How long does closing take in Ontario?
Quick, shocking version: Closing in Ontario usually takes 30–60 days — but for Georgetown sellers it can be as fast as 7 days or drag past 90 if you ignore the paperwork. Read this and take control.
Why timing matters for home sellers in Georgetown, ON
You sold your house. Now what? Closing time decides when you get paid, when the keys change hands, and which bills you still owe. Get the timeline wrong and you lose money, sleep, and options. This guide cuts through the fluff and gives a step-by-step timeline, local quirks for Georgetown (Halton Hills), practical tips to speed closing, and a battle-tested checklist to avoid delays.
Typical closing timeline for Ontario home sellers
- Acceptance to closing: most common = 30–60 days.
- Fast sales (cash buyers or vacant possession with clean title): as fast as 7–14 days.
- Complex or conditional deals: 60–90+ days.
Why the wide range? The clock depends on financing, lawyer readiness, title issues, condo documents, and buyer/seller flexibility.
The step-by-step timeline (what actually happens)
Day 0: Offer accepted
- Buyer and seller sign the agreement of purchase and sale (APS).
- Deposit usually goes to the buyer’s real estate brokerage trust account.
- The APS sets a closing date. That date is legally binding once conditions are cleared.
What sellers must do immediately:
- Call your lawyer (or get one now). A local real estate lawyer in Halton Hills should be instructed within 24–48 hours.
- Gather documentation: current mortgage statement, deed, recent tax bill, condo documents (if applicable), any inspection reports.
Day 1–7: Lawyer gets to work
- Lawyer reviews the APS and asks for ID and a retainer.
- Title search begins. This checks for liens, mortgages, outstanding judgments, or easements.
- If the buyer has conditions (financing, inspection), this is when those are satisfied or waived.
For Georgetown sellers: title searches can flag municipal orders or grading/lot issues tied to Halton Hills records. A local lawyer familiar with Halton’s systems moves this faster.
Day 7–21: Mortgage discharge and paperwork
- Seller orders a mortgage discharge statement from the lender. Lenders typically take a few business days to prepare it but can require 7–14 days.
- Lawyer prepares Statement of Adjustments (prorates taxes, utilities, condo fees).
- Municipal tax and utility searches happen. In Halton Hills, tax accounts are tied to specific roll numbers; timely ID speeds this up.
Delay trigger: If the mortgage lender needs an early payout or has a payout penalty, getting the exact discharge number can take extra time.
Day 21–30: Final checks and confirmation
- Buyer’s lawyer confirms funds; seller’s lawyer confirms discharge is ready.
- Final adjustments are agreed.
- A closing statement is prepared showing the exact net proceeds to the seller.
If everything is clean, this is the most common window to close.
Closing day (what happens)
- Lawyers exchange funds electronically through the trust system.
- Deeds transfer. Keys are released to buyer per the APS.
- Seller’s mortgage is discharged, and any registered liens removed.
- Seller receives net proceeds from sale (often same day or within 1 business day depending on banking).
Local Georgetown factors that speed up or slow down closing
- Municipal processes: Halton Hills online records are reliable, but clerks’ turnaround for particular forms (e.g., land transfer documents) varies.
- Seasonal volume: Spring market = more backlog for lawyers and lenders. Expect slower turnaround during peak months.
- Vacant possession vs tenant-occupied: Tenant issues add legal documents and move-out coordination.
- Rural lots and surveys: Older Georgetown lots may lack recent surveys. Ordering a survey adds 7–21 days.
Common legal/documentation issues that cause delay (and how to avoid them)
- Missing or expired ID: Lawyers must verify ID. Bring everything early.
- Undischarged mortgages or second charges: Ask your lender for a payout statement immediately.
- Title defects or easements: A local lawyer can flag these quickly. Address early.
- Estate sales: Probate can add weeks or months unless already completed.
- Condo document delays: Sellers must provide status certificates. Order them first day.
How to avoid them: hire a local real estate lawyer familiar with Halton Hills and instruct them within 48 hours of acceptance.
Costs sellers should expect at closing (Ontario, Georgetown specifics)
- Lawyer fees: $700–$1,500 typical for standard sales.
- Discharge fees: $75–$350 (depends on bank).
- Real estate commission: depends on brokerage agreement.
- Adjustment credits: property taxes, utilities, and condo fees prorated to closing date.
Note: Land Transfer Tax is paid by the buyer in Ontario. Sellers don’t pay LTT unless they’re also buying another property.
