The level of trust in real estate brokers and the perceived value of their services have increased significantly in Quebec, says a recent survey conducted by Léger and released by the Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers (QPAREB). This is an increase of more than 20 percentage points compared to similar statistics collected in 2013.
The survey says 82 per cent of residents who intend to buy or sell a house in the coming year plan to use the services of a real estate broker.
The QPAREB says Quebecers are now more fearful of buying or selling a property without assistance. The survey shows Quebecers’ confidence in buying or selling their home without the help of a broker decreased by nearly seven per cent in 2019.
In Montreal, 98 per cent of residents who used the services of a real estate broker in 2019 say they were successful in selling their home. “This success demonstrates the relevance of doing business with a professional when buying or selling a home, as it can create a lot of stress for a lot of people,” says Nathalie Bégin, president of the association’s board of directors. The survey says 78 per cent of Quebecers agree that doing business with a real estate broker reduces stress and provides peace of mind.
“Quebecers also believe that a real estate broker’s expertise provides many advantages when selling or buying a home,” says Sylvain Gauthier, vice president, communications and public affairs at Léger. “Their understanding of the market and their ability to manage all the paperwork that needs to be filled in contributes to their level of expertise. Real estate brokers are surrounded by a team of professionals that they can refer to at any time, and they understand the administrative and legal details relating to the sale or purchase of a property.”
The survey shows that Quebecers’ satisfaction with the work of real estate brokers during the sale of a property has improved in several respects since 2013, says the QPAREB, as demonstrated respondents’ agreement with the following statements:
- The broker knew the laws and regulations relating to the sale of the property – 87 per cent in 2019 versus 83 per cent in 2013;
- The broker obtained the best possible price – 75 per cent in 2019 versus 71 per cent in 2013;
- The broker properly and objectively assessed the property (using comparable sold properties, for example) – 81 per cent in 2019 versus 76 per cent in 2013.
