Blog post 2

Buying a home in Montreal can feel overwhelming, especially in a competitive market. As a Montreal real estate agent for buyers, my goal is to make the process clear, manageable, and as stress-free as possible. Here’s how I work with clients to navigate each stage of buying a home in Montreal.

1. Careful Property Screening

Before sharing a property with a client, I personally review it to ensure it meets their needs. This helps focus the search on options that are truly worth considering, saving time and energy. These steps are particularly useful for first-time buyers in Montreal looking for guidance on the local market.

2. Thorough Document Review for Montreal Properties

When a client is interested in a property, I review all relevant documents, including:

• Certificate of location

• Seller’s declaration

• For condos: declaration of co-ownership, financial statements, budgets, and more

I provide clear notes on key points and potential concerns, so clients can make informed decisions before visiting a property. This step is crucial for anyone buying a condo in Montreal, helping them understand every detail before making an offer.

3.  Detailed Property Analysis for Potential Red Flags

During property visits, we go together. I carefully examine the property to spot potential issues that could affect your investment, including:

• Cracks in the foundation, walls, or ceilings

• Water damage or roof problems

• Garage and structural concerns

• Recent quick renovations that might be hiding problems

While I focus on identifying potential issues, clients can still enjoy the visit and imagine themselves in the space. This property evaluation process ensures that buyers in Montreal are aware of red flags before making a decision.

4. Visit Summary and Reflection

After visiting a property, we review observations together. This helps clients reflect on the property’s strengths and possible challenges before deciding on next steps. These reflections are an essential part of a smooth home buying process in Montreal.

5. Offer Preparation and Thoughtful Planning

If a client decides to make an offer, we look at comparable Montreal properties, discuss pricing strategies, and consider any conditions for the purchase. The goal is to approach each offer with clarity and confidence. Using step-by-step strategies helps buyers feel prepared and confident when buying a home in Montreal.

6. A Calm, Structured Approach

Buying a home can be complex, but careful planning and thoughtful guidance make the process more predictable and less stressful. Clients can trust that each detail is being thoughtfully considered for their benefit.

Always Within Reach

Buying a home is a big step, but with careful planning and thoughtful guidance, it can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Stay connected for tips, insights, and strategies to make your home search in Montreal as smooth and confident as possible—and remember, you can call anytime, even just for a bit of support. I’m always available, seven days a week, to answer your questions or offer support anytime.

 Resources -ChatGPT 

Blog Post 1

1. Bill 16for divided co-ownership condos

What Montréal Condo Buyers & Sellers Should Know About Bill 16

2. What Montréal Condo Buyers & Sellers Should Know About Bill 16?

Thinking about buying or selling a condo in Montréal maybe in Lachine, the West Island, or downtown and wondering what’s changing with Bill 16? You’re not alone. Québec’s condo law is getting its biggest update in over 50 years, and understanding the basics can help you make confident decisions.

3. What Is Bill 16?

Adopted in December 2019, Bill 16 modernizes Québec’s divided co-ownership (condo) laws for the first time since 1969. It aims to improve transparency, planning, and protection for all co-owners — so everyone knows the real condition and financial health of their building. Most of the new regulations take effect August 14, 2025.

4. A Quick Bit of History

In ancient Rome, legal texts describe insulae — multi-story apartment buildings where individuals could own parts of a structure.

The idea of condo living started centuries ago with shared urban housing, was formalized in France in the 1930s, and took off in North America in the 1960s with Québec among the first to adapt it to Canadian law.

Divided co-ownership — what we call “condos” — was officially introduced in Québec in 1969, inspired by France’s copropriété divise model. It allowed people to own their individual unit, while sharing ownership of common areas like the roof, corridors, and gardens. Over time, however, the law hadn’t kept pace with aging buildings and more complex ownership structures — which is why Bill 16 was needed.

1969 — Québec officially introduced divided co-ownership (condominiums) into the Civil Code of Québec through Bill 33, which came into force that same year.

The concept was inspired by European models (especially France’s “copropriété divise”) — adapted for Québec’s legal

5. Key Changes You Should Know

Every condo building must now keep a detailed maintenance logbook showing its condition, components, and long-term repair plans. It has to be updated yearly and reviewed by a professional every 5 to 10 years (depending on the building’s size). Note: For smaller buildings: The “every 10-years review” option for small condos may apply in some cases — good to know when advising clients in small-scale co-ops or boutique buildings.

• Contingency Fund (Reserve Fund) Study

• A professional must conduct a reserve fund study every 5 years to ensure the building is saving enough for major future repairs.

• Buyer Deposit Protection- Deposits for new or certain resale condos must now be held in trust by a notary, lawyer, CPA, or certified administrator — protecting buyers if something goes wrong.

• Syndicate Attestation (Certificate on the Condition of the Co-ownership) - Starting August 14, 2025, this new document becomes mandatory whenever a condo unit is sold. It’s the building’s “health report,” prepared by the condo syndicate (board). It must include:
  details from the maintenance logbook
  the status of the reserve fund and recent study
  planned or ongoing major work
  insurance coverage and any claims
  pending legal issues
  recent amendments to the declaration of co-ownership.

For buyers, it means full transparency before you buy. For sellers, it means being ready and compliant — so your sale isn’t delayed by missing documents.
“The new syndicate attestation is really about peace of mind — for both buyers and sellers. It helps everyone see the full picture before a sale, so there are fewer surprises after moving in.”

6. Key dates

1.    August 14, 2025 → Main new obligations take effect

2.   By August 14 2028 → All existing condos must have a compliant logbook and fund study

Resources

ChatGPT, using verified references from Québec government and real estate law sources.

Gazette officielle du Québec on July 30, 2025

www.rgcq.org