How to get your home ready for sale: A few key tips

Are you thinking of selling your property soon ? If you want to sell quickly, your home needs to be appealing, well-organized, and attractive to as many buyers as possible.

Getting your home ready for sale can take a few weeks. In addition to gathering the essential documents, some repairs or improvements may be needed. But how do you know what’s worth doing and how much you should really invest?

Before making your final decision, reach out to a real estate broker. They will evaluate your property based on its current condition and offer valuable advice. This way, you make sure you’re investing wisely and getting the most out of your home

Which documents do I need to gather when preparing to sell my home?

Whether you’ve owned your property for 2 years or more than 20, you’ll need to gather several important documents, most of them in their original form. Below is a non exhaustive list:

• Deed of sale
• Marriage or civil union certificate
• Divorce certificate
• Death certificate, transmission declaration, copy of the will, in the case of an estate
• Certificate of location dated within the last 10 years and reflecting the current condition of the property
• Previous inspection reports and expert assessments
• Copies of any valid warranties
• Invoices for repairs and renovations
• Municipal permits (if applicable)
• For a condominium: financial statements and minutes from the last three years, the declaration of co ownership, bylaws, budget, and any other relevant documents
• For an income property: leases, rent increase notices, and termination notices

Do I need to inform my real estate broker of my marital status?

Yes, a person’s marital status does affect how the transaction is handled. For example, if you are the sole owner of the family home and you are married or in a civil union, your spouse will need to sign the listing contract or the promise to purchase. It must first be determined whether the property is considered a family residence or if a declaration of family residence has been registered in the land registry. Why? Because under the Civil Code of Quebec, the owner cannot sell the property without their spouse’s consent.

And if the property is not used as a family residence, your matrimonial regime will determine who is required to sign the documents. Your real estate broker can help you understand your situation clearly.

Are you in a common-law relationship?

The concepts of family patrimony or family residence do not apply. Your partner is not required to sign the forms if you are the sole owner. However, there may be a “cohabitation agreement” between you, and you should inform your real estate agent about it.

Quand dois-je refaire faire mon certificat de localisation?

The certificate of location reflects the current physical state of the property, such as the installation of a pool, shed, or fence, and also takes into account regulatory changes like zoning, easements, and heritage sites. Any change requires a new certificate—even the installation of a new heat pump!

If the certificate of location is more than 10 years old, even if it accurately describes the property, the notary will require a new one due to the 10-year limitation period provided in Article 2917 of the Civil Code of Québec. Order it in advance from a land surveyor’s office, especially during the busy spring season, as the process can take several months.

Devrais-je prendre rendez-vous avec ma banque avant la mise en vente?

It is wise to review the contract you have with your financial institution to determine whether you’ll incur a penalty upon discharge. Do you have a variable rate? In that case, most banks will calculate a penalty equivalent to three months of interest. Do you have a fixed rate instead? What is the term of your mortgage? If you are refinancing a new purchase with the same bank, is it possible to apply the penalty toward your new mortgage? Avoid surprises and discuss these details with one of our mortgage partners.

Devrais-je rénover avant de mettre en vente?

A renovated property sells faster. As soon as a potential buyer steps into your home, they form an impression within minutes. Your home should smell fresh, be tidy, and well-maintained. Even if your house is a bit outdated, it can be refreshed and made appealing with a minimal investment.

Some inexpensive ideas to give your home a boost:

1) Declutter

Start with a thorough cleaning. Remove or store items and furniture as needed. Take the opportunity to donate clothes, dishes, or small appliances you no longer use. As a general rule, the more organized a home is, the faster it sells.

2) A fresh coat of paint

Are your walls worn or yellowed? Refresh them with a neutral color like warm white, especially if you have bright colors in multiple rooms. Opt for a single shade to make the space feel larger and choose a matte finish to hide imperfections. Of all renovation tasks, painting offers the best value for money.

3) Let in the light

Most buyers look for a bright home. Replace burnt-out bulbs or switch to brighter ones. Clean the windows, blinds, and curtains. If curtains are heavy or opaque, consider replacing them with sheer panels or removing them altogether.

4) General maintenance repairs

Now is the time to redo grout and replace silicone seals. Is your faucet leaking? A cabinet door not closing properly? A hole in the wall? These simple repairs will maximize your resale potential. You can also update a kitchen or bathroom at low cost with a new backsplash, countertop, lighting, or cabinet handles.

** Beware of major issues!

A leaking roof, windows that are no longer airtight, electrical problems, or a crack in the foundation will deter potential buyers. Even if these repairs are not considered “profitable,” completing them will work in your favor. If that’s not possible, it’s better to fully disclose the issues and adjust the asking price accordingly. You could even commission a pre-sale inspection report and make it available to potential buyers.

5) Don’t neglect the exterior of the house

This is the first impression your buyer will have. Rake fallen leaves, weed the garden, trim overgrown shrubs, tidy up trash bins, and sweep the entrance—these simple tasks will make your home shine.

Finally, make sure to do a thorough cleaning before the photo shoot and keep the home clean and airy throughout the listing period. This way, you’ll always be ready for showings.

And if you need reliable references, we know some!

If you’re planning to invest or sell soon, our team is ready to support you in your projects. Contact us at 514-388-9333 or send us a message here.

By Celina Machado, Managing Marketing Partner and Residential Real Estate Agent