“Real Estate Involves High Transaction Costs”:

💰 1. Agent Commissions

  • Typically 4–6% of the sale price (shared between buyer and seller agents).

  • For sellers, this is often the biggest single cost.

📜 2. Legal and Notary Fees

  • Essential for closing; in Québec, notary fees usually range from $1,200–$2,000.

  • Ensures clear title transfer and contract review.

🏦 3. Mortgage-Related Costs

  • Includes appraisal fees, loan origination, and possibly mortgage insurance (if down payment <20%).

🧾 4. Transfer Taxes (Welcome Tax in Québec)

  • A provincial land transfer tax, calculated based on the property’s value—can be thousands of dollars.

🔍 5. Inspection Fees

  • Home inspections cost $400–$800 but are essential to identify issues before closing or negotiating repairs.

🛠️ 6. Repairs and Pre-Sale Upgrades

  • Sellers often invest in painting, landscaping, or minor renovations to attract buyers and increase selling price.

🏚️ 7. Closing Adjustments

  • Includes prepaid property taxes, condo fees, or heating oil—prorated between buyer and seller at closing.

📦 8. Moving Costs

  • Hiring movers, storage, and utilities setup—these add up quickly during a transition.

🏠 9. Staging and Marketing

  • Optional but effective. Costs range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on the property’s size and market.

📉 10. Price Reductions and Negotiation

  • Not a “fee” per se, but pricing too high often leads to concessions, lost time, or multiple reductions that reduce net proceeds.