How sellers in Georgetown can force a faster close
- Pre-prepare documents: mortgage statements, property tax bill, survey, condo status if applicable.
- Use a local lawyer: they know Halton Hills systems and municipal contacts.
- Communicate dates clearly: confirm a hard closing date in APS and coordinate pickup of keys.
- Encourage buyer readiness: quick financing proof and waiver of unnecessary conditions shortens the timeline.
- Opt for e-sign and e-docs: many Ontario lawyers accept e-sigs which speed signing.
If you want it done in 14 days, prepare for a cash buyer, clear title, and coordinated lawyers.
What a seller’s lawyer does (so you know what you’re paying for)
- Conducts a title search and clears liens.
- Prepares the deed and Statement of Adjustments.
- Communicates with buyer’s lawyer and lender.
- Handles mortgage discharge and pays out any liens.
- Transfers funds and provides final closing statement.
A great local lawyer reduces surprises. A bad one creates them.
Moving money: how and when you get paid
Funds are exchanged between lawyers through electronic trust systems. Once funds clear, seller’s lawyer releases the net proceeds. Usually same day or by next business day.
Bank holds can slow release if there are compliance checks or outstanding paperwork.
Practical timeline examples for Georgetown sellers
- Smooth deal with financing: Offer accepted → lender confirms → 30 days to close.
- Cash buyer, clean title: Offer accepted → close in 7–14 days.
- Condo with status certificate delay: Offer accepted → close in 45–60 days.
- Mortgage discharge with lender backlog or legal issues: 60–90 days or more.
Checklist for Georgetown home sellers (action plan)
- Day 0: Instruct a Halton Hills/Georgetown-aware real estate lawyer.
- Within 48 hours: Provide ID, mortgage info, and property tax account number.
- Within 7 days: Order condo status certificate (if condo). Request mortgage payout figure.
- Two weeks before closing: Confirm closing figures and move-out logistics.
- Closing day: Confirm where keys go, meet your lawyer for signing if required, confirm net proceeds deposit.
Why local expertise matters: Halton Hills nuances
Halton Hills has specific municipal systems and property history. A lawyer or realtor who knows local building permits, lot prefixes, and tax roll quirks mitigates surprises. That local speed equals money in your pocket.
Get expert help (don’t go it alone)
If you’re selling in Georgetown and don’t want delays, get local help. Tony Sousa is a Georgetown real estate expert who coordinates buyers, lawyers, and lenders to compress timelines and protect sellers’ proceeds. Contact: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
FAQ — Closing process and legal documentation for Georgetown sellers
Q: How long will closing take for my Georgetown sale?
A: Most sellers close in 30–60 days. With a cash buyer or waived conditions, you can close in 7–14 days. Complex issues push it past 60 days.
Q: Who pays Land Transfer Tax?
A: The buyer pays Ontario’s Land Transfer Tax. Sellers usually do not.
Q: Do I need a lawyer? Can my Realtor handle closing?
A: You must use a lawyer or licensed conveyancer to handle title transfer and funds. A Realtor coordinates, but the lawyer does the legal work.
Q: What delays closings in Georgetown specifically?
A: Municipal record quirks, older lot surveys, tenant issues, and lawyer/lender backlog in peak market months.
Q: What documents should I have ready?
A: ID, current mortgage statement, recent tax bill (Halton Hills), deed, condo status certificate (if condo), any survey or inspection reports.
Q: How soon should I hire a lawyer after accepting an offer?
A: Within 24–48 hours. That speeds title search and mortgage discharge.
Q: How much are legal fees in Georgetown?
A: Expect $700–$1,500 for a routine sale. Discharge and bank fees extra.
Q: Can I speed up payout to my bank account?
A: Yes: give your lawyer banking details early and ensure your lawyer has cleared compliance. Expect same-day or next business day funds after closing.
Q: What if there’s a problem on title?
A: Your lawyer will identify it in the title search and advise solutions. Some issues need clearing before closing; others can be handled with adjustments or indemnities.
Q: Who handles tenant-occupied closings?
A: Your lawyer plus your Realtor. You’ll need tenancy documents and clear instructions about possession date and keys.
Ready to close on your Georgetown home without surprise delays? Call Tony Sousa: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
Get a local lawyer lined up within 48 hours of acceptance. That single step often knocks weeks off the timeline and keeps more money in your pocket.
