Summer is finally here! Montreal is alive with music, food, and giant street festivals. It is a beautiful time to be in the city. But if you are trying to buy or sell a house right now, the summer fun can add a few bumps to your road.
Between closed streets for pedestrians and the upcoming Construction Holiday (which runs from July 19 to August 1 this year), navigating the real estate market takes some planning.
Here is how you can master the summer real estate season without getting stuck in traffic.
1. Check the Road Closures Before You Leave
Before you head out to a Sunday open house in areas like the Plateau, Verdun, or Downtown, check the local map. Many main streets turn into pedestrian-only zones for the summer.
- The Fix: Give yourself an extra 20 minutes to find parking. Better yet, use the STM metro or grab a BIXI bike to get to your viewings smoothly.
2. Sellers: Make the Festivals Work for You
If you are selling your home, a local festival might bring thousands of people right to your neighborhood.
- The Fix: Put up clear, visible open house signs where walkers can see them. A buyer might be in town for a show and fall in love with your neighborhood at the same time! Just make sure to tell your visiting buyers where the best places to park are.
3. Watch the Calendar
Remember that late July is when Quebec takes a pause for the construction holidays. Many buyers, sellers, and even bank workers go on vacation. Things might move a bit slower during these two weeks.
- The Fix: If you find a home you love, try to get your paperwork and home inspections scheduled before the shutdown so you do not face any summer delays.
The Bottom Line
The Montreal summer market is still active, but it moves at its own fun, festival pace. With a little bit of planning and a good map, you can find your dream home and still have time to enjoy the fireworks!
Want to chat about what your Montreal home is worth this summer? Feel free to reach out!!