Most of us know what a real estate agent is, either through preconceived ideas or past experience. However, some of us don’t know 
what’s involved in working with an agent in Montreal, Quebec. Rather than deal with an agent, some people choose to work with a real estate purchasing professional who offers them the possibility of a simple, worry-free sale. Would you do well to do the same? To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the pros and cons of direct sales in Montreal.
The pros and cons of direct sales in Montreal
Pros – Simple, transparent sales
Montreal, Quebec real estate buying professionals can usually close a sale faster than traditional market buyers. What’s more, they’ll most likely pay you in cash, in one lump sum. Indeed, a sale on the market normally takes longer, since the house must first be inspected, then the buyer must qualify with a bank and wait to receive a loan, which could be refused by the bank at any time. A sale on the traditional market also involves commissions to be paid to both your agent and the buyer’s agent. By dealing with a real estate professional instead, you can save those thousands of dollars in commissions! Usually, a professional will not charge
no transaction fees either, and if they do, they will be very low compared to the commissions and closing costs payable on a sale traditional. What’s more, if it’s more convenient for you than a face-to-face meeting, real estate professionals offer you the option of having all your paperwork mailed to you, no matter where you are.
Cons – An offer below market value
What worries Montreal homeowners the most when they hear about direct sales is that the offer made by a cash homebuyer is usually lower than the property’s market value, but there’s a reason for that! By buying a house as is, the buyer is taking a huge risk! Your home may be more damaged than you think. On your side, the advantage of a lower income is that your expenses will be that much lower: you won’t have to pay any commissions, property or maintenance costs (mortgage payments, electricity bills, taxes, cleaning fees, renovation costs, etc.).
Pros – A property sold as is
Quebec City cash home buyers often buy properties as is. For you, this means you won’t have to worry about renovations before you sell, and no unexpected expenses will come as a surprise. Some companies don’t even have the property inspected, making the transaction a 100% “as is” sale.
Pros – A low-risk process
The process of selling with a real estate professional is remarkably simple and transparent. Your buyer will explain the process in detail, then present you with a short, concise contract. What’s more, you’ll be exposing yourself to fewer legal risks. This way, you don’t risk the buyer discovering a problem you hadn’t declared, or a little something they don’t like about the property, or even the neighborhood. In many cases, a traditional sales contract includes the possibility for the buyer to sue you if he believes you didn’t give him all the information he needed to make an informed decision. On the other hand, cash home buyers are well aware of the condition of your property and are willing to take the risk.
Pros – No property tour
When you sell your home to a real estate professional in Montreal, Quebec, you avoid the roller-coaster of emotions usually associated with the sale of a valuable asset. You won’t receive any disturbing calls in the middle of dinner asking if you’re available to show the place. You won’t need to worry about appearances every morning before going to work, just in case a potential buyer passes by in your absence. You won’t have to wonder how you should respond to questions from buyers or their agents as you meet them at the corner grocery store. And you won’t have to fight with buyers to keep your cherished furniture and decorative objects.
Pros – Moving at your own pace
Real estate professionals are investors. They do not wish to move into the property on the day the contract is signed. Most cash home buyers will give you a certain amount of time to get organized and move. This reduces the stress associated with the major changes involved in moving, which is all the more important in the case of a quick sale. What’s more, you probably won’t have to clean up when you leave; just pack what you want to keep and leave the rest where it is.
