Selling your home is a daunting task, which is why it is always easier to use a realtor to guide you through the process as it can be extremely lengthy and demand a lot of brain power, emotional/stress control and organization. One of the questions we get asked extremely often is “What do you need from us as sellers?” The answer you ask? Your documents in order. I think that every realtors dream is that all their clients have their documents in order as of the first meeting, which almost never happens, so here is a list of the six necessary documents to have ready when meeting your broker for a home evaluation and why we need them!
1 – Your Taxes
When we list your home, we need to provide the most accurate information possible to all potential buyers so having your municipal and school taxes ready at the first meeting with your realtor is crucial to having the right information at hand. Usually your realtor will be able to get this information from your municipality’s website, but we do not always have the most up to date information.
2 – Your Certificate of Location
Probably the most important document, your certificate of location is the document that demonstrates your home’s position on the land and if it conforms to municipal regulations and by-laws. This document also gives us the exact size of your lot and all measurements including your home, the distance from your home to your property limits etc. The most crucial reason to have this document handy at the time of the first meeting is to evaluate if your broker should take charge in ordering a new copy as this document is only valid for a period of 10 years, and the wait times for getting a new one in peak real estate season can be up too 3-4 months 
Better safe than sorry as they say!
Better safe than sorry as they say!3 – All Deeds in your possession
Apart from the “Act of Sale” document which you receive after purchasing the property, the older deeds are more handy for the date of the sale of your home. The act of sale however is the official proof that you are the owner of your home and shows the registration number of this information. Your broker will need this to validate that you are the owner of the home and that he can properly proceed to listing your home. The rest of the documents are to be transferred to the next buyer when you do in fact sell the home.
4 – Recent Mortgage Statement
Although quite personal, It is important for your realtor to get this information to properly calculate with you and your partner what your total profits will be and how to arrange for the sale. This information is usually requested by your brokers agency as well to assure that we provide the right information to the notary regarding the payout of your total mortgage.
5 – Any Major or Recent Renovation Bills & Guarantee
These documents are needed to help properly market your home and give proof to the potential buyers that certain works have been done and that guarantees can be transferred to them once they purchase. Obviously the major renovations are needed such as windows, doors, roof, air conditionings etc. whereas the more minor renovations such as ceramics, countertops or wood floors are more of an aesthetic nature and are not as important. These documents are given to prospective buyers to show organization and maintenance and are a great show of good faith as the seller.
6 – Any Active Leases
Although this does not apply to every homeowner, if you are selling a revenue generating property, it is crucial to have active leases and renewals at the time of the listing of your property. Nothing is more bothersome to a purchaser than not being able to know who the tenants are and proof of their lease amounts. This information is taken by your realtor to market and advertise effective income and show that your property is a real money maker! 
Nervous about not finding all the documents you need? Not too worry, apart from your certificate of location and your active leases, your local broker should be able to gain access to the rest of the documents without much trouble. This list also is limited to the most typical type of property (single family home or revenue property) and it can be that if you are selling a condo, a piece of land, or if it is a succession or estate sale your broker can require more documents.
Please contact us for any additional information or to book an evaluation or consultation of your home and needs!
