Buying in Montréal, one step at a time.
Eight steps to the keys.
I'm with you at every one
Mortgage pre-approval
Before the first visit, we know how much you can borrow and what you'll pay each month, taxes and condo fees included. If you don't have a mortgage broker yet, I'll introduce you to one.
Custom property alert
Together we set the type of property, the number of bedrooms and the areas that fit the way you live. Every new listing that matches is sent to you.
Information on every property
Before you visit, you get what matters: the seller's declaration, the taxes, the state of the condo association for a condo, and comparable sales in the area. I add what I know about the street and the building.
Visits
We visit on weekdays, evenings or weekends, whatever fits your schedule. On site, I look at what people forget when they fall in love with a place: the windows, the roof, signs of moisture, the work to plan for.
Promise to purchase and negotiation
We set your maximum price from comparable sales, and we stick to it. Price isn't everything: for the seller, conditions and timing matter too. That's where we have room to move, never on the clauses that protect you.
Inspection and financing
The inspector goes over the structure, roof, plumbing and electrical with a fine-tooth comb, then we read the report together. If there's a surprise, we renegotiate or walk away, depending on what the offer allows. Meanwhile, your lender confirms the financing.
Notary
The notary prepares the deed of sale and the deed of hypothec (your mortgage), and splits the taxes between you and the seller. I make sure everything is ready before signing day. Once you sign, the place is yours.
Follow-up after the purchase
My work doesn't stop at the notary's office. A contractor to find, the welcome tax refund for a first home, a question about the condo association: you write to me, and I answer or point you to the right person.
Why buy with me.
Solid knowledge of the market.
I share my knowledge of the real estate market, the trends and the neighbourhoods to help you better understand your options and make an informed choice. That way you have all the information you need to move forward with confidence.
Support at every step.
I take the time to review the documents carefully, explain the clauses and make sure your interests are protected throughout the transaction. From financing to inspection, I’m there to guide you and answer your questions.
Negotiation that works in your favour.
Beyond the price, several things can make all the difference in a purchase offer. I support you through the negotiations to get the best possible terms, while respecting your needs and your goals.
What my buyers say.
81 reviews on Google, all five stars
Frédéric was exceptional, we were able to visit our future apartment very quickly, we got answers to all our questions and really had support from A to Z. We were impressed by the efficiency, the network and all the help we were offered. Thanks for everything!
As first-time Duplex buyers (Ahuntsic-Cartierville) with my partner, I have nothing but positive things to say about our experience with Frédéric. He managed our expectations well from the start and we could tell right away that he knew the neighbourhood super well, down to knowing which street had the most parking! He helped us a lot to anticipate the cost of potential renos for the properties we were interested in and gave us the straight goods when the asking price wasn't worth it. In short, we felt confident and listened to from start to finish. All that's left now is to move!
Frédéric helped me buy my condo and I was very satisfied. He was very professional, available, gave me very good advice and he has an excellent knowledge of the market.
Looking to buy?
Looking to buy a property in Montréal? Tell me about your needs, your budget and the neighbourhoods you’re interested in. I help you find a property that fits your goals and the reality of today’s market.
What's for sale right now.
My active listings
Read this before you start.
The costs people forget, the down payment, selling without legal warranty
The questions people often ask me.
Have a question? Write to me.What costs should I plan for on top of the purchase price?
When you buy a property, the asking price is only part of the budget. Plan for notary fees, the welcome tax (property transfer duties), the pre-purchase inspection and, in some cases, an appraisal required by the mortgage lender.
If your down payment is below the required threshold, a mortgage loan insurance premium may also be added. For a condo, factor in condo fees, while an older house may need a budget for renovations and upkeep.
My advice: build in a safety margin to cover these costs without draining all your savings.
How do I make a purchase offer when there are several buyers?
Offering the highest price isn’t the only way to stand out in a bidding war. A mortgage pre-approval, a maximum price set ahead of time and well-thought-out conditions can make all the difference.
The seller also weighs the timelines, the conditions of the offer and how likely the transaction is to go through. Being flexible on the possession date can also work in your favour, without necessarily raising your purchase price.
My advice: a competitive offer should help you stand out while protecting your interests. Don’t drop essential conditions, especially those tied to financing and inspection, just to get the property.
What should I check before buying a commercial building?
Zoning first: the use you have in mind for the building has to be permitted. Then the leases: the rents, the time left on each one, the vacant spaces and who pays which expenses, because good income on paper is worth less if several leases end soon. You also need to subtract taxes, insurance, maintenance and management to know the net income. A commercial inspection tells you what work is coming. Financing is different from residential, since the bank also looks at what the building brings in.
How much of a down payment do I need for a house or a plex?
For a principal residence, the minimum down payment is 5% on the first $500,000, 10% on the portion between $500,000 and $1.5 million, and 20% from $1.5 million up. For a plex, the minimum varies with the number of units and whether you plan to live there. A down payment below 20% can mean a mortgage loan insurance premium. The requirements depend on your situation and the financing you get.
A sale without legal warranty: is that a bad sign?
Not necessarily. A property can be sold without legal warranty for several reasons, such as an estate or a sale by an owner who bought it without a warranty themselves. The buyer does have fewer remedies if latent defects turn up, though. A thorough pre-purchase inspection and a review of the relevant documents are essential before making an offer.
Is the welcome tax refunded for first-time buyers?
Some first-time buyers may qualify for a tax credit to recover part of the property transfer duties. Eligibility and the amount refunded depend on the rules in effect. Since you generally have to pay the welcome tax to the municipality before claiming the credit, plan for this expense in your purchase budget.
Have a real estate project in Montréal?
Whether you want to buy a condo, sell a house or invest in an income property, we take the time to talk about your situation. I give you my honest opinion and you decide what’s next, with no pressure.
