10 mistakes to avoid when selling your home in Quebec

❌ Mistake #1: Setting the price too high

The problem: Many sellers overvalue their property due to emotional attachment or hoping to "have room to negotiate."

The consequences:

• Your home stays on the market too long
• Buyers think there's a hidden problem
• You'll eventually have to lower the price (which sends a bad signal)
• You miss serious buyers during the crucial first weeks

❌ Mistake #2: Neglecting the presentation

The problem: A cluttered, messy, or overly personalized home prevents buyers from seeing themselves living there.

What drives buyers away:

• Too much furniture and personal items
• Family photos everywhere
• Odours (pets, cooking, cigarettes)
• Clutter and dirt

❌ Mistake #3: Using amateur photos

The problem: 95% of buyers start their search online. Dark, blurry, or poorly framed photos make them skip your listing.

Statistics: Listings with professional photos receive 118% more views and sell 32% faster.

❌ Mistake #4: Being present during showings

The problem: When the owner is there, buyers feel uncomfortable. They visit faster, ask fewer questions, and don't dare open closets.

Even worse: Some sellers follow visitors from room to room or comment on every aspect of the house. That's counterproductive!

❌ Mistake #5: Hiding defects

The problem: In Quebec, you are legally required to disclose all known issues in the Seller's Declaration (SD).

The risks:

• The inspection will likely reveal the problem
• The buyer will lose trust and may walk away
• You could be sued after the sale for hidden defects

❌ Mistake #6: Refusing to negotiate

The problem: Some sellers take low offers as an insult and categorically refuse to negotiate.

The reality: An offer, even a low one, is an opportunity. The buyer is interested! With negotiation, you could reach a price that works for both parties.

❌ Mistake #7: Choosing the wrong broker

The problem: Choosing a broker just because they're a friend, a family member, or the one promising the highest price.

Important criteria:

• Experience in YOUR area
• Number of recent sales
• Marketing strategy
• Communication and availability

❌ Mistake #8: Bad timing

The problem: Listing your home during the holiday season or in mid-January when the market is slow.

Best times to sell in Quebec:

• Spring (March-May): The most active period
• Fall (September-November): Second best period
• Summer: Decent, but people are on vacation
• Winter: Fewer buyers, but also less competition

❌ Mistake #9: Ignoring minor repairs

The problem: A leaky faucet, a broken handle, a hole in the wall... These small defects give the impression that the home is poorly maintained.

Buyers think: "If the small things aren't fixed, what's hidden in the big ones?"

❌ Mistake #10: Letting emotions decide

The problem: You've lived in this home for years. Your kids grew up here. It's normal to be attached. But that's no reason to make poor financial decisions.

Examples of emotional decisions:

• Rejecting a reasonable offer "on principle"
• Overpricing because "it's my home"
• Turning down a buyer because you don't like them

1. Price too high → Trust the CMA

2. Poor presentation → Declutter and clean

3. Amateur photos → Invest in professional photography

4. Present at showings → Let the broker handle it

5. Hiding defects → Be transparent

6. Refusing to negotiate → Stay open-minded

7. Wrong broker → Compare 2-3 brokers

8. Bad timing → Aim for spring or fall

9. Minor defects → Fix before selling

10. Emotional decisions → Stay objective

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