The documents to gather
The checklist: titles, certificate of location, invoices, tax bills and, for a condo, the syndicate's documents.
Gather your documents
A complete file reassures buyers, speeds up negotiation and protects you after the sale. Start early: some documents take weeks.
- Certificate of location
By a land surveyor, about $1,500 if it needs to be redone. An added pool or garage can make it outdated.
- Seller's declaration
The property's "résumé": see the chapter Seller's declaration.
- Title of ownership, deed of purchase and deed of hypothec
The notary checks them.
- Tax bills, energy bills, home insurance
Buyers want to know the real costs.
- Invoices for work and transferable warranties
A roof warranty that is still valid weighs in the decision.
- Pre-listing inspection report, optional
About $750 to $850: see the chapter Legal warranty and latent defects.
Depending on your property
Condominium
Declaration, maintenance logbook, contingency fund study, financial statements, minutes, certificate from the syndicate (Appendix C).
Plex, well or septic tank
Leases in force, service contracts such as snow removal, documents on septic systems and drinking water.