Congratulations, you’ve sold your property! What’s next?

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

  • We deliver the signed Agreement to your lawyer or notary as soon as possible. If you don’t have a lawyer or notary, ask us for a referral. Carefully review all fees and disbursements, land transfer (charged in some provinces), mortgage deductions, adjustments and other closing costs with your lawyers or notary.
  • Don’t forget that the buyers of your property are legally allowed to have purchaser’s visits before closing (they typically request 2-3 visits. Check the Schedule A on your Agreement of Purchase & Sale to find out how many the buyers have). These are typically up to 1 hour in length and are booked in at least 24 hours in advance. If the day and time of a requested visit doesn’t work for you, please let our office or your sales representative know.
  • If selling a condo, call the management office to book the elevator for moving day.
  • Arrange for your move as early as possible. Call a moving company to secure a quote reserve a date. If you’re doing the packing yourself, get more boxes than you think you’ll need, and plan for extra time.
  • Call utility companies to inform them of your moving date so that they can send you your last bills for your home and arrange for any meters to be read on closing. Be sure to either set-up the utilities for your new property at the same time or cancel your account if no longer required.
  • Gather your important home documents. Things will go a lot smoother if you provide your lawyer with these documents (deed, mortgage, etc). Also, a useful document to have handy is your current or previous year property tax bill.
  • Visit your lawyer early. The days leading up to closing will be very hectic, so it is best to provide your lawyer with a set of keys a few days before your closing date. You will also be able to sign final documents at this point.
  • When you do leave the house for the last time, leave all extra sets of keys on the kitchen counter so the new owners will find them. Also, if you have a garage door opener — be sure to leave the remotes and any codes (if necessary).
  • Do a final walk through, hopefully with one or more pair of eyes to ensure you have not left anything behind.
  • Leave the property in a ‘broom swept condition!

 

NOTE: On your closing day you should expect to get a call from your lawyer’s office that your property has closed, and the funds have been delivered into your bank account between 1-5pm. Each lawyer’s office differs so please confirm the process and timing with your lawyer.

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.

Don’t Forget

  • Change Address-Driver’s Licence & Health Card (Online service Available) Link Here
  • Canada Post-Mail Forwarding Service (Online Service Available) Link Here
  • Change address:  Cell phone provider, car insurance/registration, bank, credit cards, life insurance/will, subscriptions, pet insurance.
  • 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 the 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