find the RE / MAX agency closest to your current home or the desired location so that the latter can recommend a broker to you, without obligation. from you.

Checklist during a property visit

When visiting properties, here is a cheat sheet that will help you choose one property over another. Complete this form at each visit.

Have you found your dream home?

Don’t forget to inform your service providers and visit our moving concierge by visiting this link (I’m moving) ) before your move and find out quickly about the following services in your new location:

Last day checks
  • Reading of all counters

  • Heating down or off

  • Closing the lights

  • Closing and locking of doors and windows

  • Key deposit for new occupants

  • Interruption of telephone service

  • Household waste disposal

Expenses to plan for when buying a property
  • Inspection by a building expert

  • Opening of the mortgage file at the bank

    • Conventional loan (20% down payment)

    • CMHC insured loan (less than 20%)

  • Deposit on the promise to purchase

Expenses to be expected when signing the deed of sale
  • Notary fees

  • The distribution (refunds) of taxes:

    • The calculation of the reimbursement to the seller (if any) will be made from the date of occupancy and you will have to reimburse the seller for the number of days already paid by him, for the following property taxes:

      • Municipal taxes

      • School taxes

  • Heating oil tank:

    • If the property is equipped with an oil heater, the seller must have the tank filled on the same day as the deed of sale and bring to the notary the invoice that the buyer must reimburse him in full.

  • Electricity (Hydro-Québec) and gas (Gaz Métropolitain) meters:

    • The buyer and the seller must notify Hydro-Québec and Gaz Métropolitain (if applicable) of the date of the change of ownership so that a meter reading is taken on that date, and for the amounts to be charged respectively. to the buyer and seller on the date of occupancy of the property.

  • Home Insurance :

    • Do not forget that when signing the deed of sale, you will have to provide proof that home insurance is in force, for an amount equal to or greater than the mortgage in place.

Expenses to be expected after signing the deed of sale
  • Duties on real estate transfers or “Welcome tax”:

      • The municipality in which you have moved will send you a transfer tax bill, within four (4) to six (6) months following the signing of the deed of sale, and it is calculated according to the sale price. and according to the following scale:

        • 0.50% on the first $ 50,000

        • 1.00% on the amount of $ 50,000 to $ 250,000

      • Province of Quebec, excluding Montreal:

        • 1.50% on the portion exceeding $ 250,000

      • Montreal only:

        • 1.50% on the amount of $ 250,000 to $ 500,000

        • 2% on the portion exceeding $ 500,000

CALCULATE MY TRANSFER RIGHT

  • Moving expenses, painting, decorating, etc.

Transaction Fee Checklist

Buying a house, condo or any other type of property is, for most people, the biggest investment of their life. Research, visits, offers, negotiations, counter-offers, commercial, legal and financial aspects, the process is far from simple, especially during a first experience. The professional services of a real estate broker contribute to the success of each step of the purchase transaction.

As a buyer, the client will not have to pay any fees for the services of the real estate broker, these being provided by the seller. So why do without it? The buying process will be facilitated by the real estate broker who will take charge of each step in addition to serving as an advisor and a skilled negotiator. The buyer will be guided through all the stages of the search for a house, condo or any other type of property and the transaction, which will guarantee him peace of mind.

The real estate broker’s field of expertise is wide and highly appreciated by the buyer of a property. Thanks to his training in real estate brokerage, he has many tools and an excellent network of contacts to properly advise his client. Financial advisor, building inspector, notary, the real estate broker will use his network to facilitate the transaction. In addition, the real estate broker has access to a wealth of useful information on properties for sale.

In addition, his neutrality and experience will be very useful during a visit. The real estate broker can at any time remind the buyer what his search criteria are and what aspects of the property to verify before drafting a promise to purchase. Thus, despite the emotionality present during the purchasing process, customers will be well oriented to make an informed choice.

Doing business with a real estate broker for the purchase of a condo, a house or any other type of property also means being protected by the Real Estate Brokerage Act. This law regulates the profession and protects the public.

With the boom in the housing market, RE / MAX wishes to inform new buyers of homes, condos and all other types of properties about the choices to be made in terms of mortgage loans and pre-purchase inspections.

1. An unsuitable mortgage loan

Mistakes made in choosing the right mortgage loan can be costly and limit your lifestyle.

Like most people, you may not know that there is an easy way to calculate the monthly amount you can spend on a house, condo or any other type of property, while respecting your lifestyle. Brokers often use a calculation called the ABD (Gross Debt Amortization) ratio to determine this amount. In addition to the cost of your property, you must also take into account property transfer rights, notary fees and moving costs, in addition to providing a cushion in case of unforeseen circumstances.

2. Not getting pre-approved for a mortgage loan

Many sellers will require future buyers to obtain a pre-approved mortgage. If your dream home is the subject of multiple competing offers, a mortgage pre-approval could give you the edge.

The pre-authorization process may take a few days after you provide information such as your proof of income and the amount of your down payment to your financial institution.

