Going through ads for properties for sale on Centris and other real estate agency sites, whether sumptuous homes, retro chalets or duplexes to transform, is a popular pastime. Many of these curious people call themselves addicts. Others say it’s “relaxing.”
“It’s like an illness,” laughs Marie Plourde, councilor for Plateau-Mont-Royal, in Montreal. I’ve always been a dog-earer… I like to look out of the windows of houses while walking in the evening. »
Her passion dates back to 2015, when she was looking for accommodation. Since then, it has only grown: on weekend mornings, she looks at the classified ads for houses for an hour or two, while having her coffee. “If I’m going through a more stressful time, I might watch more than that,” she admits. It takes me somewhere else, it allows me to unwind. There is something calming about that! »
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Marie Plourde
His hobby was transposed to television: for a few seasons, Marie Plourde and her partner Chantal Lamarre held a “house” segment during the show Infoman. With humor, they presented their unusual real estate finds.
During the 2021 municipal campaign, the replacement mayor of Montreal went door-to-door… an activity that satisfied her great curiosity for the interior of houses. “Sometimes I would say, ‘Oh, your place looks lovely,’ and it happened that I was invited to visit. Maybe five or six times. I don’t abuse it, but… I accept without hesitation! »
The birth of a passion
For very different reasons, Andrée Mayette is also a fan of real estate classifieds. The 47-year-old resident of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield examines what’s new on the market every morning at 5 a.m. She even created an Excel file for herself to track certain properties.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Andrée Mayette
I have made eight purchases in 15 years. I buy with the aim of living and I also renovate. I studied architecture and, even though I don’t work in it, I’m passionate about it. I like to analyze the market, see what is selling, how much and in what time frame.
Andrée Mayette
Her enthusiasm pushed her to take her broker course. “I don’t have my license to practice,” she emphasizes. I did it for pleasure! »
Another enthusiast? For 10 years, Arielle Ahuva Grenier, a 33-year-old Montrealer, has been going to bed early to look at ads for properties for sale. This lover of ancestral houses, renovated, refurbished and improved, says she “takes a look”. “My father has a house that dates from the years 1780-1805,” says this public affairs and media relations advisor. When I look at transformed houses, which embrace their age in modernity while retaining their soul, I like it. It gives me ideas. »
Just like Marie Plourde, Mme Grenier talks about his curiosity as a hobby that allows him to relax. “If I’m anxious about my work, I go there on my lunch hour,” she admits.
The industry benefits
The interest shown by all these real estate curious people is good for the industry, believes Marc Lacasse, real estate broker and president of the Professional Association of Brokers of Quebec.
Since the 1990s, thanks to the Internet, photos of houses for sale have been circulating. But with the rise of social networks, it has reached unprecedented levels. And there are now photo galleries, videos, virtual tours, 3D plans… It multiplies the sources to encourage people to click!
Marc Lacasse, real estate broker and president of the Professional Association of Brokers of Quebec
The ripple effect is real. He cites the typical case of new owners who publish photos of their property or comments on it… and titillate their loved ones. “They will receive visits from their friends and they will say: ‘ah, we like the neighborhood, we would be close to you, let us know if you see a house for sale in the area…’ People are busy, they don’t have time to do research. »
Another effect of the proliferation of published photos of homes for sale is the end of “voyeurism”: when potential buyers show up for an open house, they have already seen the interior of the home. “It’s the end of wouereux, notes Mr. Lacasse, laughing. People have everything at their fingertips. Properties have so much visibility now! »
Good news for real estate lovers like Marie Plourde! “I have a housing addiction,” she notes. It’s a need, it does me good, like others their glass of wine! »