Posted at 12:00 p.m.
How to choose a real estate broker?
Above all, you should know that real estate brokers who are members of the Organisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ) have the mission of protecting the public by ensuring the application of the Real Estate Brokerage Act. “It is this law that determines the conditions for the exercise of the broker’s activities, in addition to ensuring the public effective protection during a real estate transaction through him,” informs the OACIQ media team by email. . It adds that throughout their career, brokers must follow a mandatory continuing education program in order to maintain and update their knowledge; they must also hold a valid broker’s license, which you will find in the Register of OACIQ license holders.
To find a broker, references from those around you are a good starting point, but it is essential that you choose one that meets your needs. For example, buying an income property, a dairy farm or a condo in downtown Montreal involves different expertise. The same is true for the regions: the number of signs with the name of the broker or the addresses of the properties listed on his site will give you a good idea of his knowledge. Do not hesitate to check his activity history and find out about his experience before making your choice.
Networking also works between brokers. So, if yours works in Montreal and you are looking for a property in Estrie, a broker should be able to recommend a colleague from this region. This is important, because particularities can characterize a real estate transaction in certain territories. The OACIQ cites the example of cracks caused by pyrrhotite in many properties in Mauricie. Brokers in this region are familiar with this issue and are therefore empowered to advise and adequately protect their clients. The Organization has also set up training for this purpose and it is possible to verify that the broker has followed it by consulting the Register of holders.
How do I find a competent building inspector?
PHOTO OLIVIER PONTBRIAND, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Anyone can claim to be a home inspector, but there are organizations that require their members to complete continuing education programs.
It seems unlikely, but anyone can claim to be a building inspector, when the report on the state of health of a property relies heavily on this “specialist”. “It is extremely important to ensure that the inspector selected is a member of a recognized professional association such as ours, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year,” recommends Danny McNicoll, vice- President of the Association of Building Inspectors of Quebec (AIBQ). Like the AIBQ, another organization, InterNACHI-Québec, requires, among other things, that its members follow continuing education programs.
These associations verify that their members have successfully completed recognized training, that is, an attestation of college studies in building inspection. “There will also be an admission exam to validate the skills acquired, as well as exams in real situations in the field for inspectors accredited by the AIBQ,” continues Mr. McNicoll. “You must verify that the inspector holds errors and omissions professional liability insurance before hiring him. In the event of a dispute, you will thus ensure the solvency of the professional. »
His role initially is to analyze the seller’s declaration. On site, he will review these documents with his client, then he will begin the inspection from the outside (land, roof, coverings, doors, windows, etc.). Then, he will check the mechanical elements (electrical panel, water heater, plumbing, etc.), then continue through the floors, ending the visit by checking the attic.
“The inspector works with the visible and the clues. For example, rodents in the walls may have chewed through electrical wires or left droppings. These are clues that allow the inspector to see the consequences of the passage of the animal without having seen it. The same goes for mold and efflorescence; there may be odors and traces. On the other hand, he does not have the right to make openings in the walls or to move objects, but he can indicate to his client signs that could require a more in-depth inspection, “informs the vice-president of the AIBQ. . The approximate duration of a standard single-family home inspection is two and a half to three hours.
If you hesitate between two professionals, ask for a sample inspection report from each and determine which type of presentation satisfies you the most.