If you meet the requirements of the lending institution, they will give you a written pre-authorization. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, this pre-authorization is subject to time limits and does not guarantee obtaining a mortgage loan.

3. Ignore your basic needs

Many future buyers are not always sure what they are looking for when buying a house, a condo or any other type of property. You need to consider the amenities that the coveted neighborhood offers, especially when you are moving out of town for the suburbs. How far is this neighborhood from places like grocery stores, schools and banking institutions? This is an important criterion for many home or condo buyers, but in the excitement of the number of bathrooms a home offers or the huge roof terrace of your condo, you will surely forget it. You should prioritize by thinking about one of your typical days and your family’s diverse needs.

4. Skip a pre-purchase inspection for your future property

You should always have your own pre-purchase inspection done, even if the seller offers to view the report of a previous pre-purchase inspection or other buyers are in a hurry to file a promise to purchase on the site. property you covet.

When presenting a promise to purchase, ensure that a qualified inspector with bond requirements will conduct a complete pre-purchase inspection of the property. In the end, that investment of a few hundred dollars could save you several thousand dollars.

5. Negotiate with your heart

Buyers and sellers often let their emotions get the better of their sanity.

Feelings can get in the way of negotiations; without realizing it, sellers may place real value on their memories, which buyers have no financial value. We must strive to take our feelings out of the equation.

BUY YOUR HOME WITH FULL CONFIDENCE

 

The Organisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ) has designed this guide to assist you throughout your efforts to purchase a property.

You will find the main steps to take before and during the acquisition of your home, as well as many practical tips that will help you complete your real estate transaction with complete peace of mind.

This guide is intended as a practical memory aid. However, it does not replace the advice of a broker or an agency working in the real estate or mortgage field. Its content applies only to the purchase of a residential building. Certain concepts specific to buildings held in divided co-ownership or in joint ownership are specified in places, but this content is not exhaustive.

Federal financial assistance
Provincial financial assistance
Société d’habitation du Québec (federal / provincial assistance)

Aims to financially help low-income owner-occupants who live in rural areas to carry out work to correct major defects in their home.

Hydro-Quebec
Gaz Metro
City of Montreal
Municipal programs
Other programs
City of Laval

Rénovation Québec provides financial support to municipalities that establish a program to improve housing in deteriorated residential areas.

A move involves a lot of changes on several fronts. In order to move hassle-free and to make sure you don’t forget anything while being as efficient as possible, follow our guide or download the complete file on the preparations for the move in PDF format.

Download Planning Tips in PDF Format

2 to 6 months before the move …

Planning is an important, if not essential, step for a successful move. But where to start ? How to proceed ? What to do to not forget anything and be ready for the big day? Here is our step-by-step advice from the pros:

MOVING IS THE BUSINESS OF THE WHOLE FAMILY

No matter how old your children are, moving is an important event for them and they may need to be reassured. In order to limit the stress they might be feeling, discuss this new life with them by bringing up the positives and listen to their impressions. They may have a misconception of this change and imagine that they will lose their bearings (furniture, toys, friends, etc.). Reassure them.

Explain that you will bring any items they care about and that they can keep in touch with their friends. To make this move as peaceful as possible for your children, make sure you always approach this issue with enthusiasm and positivism.

Involve them in the process by showing them pictures of your new home or by showing them around. Tell them about the surroundings, the parks, the friends they can make, the activities they can practice in this new area (if so). If your children change schools, go see it and visit it if possible. Tell them about their new room and consult them on the choice of colors and decoration. In this way, they will be better prepared for this new life that is beginning.

Involve them in the preparations so that they feel fully involved. Assign them tasks that are appropriate for their age. For example, let them pack their personal items themselves. They will thus see that they have full control over what they want to do with their favorite items. It will also make it easier for them to find their bearings once they have entered your new home.

DETERMINE A DATE FOR D-DAY

Are you selling your house and buying one? Agreeing on a date should work for both parties. Try to negotiate to your advantage, while accommodating the buyer of your home and the former owner of the one you bought.

Are you currently a tenant and have a lease? Know that you are responsible until the last day. Once you’ve set a date with the sellers for your new home and if it doesn’t match your lease end date, talk to your landlord to make a deal. Perhaps he will hand you over the responsibility of finding a tenant for your scheduled departure date. Some owners are very understanding and decide to take care of it themselves. In short, be vigilant and aware of your responsibility towards this contract.

SORTING: GARAGE SALE OR CHARITABLE DONATIONS?

You don’t have to move stuff you don’t use anymore. Take this opportunity to comb through your home and sort out your items and figure out what you want to do with them. If you have things that just accumulate dust or take up space for nothing, don’t be afraid to get rid of them, now is the time!

Having a garage sale can then be the perfect option. This way you will be able to enjoy some extra cash. You might even be surprised at the amount raised! This can help you defray certain costs related to the day of the move. To make your garage sale a success, here are the steps you can take:

Prepare the sale:

  • Call your municipality to find out if you need a permit.

  • Select the goods to sell and establish the price.

