I sold a house in Longueuil last September for $12,000 above asking. The buyer closed in two weeks. No drama, no endless negotiations. It's become the rule rather than the exception this year, and here's why.
Fewer sellers, more serious buyers
By fall, 60% of sellers have exited the market. They dragged their house all summer without results and finally took down the sign. You? You're coming in fresh and energized in September with an impeccable home.
Buyers shopping in October aren't just curious people who enjoy touring homes on Sundays. These are people with a real deadline: starting school elsewhere, closing a transaction before year-end, or settling in before December first.
Optimal market timing starts now
In Brossard or Saint-Lambert, a house that sells in November before the real snow? It looks like it's in control. Buyers see golden trees, not a gray, depressing landscape. Photos are stunning. The atmosphere works for you, not against you.
And let's be honest: nobody wants to visit a house in December-January with slush, salt everywhere on the porch, and snowbanks hiding exterior features. You automatically kill your chances of selling at a good price.
Statistics prove it: a home listed in October sells for an average of 8-10% more than a home listed after Christmas.
Inspections reveal fewer surprises
In fall, an inspector sees everything. The roof? There are leaves, but no snow hiding problems. The roofing is verifiable. Foundations, windows, heating system? Everything runs normally, everything is testable. Zero excuse for the buyer to come back with an extortionate repair list.
Imagine selling in January. The inspector can't see under the snow, he relies on hearsay, and boom — suddenly you need a new roof (spoiler: you probably don't).
Banks move faster
Between September and November, financial institutions want to close their files before year-end. Less administrative buildup. At Caisse Desjardins in Boucherville or BMO, pre-approval timelines are faster. Appraisals move quicker.
Result: you close before December 31st or early January, and it's cash hitting the buyer's pocket before the tax deadline. Everyone wins.
Concrete strategy for the South Shore
If you seriously want to sell your home in La Prairie or Longueuil, list it now or before late October. Not November, not after Halloween. September-October is the ideal season to sell in Quebec. You're taking advantage of optimal market timing.
Call us for a free assessment. We'll tell you honestly if fall is the right time for you. If you wait until spring, you'll face 50 other sellers in your area. You really prefer that?
