Montreal, QC

 

Divided And Undivided Condominiums Together In One Complex In Mile End, Montreal

Most recently, I was involved in 2 condominium sales of a different nature. The "Villeneuve" project is a renovation/restoration project of some 47 units on 3 Streets in Montreal. The buildings are triplexes (3 units per building). On Villeneuve Street, in the Mile End sector of Montreal, it extends from Jeanne Mance eastward to the next Street which is Esplanade. Bordering this row of buildings on both Jeanne Mance and Esplanade are 2 semi-detached buildings on each Street.

A unique feature of this complex: a boiler heating building at the back with a studio condo unit newly added within. This is the central water boiler heater for all units within the complex. I understand this was the first and now only remaining exterior central heating unit left in Montreal and therefore quite unique, adding to the historical value of the complex.

The interesting part for the real estate community is how the complex was re-structured by the renovator to allow current renters to remain while the complex was slowly renovated for resale.

Consideration had to be given to the city's requirement to maintain the boiler room building within the complex and to respecting the province’s laws. To accomplish this, a Horizontal condominium association was formed to account for the common areas within the complex including the boiler building. As the renovator's intention was to sell off all the units, they then created an undivided structure for each triplex (building with 3 floors, 3 units). This was called the Vertical condominium association and there is one for each building.

A little segue here for explanation: The law in Quebec does not allow a building to be a divided condo unless there is a resident owner for each unit within a building. Should a condo association agree to allow its owners to rent out their condos then it is okay as it is within the rules of the government’s definition. This undivided status allowed the renovator to sell off one unit at a time within a building.

The way this was done was for the renovator to own unsold units, rented out or unoccupied, and for new condo owners of units to own the building together within the undivided category. Once all 3 units in a building are sold, they can then apply to be converted to divided condo status with the government. For more information on the difference between Undivided and Divided condominium status in Quebec, please read my blog titled: “Condominiums: What are the Types of Co-Ownership in Quebec”.

Photo below:

The photo at left shows the old storage sheds restricting views out the back. The photo at right is the most recent. The balconies were opened up and smaller storage sheds installed. A new fence, balconies, stairs and courtyard and other improvements have rejuvenated the outside space and complex. Above the old boiler room, black framed door and window at bottom, has been converted and sold as a condo unit.

              

Two major North American holidays have already passed this summer, as time flies quite quickly. These holidays were Victoria Day for Canadians and Memorial Weekend for Americans. For many of us, these holidays are considered the beginning of summer although, not officially. Many homeowners who are preparing to sell their home are faced with having guests stay with them during their transition. This leads to guests from out of town temporarily staying while the open house is taking place and while potential buyers are busy looking at every aspect of your home.

Your guests might not have their quarters in tip top shape. After all, they are on a vacation and tend to be more laid back as they should be. This is where staging a guest room is very important. What can be done to make your guest room while it is being occupied, still conform in unity with the entire house? This is very simple. Allow guests to know about home staging and what it entails and why you are using it. Explain to them that they must tidy all possessions left unattended within their room. These include luggage, digital camera, laptops etc. Personal belongings need to be placed away from the potential buyer's eye.

Towels should be clean and fresh. Spraying or burning any form of lavender scents are perfect for the bedroom as they are associated with slumber. Having the bed made at all times will also be a big bonus to potential buyers and the current homeowner.

In Montreal, the summer is so short that despite having your home for sale you can still enjoy and welcome guests despite your home being listed on the market.

Summer is quickly approaching, for many property owners of vacation homes business may be quite slow. Due to our countries economic situation, one of the first forms of entertainment that consumers eliminate is their vacations. For many summer vacation home rentals this can

become a major loss in revenue. Setting the stage for home staging your vacation home can make a big difference. Although, the market is down, there are a still a very high number of people who are still going on vacation and are still looking for summer rentals. Staging your summer home for potential clients can attract vacationers who never knew that about your rental or who never knew of your home's location as a vacation destination.

Your vacation home can be a condo or a small home located out of town, or even an unknown bed and breakfast. There are even beautiful recreational vehicles that are located near family loved amenities. All of these attract clients.

Summer is a very short season. Staging can help you attract as many clients as possible who in return can become regular clients for years to come. These clients in turn can spread the word on what a great property the stayed at refer your summer home to other vacationers.

As spring rolls into town, we visualize tulips and beautiful gardens beginning to bloom. Spring brings out the home owner who is looking to sell their most valued asset. Their property. As potential buyers come to view your home, you must make some adjustments to the homes exterior appearance.

As the interior scene is very important, so is the front lawn and other parts of the property that are exterior. These areas must be taken care of that have been overlooked since last season. If your entrance screams community trash and items that should be recycled, this does not give your home any curb appeal to potential home buyers.

What home owners should do is clean up as much as they possibly can and if possible hire a gardner or landscaping company to complete the rest of the job. A simple tip can be using potted plants along their walkway or if possible try using artificial evergreen plants which can be taken to their new home when they leave.

Light fixtures outside of a house should beturned on as this will allow the potential buyers to view the size and type of landscaping area their new home has to offer.

Royal Bank of Canada
958 20th Place
Vero Beach, Florida 32960

Visit: www.rbcbankusa.com

The Royal Bank of Canada in Vero Beach Florida is open to assist with banking and purchases
of homes for the Canadian citizen.

The Royal Bank of Canada is celebrating 5 years of Cross Border Banking and they have some
wonderful programs and people in place to assist the Canadian home buyer with their purchases in
Indian River County and beyond.

If you have been considering purchasing a home in Indian River County, Vero Beach, Ft. Pierce
and Sebastian, please contact me, I can make this process as easy as possible.

Please visit me on my website for information on Vero Beach Real Estate:

www.VeroPremierProperties.com

Please contact me for professional and courteous service from a name known for being the best:

Please take a tour of VERO BEACH FLORIDA; www.RealEstateShows.com/176293

Please take a tour of GRAND HARBOR; www.RealEstateShows.com/176312

Please take a tour of BAYTREE; www.RealEstateShows.com/266856



Please take a tour of ANTILLES; www.RealEstateShows.com/248627

I will find the perfect lifestyle community for you.

Barbara Martino-Sliva, Realtor, e-PRO
NAR - TRANSNATIONAL REFERRAL CERTIFIED
THORPE/SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
www.ThorpeSir.com
www.VeroPremierProperties.com
BARBARA@martino-sliva.com
888.492.1002
772.492.1002



ROYAL BANK OF CANADA, BANKING AND MORTGAGES FOR THE CANADIAN BUYER
IN FLORIDA.