FAQ
Choosing the right
real estate broker
Experience and local knowledge:
We are two brokers with more than 30 years of combined expertise and 1,300 transactions to our credit, and we won the 2024 Consumer Choice Award thanks to hundreds of satisfied clients.
We know every sector inside and out, including the specific advantages and potential drawbacks of each, such as the presence of iron ochre, pyrrhotite and other issues.
The Putorti Filion team covers the following types of transactions:
Residential purchase/sale: transactions involving houses, apartments, condos, etc.
Commercial purchase/sale: transactions involving commercial buildings such as offices, retail stores and shopping centres.
Residential leasing: lease agreements for residential properties.
Commercial leasing: lease agreements for commercial properties.
Land purchase/sale: transactions involving the purchase or sale of undeveloped land.
Real estate investment: transactions involving the purchase of property for investment purposes, including income properties
Agricultural real estate: transactions involving farmland and farms.
Mixed-use property purchase: transactions involving properties that combine residential and commercial uses.
Co-ownership (condominium): transactions involving the purchase or sale of units in a condominium.
*Specialization:
- Mélissa specializes in multi-unit buildings, real estate portfolios, land and subdivision projects, for both selling and buying.
- Martin specializes in single-family homes, houses, cottages and condos, for both selling and buying.
- We are both qualified to represent you in your commercial projects, whether selling or buying.
- Our success spans 18 years, so we have experienced seller's markets, buyer's markets and balanced markets. We are equipped to represent you in every possible situation.
To position your property correctly on the price scale, we first need to gather information about its level of upkeep. Before our first meeting, we conduct thorough research to identify any irregularities or issues that may need to be corrected beforehand. A precise understanding of its geographic location is also essential. Then, using comparables, including recent sales and properties currently on the market, we make the necessary adjustments to determine the optimal market position for your property, ensuring it is competitive without compromising its value.
Customer relationship management (CRM) software:
This software lets us efficiently manage contacts, leads and transactions. It also helps us track our communications with you and organize appointments in one central place.
Websites and real estate portals:
We publish property listings on platforms such as Centris.ca (MLS) and Realtor.com, as well as on prestigious international sites such as prestige-mls.com, listglobally.com and Luxury Real Estate.
Digital marketing:
We use tools such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads and Instagram to target potential buyers.
Professional photography and video:
We use superior-quality images and videos for listings and the web, captured with high-resolution cameras and drones. We also offer 360-degree virtual tours and property presentation videos.
Document management tools:
We use platforms such as Authentisign and Ezsign for electronic document signing. This allows contracts, agreements and legal documents to be managed securely.
Valuation and comparison software:
We rely on tools such as Matrix, JLR and Prospects Pro to evaluate properties and analyze the market. These tools also provide comparative market analyses (CMA) to set the right price for properties.
Project management tools:
We use software such as Google Workspace and Prospects Pro to organize tasks and manage the various stages of real estate transactions, making sure nothing is overlooked.
Social media:
We promote properties for sale and engage with people through platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. We share engaging content to capture the attention of potential buyers.
Collaboration tools:
We make communication easy through virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet.
Communication and availability:
Throughout the process, we keep you informed of every change and every development, in real time. We are your eyes and ears in the field, and we are always ready!
References and testimonials:
Absolutely. You can refer to the "Testimonials" section of our website. We are also recipients of the 2024 Consumer Choice Award.
Professional network:
Yes. We are happy to go beyond our mandate and connect you with qualified professionals who will make the transaction process easier. The professionals we recommend are all well regarded and carry the appropriate professional insurance. We are confident they will provide service that meets your expectations.
Title insurance protects the buyer and the lender against financial losses resulting from defects in the property title. These defects may include errors in public records, ownership disputes, undisclosed mortgages or fraud.
Security for the buyer:
It guarantees that the buyer receives a clear, uncontested property title. If problems arise after closing, title insurance can cover the cost of resolving them.
Lender protection:
Mortgage lenders generally require title insurance to protect their investment. It guarantees that their mortgage is the first claim on the property.
Owner's title insurance: Protects the buyer against financial losses due to title defects. It is generally optional but strongly recommended.
Lender's title insurance:
Protects the mortgage lender. This insurance is often required by the lender and covers only the loan amount.
Title search:
Before a title insurance policy is issued, a thorough search of public records is carried out to identify and resolve any potential issues.
Underwriting:
Based on the results of the title search, the insurance company issues a title insurance policy. This policy describes the coverage and exclusions.
The cost of title insurance may vary depending on the value of the property and the complexity of the title search. It is generally a one-time payment made at closing.
- Fraud and forgery
- Errors in public records
- Ownership disputes
- Undisclosed encumbrances or liens
- Problems arising from the insured's own actions or omissions
- Zoning restrictions
- Undisclosed environmental restrictions
- Title insurance provider:
https://www.stewart.ca/en/residential-products/residential-products-for-buyers-and-owners
A certificate of location is a report prepared by a land surveyor that describes the current state and situation of the property. It includes a graphic representation (plan) and a written report detailing the dimensions, existing structures, servitudes (easements), encroachments and other relevant features of the property.
A certificate of location is generally considered valid for a period of 10 years, or until major changes are made to the property (such as the construction of new buildings or changes to boundaries). If changes occur, a new certificate or an update of the existing one may be required.
The cost of a certificate of location varies depending on the complexity of the property and the region, but it is a crucial investment for the clarity and legal security of the real estate transaction. You can estimate approximately $1,400 plus taxes.
As for timing, allow 3 to 4 weeks for the preparation of your new certificate of location.
The legal warranty has two main components: the warranty of quality and the warranty of title.
Warranty of quality (or warranty against latent defects)
- Definition: it protects the buyer against hidden defects in the property that render it unfit for its intended use or significantly reduce its usefulness.
- Conditions: for the warranty of quality to apply, the defect must be serious, hidden, present at the time of sale and unknown to the buyer.
- Remedies: if a latent defect is discovered, the buyer may request a reduction in the sale price, cancellation of the sale or repair of the defect by the seller.
Warranty of title
- Definition: it ensures that the seller is the true owner of the property and has the right to sell it. It also guarantees that the property is free of undeclared encumbrances or servitudes that could affect its use.
- Conditions: this warranty protects the buyer against third-party claims on the property or unknown restrictions affecting it.
- Remedies: if the buyer discovers a title problem, they may require the seller to resolve it or, in some cases, cancel the sale.
The legal warranty may be excluded or limited by an explicit clause in the sales contract, often called a no-warranty clause or "sale without legal warranty, at the buyer's own risk." However, this exclusion must be clearly stated and accepted by the buyer.
The notary plays a crucial role in verifying the title and any encumbrances on the property. The notary ensures that the buyer is informed of the legal status of the property before the transaction is finalized.
If a buyer discovers a latent defect or a title problem after the purchase, they have several options:
- Negociation: Attempt to resolve the issue amicably with the seller.
- Legal action: If an amicable solution is not possible, the buyer may take legal action to obtain compensation or cancellation of the sale.
- Title insurance: If the buyer has purchased title insurance, they may file a claim with the insurance company to cover financial losses related to the title problem.
Claims under the warranty of quality must be brought within a reasonable time after the defect is discovered. This period may vary, but it is generally three years from the discovery of the defect to bring legal action.