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Realtor vs selling by owner in Quebec

Both options are legitimate. This comparison helps you choose for your situation, with the advantages and risks on each side.

The advantages of each option

With a broker

  • ✓ Centris listing
  • ✓ Price backed by comparable sales
  • ✓ Professional photos and targeted marketing
  • ✓ Negotiation and OACIQ-regulated forms
  • ✓ Full coordination through to closing

Selling by owner

  • ✓ No commission to pay
  • ✓ Full control of the process
  • ✗ No access to Centris (MLS)
  • ✗ Risk of underpricing
  • ✗ Full management on your shoulders

What to consider

The question isn't just "how much can I save?" but "how much will I keep?" If a broker gets a higher price, part or all of the commission can be offset. It depends on the property and the market.

A private sale can work if you have time and are comfortable negotiating. In other cases, a local broker handles each step and reduces the risk of errors in the paperwork.

Curious about your property's value? Get a free valuation based on recent comparable sales in your area.

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Risks of selling without a broker

Underpricing

Without an analysis of comparable sales, you risk setting the price too low.

Limited exposure

Without Centris, your listing does not appear in the tool brokers use to search for properties with their clients.

Direct negotiation

Negotiating alone against a buyer (or their broker) can be disadvantageous without experience.

Administrative errors

Real estate documentation is complex. A mistake can lead to costly disputes.

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Still deciding?

Let's discuss your situation, with no commitment. I give you the numbers and the options. You decide.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

It depends on your available time and how comfortable you are negotiating. A broker handles the marketing, showings, negotiation and paperwork. Selling privately avoids the commission, but all that work falls on you.

You save the commission and the taxes added to it. However, a poorly set asking price or a difficult negotiation can reduce those savings. Without a broker, you have no access to Centris, which limits the reach of your listing.

Yes, selling without a broker is legal in Quebec, whether through a platform like DuProprio or a simple sign on the lawn. The seller is still bound by the legal warranty of quality, unless it is excluded in the deed, and must tell the buyer what they know about the property. With a broker, the OACIQ Declarations by the seller form is mandatory when the seller is an individual and the residential property has fewer than 5 units, condos included.

Underpricing, negotiating without experience, paperwork errors or limited exposure for the listing. These mistakes can lead to disputes. A broker helps you reduce these risks.

A broker can help you get a higher price through pricing based on comparable sales, Centris exposure and negotiation. The result always depends on the property and the market.