Marie-Josée (MJ) Larocque

Marie-Josée (MJ) Larocque 

Residential Real Estate Broker

Phone: 514.453.1414  

Mobile: 514.951.0682  

Email

Buying or selling a home is a big decision - you need an experienced professional to guide you through the process. When working with me, you can count on personal, attentive, patient service, excellent knowledge of the area, great negotiation skills, and expert selling strategies.

My goal is to provide YOU, my clients, with an unparalleled level of service that's based on integrity, honesty, and a commitment to excellence. I'm proud to say that most of my business comes from referrals and repeat customers, I represent buyers and sellers in all price ranges.

What I bring to the table is outstanding client representation, detailed market knowledge, and hi-tech marketing solutions. I use all of the resources available to me to represent my clients in an effective, positive, and professional manner.

For additional information about my innovative and comprehensive marketing services, please feel free to contact me. I would love to add you to my list of satisfied clients.

Best Regards,

MJ

Contact Me

I am here to help with all your real estate needs and questions. Let me know what's on your mind and start a conversation.

Home Valuation

For most people, their house is their single biggest investment. Find out how much your investment is worth with a no-obligation market valuation.

Find a Dream Home

If you are in the market for your "Dream Home" then I would love to help. Simply fill out my Buyer Registration card and I will have suitable new listings emailed to you as soon as they come on the market.

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When you're shopping around for a new home, it's easy to let your emotions take over. This quick list of dos and don'ts can help you keep a level head while you look, and ensure you don't end up with buyer's remorse down the road.

DO a drive-by. Check out the exterior, the street and the neighbourhood. If you can, stop by during the day and in the evening to get a sense of what it's like at different times. See if there are any good shops and restaurants in the area, and if it's a place where you feel comfortable walking around. Check walkability scores of different neighbourhoods here .

DO come prepared. Show up to showings and open houses armed with a list of questions. Take plenty of photos. Sketch out layouts. Measure spaces to ensure your furniture will fit. Write down all the things you love, items that require repair or renovation, elements you're not so keen on. When you're looking at multiple homes, it's easy to get confused – having detailed notes of each visit will help you keep track.

DO look at homes in your price range. It's easy to fall in love with a place you can't afford. Don't bother looking at the ones that are priced out of reach - you'll only be setting yourself up for disappointment, and make yourself feel like you're settling for less than you deserve.

DON'T forget to take stock of storage. There's nothing like moving into a new place and realizing there's nowhere to stow your stuff. Look at closets, basement storage, attic space and outdoor sheds. Where will you keep your vacuum cleaner? Your spare linens and towels? Sports equipment and off-season clothes?

DON'T sweat the small stuff. That harvest gold fridge and the stained basement carpet can both be replaced at a relatively low cost. The scary turquoise dining room can easily be repainted. Watch out for high-cost fixes instead, like outdated electrical or bathrooms that require a complete overhaul.

DO check the water pressure. Run the taps and flush the toilets (separately and at the same time). See if the showerhead blasts water or just gives off an unsatisfying drizzle. And don't forget to check how fast the water heats up. If it's really slow, there could be issues with the heater.

DON'T forget to check the exterior. Look for damp or buckled spots on the siding, peeling paint, loose shingles, cracks in the foundation. A quick look can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

DON'T overestimate your DIY capabilities. Fixing that leaky faucet? Sure, almost anyone can do that. But renovating the kitchen? Ripping out drywall? Putting in new plumbing? Before you make an offer on a house that's not move-in ready, make sure you're not getting too enthusiastic about what you can actually accomplish. If you think you can do it yourself, then realize you need outside help, you'll be facing some serious costs you didn't factor into the purchase price.

DON'T be afraid to move on. So many buyers get stuck on the idea that another home as perfect as this one will never come along. That's simply not true. New listings come on the market every day, so never assume that there's nothing as good as - or better - out there. Be patient.

Finding a property you love is exciting, but it's a little like falling in love with a person. That initial glow can make you overlook faults that will drive you around the bend a few years down the road. Keeping emotions in check and the long-term future in mind can help you make a smart buying decision – and finding  the home that's perfect for you.