Solicitation by real estate agents
Real estate brokers (or agents) generally contact DuProprio sellers for two reasons: to offer their services or as representatives of buyers who are interested in your property. There are therefore different ways to prepare for these two eventualities.
An agent wants to offer you their services
There are some 16,000 people working in Quebec’s real estate brokerage industry. So it is very likely that one or more will try to convince you to use their services after you put your property on the market. The repeated calls can get annoying, which is why we recommend being firm from the start, clearly stating that you have chosen to sell without an intermediary and that with DuProprio you have all the guidance and tools you need for a successful sale.
No matter what an agent tells you, remember that you do not need an intermediary for a successful sale. The property, its asking price and visibility are the true keys to success. The following sections debunk some of the arguments agents typically use.
1. Sales time
It takes longer to sell a property without a real estate agent.
False. How long it takes to sell depends on the market conditions, the quality of your marketing, the property sale price, and the quality of the product being offered.
2. Protection and hidden defects
When you sell with an agent, you are protected from hidden defects.
False. Whether you sell with or without an agent, the legal obligations are the same. When a defect is discovered after the sale, the former homeowner can expect legal proceedings and should consult a lawyer.
Dealing with a real estate agent:
- Does not protect from the buyer backing out.
- Does not protect from hidden defects.
- Does not replace a professional home inspection.
- Does not preclude the need to close the transaction with a notary.
- Only protects from damages resulting from a professional error on the part of the real estate agent, and that is only the case if the Fonds d'assurance responsabilité professionnelle agrees that a fault was committed and that it resulted in the damages.
3. Exposure
I have enough visibility on DuProprio.com to attract a buyer.
True. DuProprio.com is Quebec’s most liked real estate site!* With tens of thousands of properties listed and several million visits every month, DuProprio offers an outstanding showcase and is an essential resource for property seekers. Other tools like the 3D virtual tour and the DuProprio personalized lawn signs help homeowners attract potential buyers and obtain exceptional exposure.
* According to a web survey of 1,246 respondents conducted by the Ad Hoc firm from February 12 to 25, 2019.
4. Asking price
Houses sell for less without an agent
False. A property’s value, meaning the price a buyer would be willing to pay for it, is not affected by the sales method. The main criteria that determine a property’s market value are its location, type of property, living area, age and lot size, among other things.
5. Market valuation
I can set the right price without the help of a real estate agent.
True. DuProprio’s appraisal assistance tools and team of appraisers help you set a fair and justified asking price. If in doubt, the best person to evaluate your property is a chartered appraiser, and their fee will be much lower than the average commission.
6. Successful sale
It is possible to have a successful sale without a real estate agent.
True. Each year in Quebec, tens of thousands of real estate transactions are concluded thanks to DuProprio. With or without an agent, a successful sale depends on the price, the product and its visibility.
7. Legal documents
I need a real estate agent for the Offer to Purchase and the legal aspects of the transaction
False. Whether you sell with an agent or with DuProprio, the transaction must be signed and sealed by a notary. A real estate agent is neither a lawyer nor a notary and is therefore not qualified to give legal advice. Filling out an Offer to Purchase form is not very complicated. If you are not sure about something, take advantage of the telephone assistance service to speak with one of our notaries.*
* Depending on the package selected.
8. Sold with an agent
Real estate agents are involved in most of the sales by DuProprio clients.
False. According to the information received from our clients, the vast majority did not use the services of a broker to sell their property.
9. Potential buyers
I will not have access to a segment of potential buyers if I sell without an agent.
False. A survey conducted by the Extract Marketing firm demonstrates that, even when they are represented by a real estate agent, Quebec buyers are involved in the process and do research without their agent. In fact, most of the survey respondents said they did the majority or just as much research as their real estate agent and almost half finally ended up finding their property themselves.*
*According to a web survey of 1,246 respondents conducted by the Ad Hoc firm from February 12 to 25, 2019.
Reducing solicitation
The most effective way to let real estate brokers know that you do not want to receive unsolicited calls is to register your number on the CRTC’s National Do Not Call List. Telemarketers, including real estate brokers, have 31 days to comply from the date you register your number.
Learn more by visiting the Removing your phone number from telephone solicitation lists (DNCL) article.
You can also state your desire not to be contacted by brokers directly on your online listing. A message for brokers will appear below your contact information. If you are registered with the National DNCL, you can also add a specific note to this effect.
To do so, go to the “Contacting You” section in your Seller space and select the desired options.
The agent is representing potential buyers
If a real estate agent is working for potential buyers, know that you do not need to sign a brokerage contract to meet with them or to plan a visit. If the buyer chooses to be represented by a third party, they will need to sign a “Brokerage Contract – Purchase” that specifies the broker’s remuneration. This contract is between the agent and their client and has nothing to do with you.
In these circumstances, the agent could call you for details about your property or to schedule a visit with their clients. If the agent asks to visit without the buyers, don’t waste your time. This is often a disguised solicitation tactic.
Find out more in When your buyer has an agent.
Reporting solicitation
Depending on the type of solicitation you receive, you have rights and recourses for reporting unwanted behaviour. By making a complaint, you protect yourself, and you help provide a better experience for other sellers.
Find out more in the article How to report an unwanted solicitation.