Definition : Real estate broker

I want to know how the condo fees (common expenses) appearing in the ads of real estate agencies are established. These are not constant and put a doubt in the minds of those who want to buy in condominiums. Question: Is there a uniform directive in real estate agencies in this area? What advice should a real estate broker give to his client when he assists him in completing the form of the declaration of seller ? Some vendors report all costs, others report only current expenses (e.g., maintenance, operation and administration expenses of common portions). These two ways of doing things can vary the amount of condo fees by 300%, which can represent significant amounts for a buyer.

2 avril 2022 — Un pianiste, qui rêve de jouer et de composer dans l’unité du complexe d’Habitat 67 qu’il vient d'acheter, frappe un mur. La déclaration du vendeur, qui pourtant indique clairement qu’il n’y a pas d’amiante à l’intérieur de son unité, est loin de refléter la réalité. Il trouve de l’amiante à plusieurs endroits à tel point qu’il doit tout démolir. Mais qui est responsable et qui était au courant de la présence d’amiante ?

En date d’octobre 2021, l’Association professionnelle des courtiers immobiliers du Québec publia récemment des données indiquant une hausse significative du nombre de ventes de copropriétés (+ 13%) ainsi que du prix médian (+ 21%) par rapport à 2020 dans la province de Québec. Cette frénésie immobilière apporte son lot de défis pour les potentiels acheteurs de condo. Selon l’avocat émérite Yves Joli-Cœur, : « De tous les achats qu’on peut faire en immobilier, le condo est celui qui comporte le plus de risques. Il faut donc voir le processus d’acquisition comme de la gestion de risques ». Également, L’intervention du notaire est très importante pendant l’achat d’un appartement en copropriété divise, car la préparation de l’acte de vente destiné à une copropriété divise est très complexe. Alors, quels sont les judicieux conseils à savoir afin d’acquérir un condo sans embûches ?

A recent judgment of the Court of Québec, Small Claims Division, sanctioned a company and one of its directors, who also acted as real estate broker, for not allowing buyers to adequately understand an important aspect of the property sold. The building, built in 1938, had undergone major renovations for a four-unit co-ownership conversion. According to the company's administrator, the flat roof of the building still had a useful lifetime of nearly 7 years. However, no studies were carried out on its condition and the characteristics of the building prevented buyers from verifying it. In addition, the vendors had no documentation regarding the last roof repairs.

Seeking the services of a real-estate broker, who was formerly referred to as a real estate agent, is not mandatory. However, unless you are able to assume the purchase and / or sale of a fraction of a building held in divided co-ownership by yourself, which will require ample time as well as in-depth knowledge in various fields, you would benefit from being accompanied by a competent real estate broker during your procedures. When you use the services of a real estate broker to buy, sell or lease a property, you are protected by the Real-Estate Brokerage Act.  

Once the apartment of your dreams in your price range found, the next step is to make an offer to purchase, either verbally or in writing. Although the verbal option is legally valid, it is better to formalize it in writing. L’Organisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ) (the Quebec Organization for the Self-Regulation of Real Estate Brokerage) imposes a rule of ethics, namely that all acting real estate brokers must record in writing the intention of the parties to enter into real estate transaction.  

To allow you to know exactly what you are purchasing, your vendor must act in good faith at all times. In this regard, Article 1375 of the Civil Code of Quebec imposes a true moral code to the parties. It provides that: “The parties shall conduct themselves in good faith both at the time the obligation arises and at the time it is performed or extinguished.” Thus, the vendor is compelled to give to you, the purchaser, insofar as possible, complete and truthful information on the nature and the exact characteristics of the property being sold. This obligation includes any and all relevant and critical information concerning the immovable and the co-ownership, both for the private portion(s) and the common portions.