December 12, 2024

Documents to Prepare When Selling Your Home

Selling your property is a complex process that involves many steps. Partnering with a real estate broker can help ensure a successful sale! Before you meet for the first time, your broker will request specific documents that you can prepare in advance to simplify the listing process.

Here are the documents you'll need:

Notarial and title deeds

Your deed of sale serves as legal proof that you are the rightful owner. Also consider including deeds of servitude, loan agreements, mortgage discharges, and any other notarized documents provided by the previous owner to ensure a clear chain of ownership.

Certificate of location

This document is essential and must be provided by the seller. It is valid for a maximum of 10 years and must describe the current condition of the property. The certificate includes measurements of the property, such as the lot, buildings, boundaries, cadastre, servitudes, and any other rights or encumbrances that may affect the property. If your certificate is not up to date, hire a land surveyor as soon as possible to avoid delays in the sale. Note that the average time to draw up a certificate is about 4 to 6 weeks, which could take longer in a booming market. The notary will need this document at least 20 days before the deed of sale is signed.

Municipal, school, and water tax statements

These statements help potential buyers plan their budgets and understand the financial obligations associated with the property. While these records are usually available online, some municipalities restrict access to this information.

Work invoices and documents (for the Declarations by the Seller)

The Declarations by the Seller section is where you detail the various work and repairs that have been done to the property. It’s important that it is complete and accurate to protect the seller and establish a relationship of trust with the buyer. Transparency and honesty are key! Supplement your file with warranties, invoices, plans, permits, reports, and any other document that can attest to the work and reassure the buyer as to the state of the property.

Electricity and gas bills

These documents help buyers understand the property’s energy costs and calculate the monthly expenses.

Leases and renewal notices (if applicable)

If your property is currently rented out, provide a copy of the lease and any renewal notices. This ensures that the buyer fully understands the rental terms and obligations they will need to respect.

Declaration of co-ownership and co-ownership documents (if applicable)

When selling a condominium, the buyer needs to thoroughly review the documentation to fully understand the financial health of the co-ownership, as well as its rules and obligations. Moreover, the declaration of co-ownership or indivision agreement, the minutes and financial statements from the last three years, the maintenance logbook, notices of assessment of condominium fees, building regulations, etc., are all necessary to complete the sale process.

Estate documents (if applicable)

Have you been mandated to sell a loved one’s property as part of an estate? Ensure you have all the necessary documents to confirm that you are the authorized liquidator. The declaration of transmission is the official document confirming this role. Otherwise, provide a copy of the will, the death certificate, and, ideally, confirmation from a notary that you are authorized to act in this capacity.

Proof of identity

Your broker will need to verify your identity using a government-issued photo ID, such as your driver’s license, health insurance card, passport, etc.