The price you list on day one shapes everything else in a sale, and that is even more true when selling in Verdun, where value shifts from one street to the next. Character plex, townhouse or condo, every property in the neighbourhood draws its own kind of buyer. This guide is built for owners: setting a price from comparables, preparing the property and the paperwork, organising showings, analysing offers and negotiating all the way to signing at the notary.
A price built on comparables from your corner of Verdun
A neighbourhood average says almost nothing about your property. Between a street near the riverbanks, a pocket steps from Wellington Street, an address close to the green line metro and Nuns' Island, which is a market of its own, the value gaps are marked. A real estate broker in Verdun must therefore select recent sales that truly resemble yours: same type of property, same pocket, comparable condition and renovations. That is what our free VIP evaluation does, by appointment, backed by real comparables rather than an automated tool. A price that is too ambitious drives away buyers, who compare fast, and the property often ends up selling for less after several reductions. A price that is too low costs you money from the start. The right price, on the other hand, draws showings from the very first days.
Selling a plex: speaking to owner-occupants and investors
The character plex is emblematic of the neighbourhood, and it interests two very different audiences. The owner-occupant is looking for a unit they will enjoy living in, while counting on rents to ease their payments. The investor looks first at income, expenses and rental potential. Effective marketing speaks to both at once. For the owner-occupant, we highlight the unit that could become available, the light, the yard and the original character when it has been well maintained. For the investor, we present a clear, verifiable financial picture. The more buyer profiles your plex reaches, the stronger the demand, and the stronger your position when it is time to negotiate. We help you decide which angle to lead with based on the building, its layout and the condition of each unit.
An income file ready before you go to market
A plex buyer, and their lender, will want precise figures. Start gathering now a copy of each lease, the renewal notices sent, the list of inclusions per unit and a picture of operating expenses: taxes, insurance, energy, maintenance. Also note the work carried out over the years, with invoices if you have them. A complete file reassures buyers, speeds up their analysis and makes it easier to secure their financing. On the other hand, income that cannot be verified or missing leases breed mistrust and open the door to downward negotiation. If a unit is vacant or soon will be, say so clearly: it is often a selling point for an owner-occupant. We give you a list of documents to gather and help you organise them before the first showing.
Showings that respect your tenants
Selling an occupied building takes coordination. Your tenants are entitled to the peaceful enjoyment of their dwelling, and showings must follow the applicable rules, particularly regarding notice. Tell them early about your plan to sell, explain how showings will work and group them as much as possible to limit disruption. A well-informed tenant is often more cooperative, and a clean, accessible unit makes a better impression. Remind them too that the sale does not end their leases: the buyer becomes the new owner of the rented units, with the same obligations. If you are unsure of your obligations, check with a legal resource or the Tribunal administratif du logement. We plan showings with you so that everything goes smoothly and respectfully, without dampening buyers' interest.
The small jobs that pay off before you sell
There is no point launching a major renovation just before you list: you may not recover the cost. Focus instead on what catches the eye during a showing. Fix leaky taps, broken handles, damaged baseboards and tired caulking. Refresh the paint in neutral tones. Declutter every room, tidy the closets and let in as much light as possible. For a townhouse or a plex, take care of the entrance, the outdoor stairs and the yard, since that is the first impression. Original character, when well preserved, deserves to be showcased rather than hidden. These details do not cost much, but they send a clear message: the property has been looked after. During the evaluation, we point out the priorities that will make a real difference to buyers in the area.
A listing that sells the location as much as the property
When selling in Verdun, you have to tell the story of the location as much as the rooms. Buyers in the neighbourhood put a lot of weight on closeness to the river and its banks, access to Wellington Street and the metro, and how easy it is to get downtown. If your property enjoys any of these assets, the listing must say so clearly, right in the opening lines. Our VIP marketing combines preparation, staging, professional photos and targeted exposure. Each type of property gets a tailored message: income and potential for a plex, space and privacy for a townhouse, simplicity and building management for a condo. A precise listing draws qualified buyers, who come to showings already knowing the property matches their criteria.
Seller's declarations and certificate of location in Verdun
Transparency protects the seller as much as the buyer. The seller's declarations must be filled out with care, honestly describing the work done, known problems and repairs made. A declared problem becomes a point of negotiation, whereas a hidden problem can lead to legal action after the sale. Also check that your certificate of location is recent and reflects the property's current state. If you have added a shed, enlarged a deck or altered the building since the last certificate, you will probably need to order a new one from a land surveyor, and that takes time. It is better to handle it before going to market. For a plex, include the lease documents, and for a condo, the co-ownership documents. A complete file from the start avoids delays when the conditions are being lifted.
Reading a purchase offer beyond the price
When a promise to purchase comes in, the amount grabs your attention right away. Yet two offers at the same price can be worth very different things to you. Look at the conditions: financing, pre-purchase inspection, review of the leases for a plex, review of the documents for a condo, sale of another property by the buyer. Each condition adds some uncertainty and a deadline. The occupancy date matters too, especially if you have to move or buy elsewhere yourself. Inclusions and exclusions must be clear to avoid misunderstandings. A slightly lower offer that is solid, quick and free of a sale condition can be more attractive than a higher offer carrying several fragile conditions. We go through each offer with you, point by point, so you can make an informed decision.
Counter-offers and negotiation: holding course
Negotiation is one of our team's great strengths. A well-built counter-offer can adjust the price, shorten a deadline, remove a condition or change the occupancy date. The goal is not to win every point, but to get the best overall result. After the inspection, the buyer may come back with a request for a reduction: we then assess whether the report justifies it, or whether it is an attempt to renegotiate. When several buyers are interested in the same property, the strategy shifts again, and offers must be handled with rigour and fairness. In every one of these situations, we keep a constructive dialogue with the other party so a good deal does not fall apart over a detail. Our perseverance lets you stand firm on what matters and stay flexible where it counts less.
Your free VIP evaluation in Verdun
Thinking about selling in Verdun, or simply want to know what your plex, townhouse or condo is worth? Request your free VIP evaluation, by appointment and with no obligation. The Beaulac Guénard Team, seven brokers at RE/MAX Platine, studies your property, compares it with real sales that resemble it and proposes a marketing strategy suited to the area. Our team is available at all times and knows the neighbourhood. Even if your plan will only take shape in a few months, an early evaluation helps you plan your repairs, your next purchase and the best time to go to market. Get in touch: you will leave with a fair value and a clear plan for what comes next.