Selling Your Home in Ontario? Here is what you need to know:

Whether it’s your first sale or you’ve done this before, the legal side of a real estate transaction is just as important as the listing price or the number of showings.

As your real estate lawyers, we take care of the legal details, so you don’t have to—but it helps to know what to expect.

✅ 1. Hire a Real Estate Lawyer Early On

Once you accept an offer, things move quickly—so it’s best to have a lawyer in place before that happens. Your lawyer will:

• Review and explain the Agreement of Purchase and Sale

• Ensure your rights are protected

• Guide you through every legal step of the closing process

✅ 2. Know What You’re Required to Disclose

In Ontario, sellers have a legal duty to disclose any issues that could materially affect the property’s value or safety, such as:

• Flooding or water damage

• Structural problems

• Unpermitted renovations

• Known defects that aren’t visible

✅ 3. Provide the Necessary Documents

Once retained, we’ll ask you to provide:

• A copy of the signed Agreement of Purchase and Sale

• Your property tax bill

• Details of your current mortgage or line of credit

• Any rental agreements (e.g., furnace, water heater)

• A copy of your IDs for Identification and verification

• Survey or title documents (if available)

These documents help us prepare for closing and ensure all legal and financial details are handled properly.

✅ 4. Have the Offer Reviewed

Before signing anything, we strongly recommend reviewing the offer with your lawyer to check:

• Closing date and possession timeline

• Buyer conditions (financing, inspection, etc.)

• Items included/excluded in the sale (appliances, fixtures, etc.)

• Any special clauses that could impact your obligations

We’ll ensure the agreement works in your favour and flag any areas of concern.

✅ 5. Understand Your Closing Costs

Many sellers ask us: What will it cost me to close the sale? Here’s what to expect:

• Legal fees and disbursements

• Real estate agent commissions

• Mortgage discharge fee, if applicable

• Adjustments for property taxes, utilities, or condo fees

We’ll provide a detailed cost breakdown early in the process—so there are no surprises later.

✅ 6. Sign Your Closing Documents

As closing day approaches, we’ll schedule a time (in person or virtually) for you to sign the necessary paperwork. We’ll:

• Finalize the Statement of Adjustments

• Coordinate the discharge of your mortgage

• Handle fund transfers securely

• Prepare the Transfer of Title and finalize registration

After signing, you can relax knowing the legal details are covered.

✅ 7. Vacate the Property by Closing Day

On closing day, legal ownership transfers to the buyer—usually in the afternoon once all funds are received. To avoid delays:

• Clear out all personal belongings

• Leave the home clean and in agreed-upon condition

• Drop off keys with your agent or as instructed

We’ll confirm when the sale is officially closed and funds are released to you.