Your negotiations were a success. Before your house is truly sold, it’s time for the vital final steps known as “closing”. Your lawyer and I will take care of all complicated and time-consuming legal maneuvers.

FINTRAC

By the time you accept an offer, I will also advise you of reporting requirements by FINTRAC, the federal agency responsible for administering Canada’s Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing legislation and regulations.

You’re required by federal law to complete a client identification form and provide government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport.

Here are some important steps you don’t want to miss:

  • Your lawyer will be advised that an agreement has been signed. Make sure your lawyer is ready to close the transaction.
  • Immediately begin satisfying any conditions of the agreement requiring action on your part before the set date of completion.
  • Notify your lawyer and lending institution if the buyer is assuming your mortgage.
  • Contact the utilities, telephone and cable companies about transferring or removing service. Your lawyer will often handle the transfer of utilities.
  • Call your insurance agent and arrange cancellation or transfer of your homeowner’s insurance.
  • Contact a moving company to arrange your move on or prior to closing date. Send out your change of address notices and advise the post office.
  • Notify the Ministry of Transportation about your new address for driver’s license and registration.
  • Notify your REALTOR® immediately if anything changes about your property or your situation.

Contact with your lawyer

  • If you plan to “discharge” or pay off your mortgage with proceeds of the sale, your lawyer will obtain a statement from your lender showing your outstanding balance on the mortgage, and any penalties you’ll have to pay to discharge the mortgage.
  • A few days before closing, your lawyer will ask you to sign the paperwork enabling the title to be transferred to the buyer.
  • On closing day, your lawyer will receive and distribute the proceeds from the sale, pay off your mortgage and other costs, and give you a cheque for the net proceeds.

Summary

  • Your real estate professionals are focused on helping you
  • Ask for help if you’re not sure what to do
  • Funds are due at the signing with your lawyer
  • If funds are coming from an RRSP or TFSA, allow seven to ten days for the transfer
  • Let’s stay in touch during the closing period