What is an advisory visit before offer?+
A focused on-site visit by a certified inspector to help you make an informed decision before submitting an offer. It covers visible structural, mechanical and envelope concerns so you can identify major red flags quickly.
How is this different from a full pre-purchase inspection?+
An advisory visit is shorter and more targeted. It focuses on identifying major red flags and deal-breakers. A full
pre-purchase inspection covers 400+ checkpoints with a detailed written report.
How quickly can you schedule an advisory visit?+
We aim for same-day or next-day availability whenever possible. Call or text us directly at (514) 802-7215 for the fastest response.
What does the advisory visit cost?+
For a condo, starting at $550+tax. For a single-family home, starting at $750+tax. More complex or multi-unit properties are quoted individually. Contact us for a precise quote.
Will I receive a written report?+
The advisory visit includes an immediate verbal debrief with professional recommendations. If you need a detailed written report, we recommend our full
pre-purchase inspection service.
Can I upgrade to a full inspection afterward?+
Yes. If the advisory visit confirms your interest in the property, you can book a complete pre-purchase inspection for a thorough evaluation with a detailed written report.
Will the seller or their broker be informed that an advisory visit took place?+
The
advisory visit before offer requires property access, which usually goes through the seller's broker or owner. In the
vast majority of cases, the seller will know a professional visit was requested, but: (1) the
content of our analysis remains strictly confidential to the buyer — our oral and written report is never shared with seller or their broker; (2) the seller will not know
what specific concerns the buyer had, nor
what we observed, nor whether the buyer decided to submit an offer or not.
Practical advice: position the visit as a standard pre-offer check, without signalling specific distrust. In
multiple offer contexts, some buyers combine the
advisory visit with an offer conditional on full inspection rather than waiving the inspection clause.
In what contexts is advisory visit before offer useful?+
Particularly useful in: 1) Multiple offer market in Montreal — buyer wants to submit a strong offer with little time. Advisory visit allows rapid identification of major defects before offer. 2) Offer without inspection condition (practice in hot market) — buyer still wants professional opinion before committing. 3) Preliminary evaluation before deciding if property deserves an offer. 4) Multiple properties to compare — advisory visit on each before targeting. 5) Experienced buyer wanting quick second opinion.
Does advisory visit before offer provide same protection as pre-purchase inspection?+
No. Advisory visit doesn't replace complete pre-purchase inspection. Important limits: 1) No detailed report — verbal observations or summary report only. 2) No exhaustive coverage — hidden defects or those requiring investigation time may not be detected. 3) No formal legal protection in post-purchase litigation. 4) Doesn't serve as basis for inspection condition in offer. Recommendation: if buyer can negotiate inspection condition, do complete pre-purchase. Advisory visit is a strategic compromise in competitive market.
How long does advisory visit take and what deliverable format?+
On-site duration: 1 to 2 hours typically. Focus on high-impact visible elements: structure, foundation, roofing, electrical (panel, knob-and-tube), plumbing (galvanized, lead), basement moisture, windows, cladding, immediate environment. Deliverable: verbal on site + written summary (1-2 pages) with photos of main findings, recommendation (offer / negotiate / pass). No multi-page detailed report like pre-purchase. Custom pricing by distance and property size.
Advisory visit in multiple offers context — recommended strategy?+
In Montreal/Laval/South Shore multiple offers market: 1) Identify 2-3 properties of strong interest before offer deadline. 2) Advisory visit on main property (ideally with agent and buyer present) — 1.5-2 hours. 3) Rapid evaluation: major visible risks, probable hidden defect indicators, order of magnitude of foreseeable renovations. 4) Informed decision on offer amount and possibility of inspection condition. 5) If offer accepted and inspection condition accepted, do complete pre-purchase as second step. Pragmatic strategy for tight market.