Buyer's guide

Buying, step by step.

From your budget to the keys, here are the main steps of a purchase with a broker, and what each one asks of you.

Before

Getting ready.

Your budget

Set your monthly housing budget and your down payment. Mortgage pre-approval is optional, but it helps you set your price.

Your broker

To be represented, you must sign a brokerage contract to purchase. Without one, the broker owes you fair treatment but does not defend your interests.

Your criteria

Type of property, neighbourhood, nearby services, renovations you accept: the clearer your needs, the more effective the search.

Your budget

Set your monthly housing budget and your down payment. Mortgage pre-approval is optional, but it helps you set your price.

Your broker

To be represented, you must sign a brokerage contract to purchase. Without one, the broker owes you fair treatment but does not defend your interests.

Your criteria

Type of property, neighbourhood, nearby services, renovations you accept: the clearer your needs, the more effective the search.

During

You like a property.

Visits

Roof, signs of moisture, water pressure, windows, floors: your broker points out what matters. For a building with units, add the rents and leases.

The promise to purchase

Your broker helps you set the price to offer with an analysis of comparable properties, and writes in all your conditions.

The inspection

A full inspection by an inspector who meets the OACIQ requirements, within the period set in the promise to purchase.

Visits

Roof, signs of moisture, water pressure, windows, floors: your broker points out what matters. For a building with units, add the rents and leases.

The promise to purchase

Your broker helps you set the price to offer with an analysis of comparable properties, and writes in all your conditions.

The inspection

A full inspection by an inspector who meets the OACIQ requirements, within the period set in the promise to purchase.

After

Until you get the keys.

Financing

Provide your lender's written, unconditional commitment within the set period. A pre-approval is not enough.

The notary

The notary examines the titles, drafts the deed of sale and the loan deed, then has the sale published.

The remuneration

Your broker's is often covered by the share set in the seller's contract. If not, you pay the difference or add it to the financing.

Financing

Provide your lender's written, unconditional commitment within the set period. A pre-approval is not enough.

The notary

The notary examines the titles, drafts the deed of sale and the loan deed, then has the sale published.

The remuneration

Your broker's is often covered by the share set in the seller's contract. If not, you pay the difference or add it to the financing.

Ready to start?

Vanessa guides you from the first visit to the signing at the notary's, in French, English or Portuguese.

See the propertiesFirst-time buyers

Sources

Information checked on October 18, 2026 with the sources below.

General information: it does not replace legal, tax or financial advice.