When do I sign the final documents?
“When Do I Sign the Final Documents?” — The truth, boiled down: you sign the seller closing documents at your lawyer’s office just before closing — usually 1–3 business days before possession — so your lawyer can register the transfer, discharge your mortgage, and get the funds out to you.
Quick, Clear Answer: When do I sign the final documents?
You sign final documents when your lawyer asks you to. In practice that’s most often:
- 1–3 business days before closing (the most common), or
- On closing day in rare cases (when your lawyer needs immediate signatures), or
- Remotely/electronically if your lawyer offers secure e-signing.
The exact timing is set by your Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS) and your lawyer. In Georgetown and the rest of Ontario, sellers almost always sign before closing so the lawyer can prepare the Transfer, calculate the statement of adjustments, and arrange mortgage discharge.
Why sign before closing? A short no-nonsense explanation
If you wait until the buyer’s money is in trust to sign, there’s no time to get paperwork registered. Your lawyer needs the signed Transfer and mortgage discharge instructions to register with the Land Registry Office. Registration takes time. It’s standard practice to sign early so closing happens on the agreed date without surprises.
What you will sign (seller documents explained)
- Transfer/Deed of Land — the document that transfers title to the buyer. Sellers usually must sign this.
- Direction to Discharge Mortgage — if you have a mortgage, your lender needs a discharge signed by you.
- Statement of Adjustments (acknowledgement) — shows taxes, utilities, condo fees prorated to closing.
- Undertakings or closing certificates — short statements your lawyer may ask you to sign.
- Identity verification forms — for closing law and anti-money-laundering checks.
Your lawyer will review everything with you. Sign where indicated. Don’t alter language or initial blank lines.
Local detail: How closings work in Georgetown, ON (Halton Hills)
Georgetown transactions follow Ontario law and local practice. Key local points:
- The APS sets the closing date and possession time. Possession time is usually stated in the contract (commonly 9:00 AM or noon). Check your APS.
- Property tax adjustments are handled through the Region of Halton/Town of Halton Hills system and appear on your statement of adjustments.
- Utilities and municipal charges are prorated to closing; confirm final meter readings and account closures with your local utility providers.
- Many Georgetown lawyers offer secure remote signing and virtual closings, but some documents may still require original signatures for registration.
If you have unique local items (driveway permits, septic, well certificates), tell your lawyer early.
Practical timeline — what happens, day-by-day
- 30+ days before closing: Lawyer retained. Title search and mortgage payoff request begin.
- 14–7 days before: Lawyer receives buyer’s funds direction and starts preparing closing package.
- 5–2 days before: Lawyer sends you the closing documents and a meeting time to sign.
- 1–0 days before: You sign at the lawyer’s office or electronically. Lawyer finalizes Statement of Adjustments and registers transfer on closing day.
- Closing day: Lawyers exchange funds, mortgage is paid off, transfer registered, keys released to buyer per instructions.
How signing works — step-by-step for sellers in Georgetown
- Your realtor (if applicable) confirms the buyer’s firm financing and closing date.
- You hire a local closing lawyer. Tell them about any mortgage, home equity lines, or builder holdbacks.
- Lawyer prepares documents and sends an itemized Statement of Adjustments.
- You review the statement and meet to sign documents. Bring government ID.
- Once signed, the lawyer registers documents on closing day and arranges payment of the mortgage and other charges.
- Net proceeds are sent to you by electronic transfer or a certified cheque as instructed.
What to bring and what to expect when you sign
Bring:
- Government-issued photo ID (passport or driver’s license)
- A certified cheque or banking instructions if you owe money at closing (rare for sellers)
- Details of outstanding mortgage (lender name, account number)
- Forwarding address and routing info for the disbursement of funds
Expect:
- A lawyer or paralegal will explain each document briefly.
- You’ll sign multiple signature pages and initial some pages.
- Your lawyer will confirm your identity and contact information for tax forms and future correspondence.
Keys, possession, and the move-out game plan
Possession is set in your APS. Keys are typically released to the buyer only after your lawyer confirms registration and funds cleared. Decide whether to give keys to the buyer’s realtor or the buyer directly.
Practical moving steps:
- Arrange your move for after possession time on closing day.
- Leave all keys, remotes, manuals, and warranty info for the buyer.
- Take final meter readings and record them with your lawyer or utility providers.
- Cancel insurance the day after closing and advise your mortgage lender once discharged.
Common hold-ups and how to avoid them
- Mortgage discharge delay: Provide mortgage details early. Your lawyer will request a payout figure — delays cost time.
- Missing IDs or signed forms: Bring ID and sign when scheduled.
- Buyer financing falls through: Your sale could be delayed. Keep communication open with your realtor.
- Odd signatures or unsigned consents from co-owners: Make sure all owners are available to sign.
If something looks off, stop and ask. Don’t sign blank or incomplete forms.
Electronic signing — is it safe and common in Georgetown?
Yes. Many Halton law firms now use secure e-sign systems and virtual closing protocols. E-signing speeds up the process. But some lenders still require original signatures for discharge documents. Confirm with your lawyer.
Final checklist for sellers — sign-ready in 9 items
- Hire a trusted local closing lawyer early
- Confirm mortgage payoff details with your lender
- Provide government ID and forwarding address
- Review Statement of Adjustments before signing
- Confirm possession time with your realtor and buyer
- Schedule move for after possession time
- Leave all keys and manuals for the buyer
- Take and record final meter readings
- Cancel insurance the day after closing
Direct local help
If you want a smooth, local closing in Georgetown, get the right team. I work with the top closing lawyers in Halton Hills and can coordinate your timeline so you sign once and move without headaches.
Contact: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
FAQ — Sellers in Georgetown, ON: Straight answers
Q: Do I have to be at the lawyer’s office to sign?
A: Not always. You can sign electronically if your lawyer offers it. Some mortgage discharges may still need original signatures.
Q: When do I hand the keys to the buyer?
A: After closing is registered and funds are exchanged. That usually means keys at possession time on the closing date.
Q: Who pays property taxes on closing day?
A: Taxes are prorated. The statement of adjustments shows what you owe up to closing; the buyer covers the rest after closing.
Q: Will I get my money on closing day?
A: Yes. Net proceeds are disbursed once your lawyer receives funds from the buyer and mortgage is paid. Funds are usually paid out electronically or by certified cheque the same day.
Q: What if I’m out of town on closing?
A: You can often sign remotely or provide a signed Power of Attorney. Arrange this with your lawyer well before closing.
Q: What if the buyer delays closing?
A: If the buyer delays, the APS defines remedies (extension, damages). Speak with your realtor and lawyer immediately.
Q: Do I need to pay Land Transfer Tax as a seller?
A: No. In Ontario, the buyer pays Land Transfer Tax. Sellers do not pay it unless there are special circumstances.
Q: Can the buyer change items in the house at the last minute?
A: Only if the APS allowed alterations. Chattels and fixtures are defined in the contract. If a buyer wants extras after inspection, negotiate through your realtor.
Q: What happens to my mortgage?
A: Your lawyer pays off the mortgage from sale proceeds and registers a discharge with the lender. Any remaining funds go to you.
Q: My mortgage has a prepayment penalty. Who pays it?
A: You do. The lawyer will include the penalty in the mortgage payout figure so it’s paid at closing.
Q: Do I need to attend a final walkthrough?
A: Final walkthroughs are typically done by buyers to confirm condition. As seller, ensure the property is left in agreed condition by possession time.
If you want a stress-free, fast closing in Georgetown, call or email today. I’ll connect you with experienced local lawyers, confirm timelines, and make sure you sign only once — and get paid on time.
Contact: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
