Real estateBuying a home in Ontario: from offer to keys
This is what happens between your accepted offer and the day you get the keys, and what I need from you at each stage. Many residential purchases close 30 to 90 days after the offer is accepted.
1. Your offer is accepted
Send me the agreement of purchase and sale, with any amendments and waivers, as soon as your offer is accepted. If the offer has conditions, such as financing or a home inspection, note the deadlines. Conditions are waived or fulfilled in writing through your realtor. Your deposit is usually due within 24 hours of acceptance.
2. I open your file
I confirm the closing date and ask you for the names of everyone going on title and how you will hold it (for example, as joint tenants or as tenants in common), your lender or mortgage broker, your home insurance details, and whether you are a first-time buyer.
3. Title searches and requisitions
I search title to the property, check for executions against the seller and confirm the property taxes. If you are buying a condominium, I review the status certificate. Anything that needs to be fixed is raised in writing with the seller’s lawyer before the requisition date in your agreement.
4. Your lender’s instructions
Your lender sends me mortgage instructions, usually one to two weeks before closing. I review the lender’s conditions, such as proof of your down payment and home insurance, and tell you what is still needed.
5. Signing
About a week before closing, you sign your documents with me by video or in person. I give you a statement showing the exact amount you need to provide: the balance of the price, the land transfer tax, adjustments for property taxes the seller has prepaid, title insurance, and my fees and disbursements.
6. Your closing funds
You send your funds to my trust account a day or two before closing. Before you send any money, call my office to confirm the account details. I will never change my trust account details by email.
7. Closing day
Your lender advances the mortgage to my trust account. I send the balance of the price to the seller’s lawyer and register the transfer and your mortgage electronically. Once registration is complete, the keys are released, usually through the realtors.
8. After closing
I send you a reporting letter with a copy of the registered transfer, your title insurance policy and a summary of the transaction.
Useful links
Buying in London or the surrounding area? Get a quote or call (226) 402-0823.
This page is general information about Ontario real estate law as of September 2026. It is not legal advice about your transaction.