Ontario Selling Guide
Closing day is when the legal and financial steps required to transfer the property are completed. Much of the seller’s work happens before that date through the real estate lawyer, brokerage, lender and other professionals.
Quick answer
Complete agreed work early, provide documents to the lawyer, leave the property in the required condition and do not schedule a move so tightly that a routine delay becomes a crisis.
What the Seller’s Lawyer Commonly Handles
- Reviewing the agreement and title-related requirements
- Preparing and signing transfer and closing documents
- Obtaining mortgage payout information
- Accounting for property-tax and other adjustments
- Receiving and disbursing closing funds
- Paying authorized amounts and reporting to the seller
The exact services and documents depend on the property and transaction. Ask the lawyer for a transaction-specific checklist and deadlines.
Documents and Information to Provide
- Government-issued identification
- Mortgage and secured-debt information
- Property-tax details
- Condominium information, if applicable
- Rental contracts or equipment information
- Keys, alarm details and access information
- Any documents required by the agreement
Complete Contractual Obligations
Finish agreed repairs, removals, cleaning, document delivery and other seller obligations before the deadline. Keep receipts, photographs or other evidence where appropriate.
Final Buyer Visits
The agreement may permit one or more visits before closing. These visits are not a new inspection unless the contract says otherwise, but the buyer may confirm the property’s condition and agreed work.
Vacant Possession and Moving
If vacant possession is required, occupants and belongings must be removed as agreed. Leave enough time for loading, cleaning and unexpected delays. Do not assume keys can be released early.
Mortgage Discharge and Adjustments
The lawyer uses sale proceeds to address the mortgage payout and other authorized amounts. Property taxes, utilities, condominium fees or rental items may be adjusted between the parties according to the agreement and closing statement.
When the Seller Receives Funds
Funds are not necessarily available first thing in the morning. Registration, lender funds, document exchange and banking timelines affect completion. Ask the lawyer how and when the net proceeds will be delivered.
What Can Delay Closing
- Late lender funds or documents
- Unresolved title issues
- Incomplete seller or buyer documents
- Problems with vacant possession
- Unfinished contractual work
- Banking, wire or registration delays
A delay does not automatically end the agreement. The lawyers and parties may need to address extensions, costs or other remedies.
Before Closing Day Checklist
- Confirm lawyer instructions and signing
- Complete repairs and agreed work
- Arrange movers and insurance changes
- Prepare keys and access devices
- Photograph meter readings where useful
- Secure confidential records and medications
- Keep essential items available until completion is confirmed
Related Ontario Selling Guides
- Reviewing Offers on a House
- Selling and Buying at the Same Time
- Ontario Home-Selling Costs
- Ontario Home Selling Hub
Official consumer resources: RECO information for sellers and the RECO Information Guide.
General information only: This guide is educational and is not legal, financial, tax, appraisal, inspection or property-specific real estate advice. Agreements and circumstances differ. Confirm important decisions with the appropriate professionals.
Featured photo by Veronika Dee on Unsplash.