Selling a Home

In the vast majority of cases your lawyer will not see your Agreement of Purchase and Sale until your deal is firm.  If any questions arise during the negotiations or the conditional phase, don’t hesitate to call.

AFTER YOUR AGREEMENT IS FIRM:

CONTACT YOUR LAWYER - Confirm with your real estate professional that all documentation relating to your sale has been forwarded to your lawyer.  A copy of your property survey (if applicable), your property tax statement and particulars of any mortgages should also be forwarded.

This is a list of some of the details that you will need to deal with --- links to many of these service providers are provided in the ‘Community Links’ section.

  • TELEPHONE - make arrangements to disconnect phone service & have final bill forwarded to your new address
  • TELEVISION - arrange for disconnection of cable and/or satellite service & forwarding of final bill
  • HOT WATER TANK - if rented, notify appropriately company; if leased, requirements may vary depending on provider
  • GAS - notify of move date so that meter can be read for closing & final bill forwarded
  • HYDRO - as above
  • INSURANCE - arrange for cancellation of existing home insurance on closing date
  • MOVERS - obtain quotes and/or book professional movers (if using).  Speak to your real estate professional and/or your lawyer if you are uncertain about specific timing to avoid the frustration of paying professional movers while you wait for the keys to your new home. In the case on condominium apartments make sure arrangements are made to book the elevators for your move.
  • CHANGE OF ADDRESS - notifications of address change and often forwarding service through Canada Post
  • MISCELLANEOUS - Cancel any contracted services and/or pre-authorized cheques (if applicable) 

FINAL STEPS:

APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR LAWYER; You should know within a reasonable amount of time prior to your closing date what your exact closing costs will be and the exact amount of the proceeds of sale which you should expect on closing.  It will be necessary to meet with your lawyer prior to closing to sign all the necessary papers.  Your lawyer is required to obtain two pieces identification (one must be photo.

All documentation will be reviewed with you prior to signing.

CLOSING DATE: There are many steps that need to be taken by your lawyer and the purchaser's lawyer on the day of closing.  Once the transaction and necessary registrations are completed, the funds can be released.

AFTER CLOSING: Within a short period of time after closing, your lawyer will prepare a reporting letter to you outlining the details of your purchase and providing copies of all relevant documents.  Your reporting letter and any enclosures should be kept in a safe place.

This is intended as a guide ... specific circumstances may dictate other matters that need to be dealt with.