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  • Market Update – Fall 2021

    Market Update – Fall 2021

    Median home prices in Rigaud, Saint-Lazare, Hudson and Vaudreuil

    Let’s take a look at some of the main stats that we use to monitor trends in real estate. When we take a look at some of the regions that I focus in, you can see that between Rigaud, Saint-Lazare, Hudson and Vaudreuil, prices up anywhere from 18.8% all the way up to 26.7%. Median home prices in September 2021 are up 24.7% over September 2020. When you look at this trend over the last three years, the price increases even crazier at 46% since 2019. And now the median price for a single family home is $612,000 up from $418,000 in 2019.

    Days on the market

    Another statistic that I take a look at is how long homes are staying on the market before they’re sold. This often indicates how aggressive buyers are. In September 2021, the average home was on the market for 35 days, which compares to 2020 where they’re on for 82 days. This is a result of so little inventory and still an abundance of buyers.

    Homes listed vs. homes sold

    Another stat I like to look at is how many homes were listed versus how many homes sold. The number of homes available is a huge driving factor on price increases: the less homes available, the higher prices tend to go as buyers continue to make more and more aggressive offers. Focusing again on Saint-Lazard this past September we saw 37 homes hit the market, 22 of which were actually already sold. This compares to September 2020, where 31 homes were listed and 28 sold. In 2019, 51 homes were listed and 26 sold. What we’re seeing here is that there continues to be a relatively low number of homes for sale, and this continues to put upward pressure on average sale price.

  • Selling Without Legal Warranty: What Quebec Homeowners Need to Know

    Ever wondered why some properties are sold “without legal warranty, at the buyer’s risk and peril”? As a Quebec real estate expert, I’ve noticed this question coming up more frequently, especially in today’s dynamic housing market. Let’s break down what this means for both buyers and sellers.

    Understanding Legal Warranty in Quebec Real Estate

    In Quebec, legal warranty is essentially your property’s safety net. It’s automatically included in real estate transactions unless specifically excluded. Think of it as a built-in protection plan that covers two crucial aspects of your property purchase.

    The Two Pillars of Legal Warranty

    1. Quality Warranty
      • Protects against hidden defects
      • Covers issues unknown at purchase time
      • Excludes problems disclosed in seller’s declaration
      • Doesn’t include defects visible during inspection
    2. Ownership Warranty
      • Ensures clear property rights
      • Protects against undisclosed liens
      • Addresses boundary disputes
      • Covers public law restrictions

    When Properties Are Sold Without Warranty

    You might be wondering, “Why would anyone sell without this protection?” Here’s what I often see in my practice:

    Common Scenarios

    • Estate sales managing inherited properties
    • Elderly sellers protecting their assets
    • Investment properties or rental units
    • Properties slated for demolition
    • Succession sales

    💡 Pro Tip: Just because a property is sold without legal warranty doesn’t mean the seller can hide known issues. They’re still legally required to disclose any problems they’re aware of.

    Protecting Yourself in a No-Warranty Purchase

    When buying a property without legal warranty, here’s what you need to know:

    Essential Steps for Buyers

    1. Get a thorough pre-purchase inspection
    2. Review the seller’s declaration carefully
    3. Obtain an up-to-date certificate of location
    4. Have a notary conduct a land registry search
    5. Document all communications about property condition

    Time-Sensitive Details

    If you discover issues after purchase:

    • You have 3 years to pursue action after finding a defect
    • Send formal notice within 3-6 months of discovery
    • Keep detailed records of all issues and communications

    Understanding Your Rights and Options

    Whether you’re buying or selling, it’s crucial to know what options are available if problems arise:

    Potential Remedies

    • Partial price refund
    • Repair cost reimbursement
    • Transaction cancellation (in extreme cases)
    • Compensation for damages

    The Bottom Line

    The laws for buying and selling properties are designed to protect everyone involved. While selling without legal warranty might seem risky, understanding your rights and responsibilities makes all the difference. Remember, proper due diligence is your best protection.

    Ready to Make Your Move?

    If you’re considering buying or selling a property and have questions about legal warranty, don’t be shy to reach out. My team and I are here to help you navigate Quebec’s real estate market with confidence.

    Looking for more real estate insights? Check out our other guides on [home inspections], [seller’s declarations], and [property evaluations].

    Note: This article provides general information and shouldn’t be taken as legal advice. Always consult with qualified legal professionals for your specific situation.