The purchase of a new property, often a family's biggest investment, comes with responsibilities, but also rights for the buyer. Here are five things to know before buying a new property, according to several consumer protection associations.
With the support of the Organisme d'autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ), the Regroupement des gestionnaires et copropriétaires du Québec (RGCQ), the Association des consommateurs pour la qualité dans la construction (ACQC) and SOS Plan de garantie résidentielle, the non-profit organization Garantie de construction résidentielle (GCR) has set up an awareness campaign to help protect buyers.
Here's what it says
1) Bring a building professional with you on your home inspection
The pre-delivery inspection of a new home is a step that is "not only mandatory, but crucial for any buyer", GCR said, recommending that you be accompanied by a building professional to avoid unpleasant surprises
2) Report problems as early as possible
Buyers should be proactive in ensuring that they report a problem in a timely manner, so that it is recognised as a claim. If not, there is a risk that it will get worse over time and no longer be recognised.
3) Take precautions if you pay a deposit
While paying a partial amount - a deposit - is common when buying a new property, it is advisable to take precautions, such as dealing with the non-profit organisation to cover the amount.
For its part, the Office de protection du consommateur recommends on its website that you find out as much as possible about the trader and try to negotiate the smallest amount possible, knowing that the trader could go bankrupt before delivering the finished product.
4) Involve your own real estate broker
Sometimes a real estate broker will represent the developer in the purchase of a new property. The OACIQ recommends, in such cases, that you retain the services of your own broker to "represent you and defend your interests" in the process, according to the director of the information centre, Sandra Barrette.
She also points out that the OACIQ's registry of licensees can be used to verify a real estate broker's file.
5) Find out about additional condominium responsibilities
Buying a house or condo in a condominium comes with special responsibilities, since it involves common and private portions, a syndicate of co-ownership and mandatory warranty plans.
The RGCQ advises people to be well informed so that they can make "informed decisions," said Denise Brosseau, executive director.
Source : Article by Agence QMI on the tvanouvelles.com on the 24th february of 2023
Link : https://www.tvanouvelles.ca/2023/02/24/voici-5-choses-a-savoir-avant-dacheter-une-propriete-neuve
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