Congratulations, you’ve bought a property! What’s next?

Don’t worry, we’ve put together this handy checklist to make sure that nothing gets missed.

• Please provide us with your lawyer for closing we require name, number, and email and we will send a copy of your purchase and sale agreement to them.  If you don’t have a click here for our list of recommended lawyers.
• Send your approved mortgage application to your lawyer.
• If buying a condo, call the management office to book an elevator for moving day.
• If you’re a tenant, notify your landlord of your move out date and give them required notice (this is typically 60 days but can vary).
• Ask your insurance agent to draw up a “binder letter” before closing showing the name of your insurance company, the amount of coverage, its expiration date, and the name of any lenders in the loss payable clause. Coverage should be for the full insurable value of the building only (not the land) on a replacement cost basis. Don’t have an insurance agent? Click here for our list of recommended home insurance companies.
• It’s your job to contact your phone provider, cable company, internet company to arrange a time for installation.
• It’s your job to contact the water, hydro and gas companies arrange to have meters read on closing and new accounts set up in your name. We recommend that you start this process as soon as possible and call again to verify this has been done a few days prior to closing.
• Arrange for your move as early as possible. If you’re doing the packing yourself, get more boxes than you think you’ll need, and plan for extra time.
• Arrange to review and sign all closing documents with your lawyer a few days before closing. At that time, you should also deliver the necessary funds for closing. The funds should be certified and made payable to your lawyer/notary in trust.
• If buying a condo be sure to reach out to the property management company to arrange your maintenance fee payments.
• Arrange with the City to pay your property taxes you can set them to come out of your account directly most offer monthly and quarterly options.

Note:

On your closing day you should expect to get a call from your lawyer’s office that your new property has closed, and the keys are ready for pick up between 1-5pm. Each lawyer’s office differs so please confirm the process and timing with your lawyer.

After Closing Checklist

Before you face the task of unpacking, here are some important things to do.

• Obtain the emergency numbers for police, fire, ambulance, hospitals and poison control centers in your area.
• Start a “new home” journal. Record the names, addresses, account numbers, dates and amounts you have to pay monthly including your mortgage, utilities, taxes and condo maintenance fees, if applicable.
• Call your nearest municipal office for the days of garbage and recycling pick-up.
• Contact your lawyer to arrange to pick up the interest on your offer deposit (if applicable) and all closing documents.
• Determine the best home security system for you and install it.
• Locks on exterior doors should ideally be replaced or re-keyed and be sure to get a spare set of keys in case of emergencies.
• Reprogram the automatic garage door opener.
• Change the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Good Ideas Before Your Move

• Get organized before you move!  Get rid of any unnecessary items.  A great, free service is through Diabetes Canada, you can schedule a free pick up.  For pick up they will accept small household items, gently used clothing, footwear, toys and small electronic items such as ipads and laptops (no desktops) (Online Service Available) Link Here  If you plan on dropping of they will take the above items along with general household textiles, curtains, accessories (bags, purses etc..) and sleeping bags.
• To donate books, you can reach out to your local libraries, or click donate them through Dontate Books Link Here.
• Organize a moving company- Be sure they’re licensed, insured & trustworthy!  *If possible, try and book a mid-week, mid-month moving date; this will help to keep the cost of the move down.
• Request moving days off work!
• Defrost your freezer if it’s moving with you. If you still have food in the freezer pack it up in coolers with lots of ice or ice packs.
• Purchase moving supplies such as; moving boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, labels and permanent markers.
• Pack a “first night box” containing things like: change of clothing, p.j’s, medications, basic toiletries, towels, bed linen, coffee/tea.
• If you have any pets be sure to have first night supplies prepared for them or arrange for a sitter to take care of them until you’re all settled in.
• Prepare an “un-packing box” containing things like:  Allen keys, scissors, screwdrivers, masking tape, dust cloths, labelled Ziplock bags with screws and pieces from dismantled furniture and any tools you may need.
• Make a folder for important documents like: medical and dental records, school records, insurance and home warranty policies, financial statements, passports, ID & closing documents *Keep this with you or somewhere safe during the chaos of the move.

Good Ideas After Your Move

• Have the heating and cooling units serviced if needed.
• Replace air filters.

Don’t Forget

• Change Address-Driver’s Licence & Health Card (Online service Available) Link Here
• Complete and send “change of address” forms to your cell phone provider, car insurance/registration, bank, credit cards, insurance companies, subscriptions, pet insurance, etc (these can be picked up at your local post office) For a small charge, you can also arrange for your mail to be rerouted to your new home. Canada Post-Mail Forwarding Service (Online Service Available) Link Here
• Contact your doctor/dental office and have your family’s medical records forwarded to your new doctor’s office.
• Organize your children’s school records and have them sent to your new school.

Don’t forget that our Client Care Concierge will be able to help with some of this list! For a refresher on these services click here. To reach our Client Care Concierge directly email lori@christinecowern.com or call 289-795-4429.

Happy closing!

Christine & team