  • Make sure you have a good quantity and variety of things to sell, it will be more appealing to passers-by and you will have something for all tastes and budgets!

  • Label the items, keeping in mind that your customers are likely to want to negotiate!)

  • Set a date (make sure it’s a weekend)

  • Put up posters in your neighborhood to advertise your garage sale. You can also place an ad in the local newspaper about a week or two in advance, listing dates and times. Also prepare a sign that you can place in front of your house on the day (s) of the sale.

The day of the sale

  • Make sure you have enough change.

  • Have a calculator, spare labels and pens handy.

  • Arrange small items on tables and distribute the rest attractively.

  • If you have clothes to sell, use a rolling rack to hang them.

  • Only accept cash

  • Be more negotiable on your asking prices towards the end of the day, to get rid of as many items as possible.

Anything that won’t be sold at the end of your day can then be donated to charity. Here are a few :

THE FIRST BOXES: WHAT TO PACK?

Start with the items you are unlikely to use. For example, pack out-of-season items or Christmas decorations. You can also take the opportunity to wrap some toys in which your children show less interest and that they will be happy to see in a few weeks. You can also pack glassware or various items that you use less often, making sure you have the minimum necessary on hand for smooth operation. Ask everyone to participate in this step and sort out things that they could be without for a few weeks.

STORAGE: THE VARIOUS OPTIONS

Are you moving to a smaller location than where you are now? Is there a delay between the date you have to leave your current home and the date you move in? If there is furniture that you cannot find a place in your new home, but that you care about, storage might be a good option. Here are some tips to enlighten you:

  • Make sure you determine your needs (Size of the space, heated or not? Storage time, proximity to your home, etc.).

  • Call several storage companies to get cost estimates and compare. What insurance plans are offered?

  • Visit a few to make sure the area looks safe and well-maintained.

  • Rest assured that you have easy access to your storage location. Some facilities are open 24 hours a day, while others have specific hours of operation.

  • Determine how you will take your belongings there. Do you have to rent a truck? Once you arrive at the scene, does the company take care of transporting your goods from the truck to your premises?

WHO IS MOVING? YOU OR PROFESSIONALS?

Do you want to move yourself? If you choose this option, here is the procedure

  • Contact several truck rental companies for their rates and ask them to help you determine the size of truck you will need based on the goods you own. Confirm with them what type of material they provide (blankets, hand trucks, straps, boxes, etc.)

  • Make sure you estimate the distance to travel between the two homes and roughly calculate the total cost based on the number of kilometers. You will be able to get an idea of the total cost and compare with those of a moving company.

  • Reserve your truck in advance, especially if your move is planned for a period of increased traffic, namely June and July.

  • Check with your insurance company to see how your goods are insured during transport.

  • Make sure you have enough people to help you on moving day and that they are able to lift heavy loads as well!

  • Plan a small budget to buy food and beverages for the assisting team. Treat them, they will be happy to help you!

Do you prefer to give the mandate to professional movers? Here are the important points to consider:

  • Get quotes from various companies to compare rates. In high season these are higher and less negotiable.

  • Find out about the insurance offered by these moving companies.

  • Plastic containers in which you can transport items to store (off-season clothing, sporting goods, etc.) Once in your new home, leave these items in the bins and clearly identify them. You will then easily find your way around when the time comes to use them.

  • Give as much information as possible about the particularities of the home you are leaving and the one you are moving into. (Ex .: elevators, several stairs, difficult access, etc.) In this way, the analysis of the hours allocated to the move will be more accurate, so the estimated cost will be as well.

  • Check, if possible, the reputation of the companies approached with your contacts.

ESTABLISH A BUDGET: FROM NOTARY FEES TO THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT

What are the costs you will need to plan for the move? The notary fees, the Welcome tax, the rental of the truck and the inspection, are surely expenses that you have already foreseen. But have you thought of everything? Here are some possible fees to consider:

  • Make sure you determine your needs (Size of the space, heated or not? Storage time, proximity to your home, etc.).

  • Call several storage companies to get cost estimates and compare. What insurance plans are offered?

  • Visit a few to make sure the area looks safe and well-maintained.

  • Rest assured that you have easy access to your storage location. Some facilities are open 24 hours a day, while others have specific hours of operation.

  • Determine how you will take your belongings there. Do you have to rent a truck? Once you arrive at the scene, does the company take care of transporting your goods from the truck to your premises?

Have you found your new home and are about to move? The Emmanuel Paquin Team in partnership with the Quebec companyMovingWaldo has a solution for your address changes.

MovingWaldo allows you to complete your address changes, in one place, with over 500 service providers, including: financial institutions, insurers, telecommunications providers, magazines, rewards programs and more!

This solution is offered to you free of charge.

How it works ?

It is very simple! Create an account with your email address, complete a single change of address form, and select the service providers to whom you wish to communicate your new address. It does not take more than 5 minutes, and voila!

For more information, visit the Frequently Asked Questions of MovingWaldo