Selling an island property often involves more than simply putting it on MLS. Preparation, pricing, documentation, presentation and local knowledge can all make a meaningful difference in how a property is received and how smoothly a sale comes together.  My role is to help you prepare properly, position the property well, anticipate potential issues and guide you through the process from the first conversation through completion.

I know the local market, the different areas of each island, and the factors buyers tend to focus on when considering a property here. I also know the questions that often come up around water, septic, zoning, access, title, insurance, GST and other property-specific issues.  The goal is to deal with as much as possible before those questions become obstacles.

See some of our marketing below:

• Pre-Inspections Depending on the property, it may be worthwhile to complete a building, septic, water, WETT or other inspection before listing. This can identify issues early and give you time to address them before a buyer’s due diligence.
  
  
• GST GST can apply in some real estate sales, particularly where a property has been used commercially, for short-term accommodation, subdivided, substantially renovated or held in certain business structures. The rules are very property-specific, so I recommend getting tax advice early if there is any uncertainty.
  
  
• Residency Status If you are not a Canadian resident for tax purposes at the time of sale, special CRA rules can apply, including a certificate-of-compliance process and potential purchaser withholding. It is important to involve your accountant and lawyer well before completion.
  
  
• Capital Gains  A sale may create a taxable capital gain, although a property that qualified as your principal residence for all relevant years may be exempt. Rental use, business use, changes in use and multiple properties can complicate the calculation, so this is another item to discuss with your accountant.
  
  
• Commission & Selling Costs Before listing, I can provide an estimate of real estate commission so you have a clearer picture of your expected net proceeds. You may also have legal fees, mortgage discharge costs, repairs or other property-specific expenses.
  
  
• Tenancies & Rentals If the property is rented, tenancy agreements, notice requirements, possession dates and any vacation-rental use should be considered before setting listing terms. This is especially important if the buyer will require vacant possession.
  
  
• Property Disclosure & Known Issues Sellers should think about known defects, past problems, insurance claims, water issues, septic concerns and other material information before listing.
  
  
• Zoning & Existing Uses If there are multiple dwellings, cabins, studios, businesses, rentals or other unusual uses, it can be helpful to clarify their status before going to market.
  
  
• What Stays With the Property  Fixtures, appliances, furniture, equipment, farm items, tools and other contents should be considered before listing so there is less ambiguity when an offer arrives.