What’s the role of my lawyer on closing day?
What’s the role of my lawyer on closing day? — The one thing every Georgetown seller MUST know before handing over the keys
Why this matters if you’re selling a home in Georgetown, Ontario
Closing day is the money-and-keys moment. If your lawyer screws up, delays happen, funds get held, and stress explodes. If your lawyer does their job, closing is smooth, fast, and clean. For homeowners in Georgetown, ON, where buyers and banks expect fast, clean closings, the lawyer is the gatekeeper who turns a signed deal into a completed sale.
This post strips away fluff. Read it now so you know exactly what your real estate lawyer should be doing — and what to demand. I’ll show you the checklist, the timeline, the pitfalls common in Georgetown, and how to protect your sale.
The short answer: What your lawyer does on closing day
- Confirms identity and authority to sign.
- Delivers and registers the transfer of title to the buyer.
- Registers and cancels mortgages and liens.
- Ensures closing funds flow through trust accounts and are disbursed correctly.
- Delivers the net proceeds to you after payoffs and adjustments.
- Provides final documents and a closing statement (Statement of Adjustments).
That’s the 10,000-foot view. Now let’s break it down step-by-step and focus on the details that actually matter to Georgetown home sellers.
The timeline: What happens before, on, and after closing day
Before closing day (48–72 hours prior)
- Lawyer runs an updated title search to confirm ownership and check for mortgages, liens, judgments, or other charges.
- They prepare the Transfer/Deed and mortgage discharge documents.
- They prepare the Statement of Adjustments — prorating property taxes, utilities, condo fees (if applicable), and any other pre-paid items.
- They confirm mortgage payoff figures and request final figures from your lender.
- They confirm identity, power of attorney (if used), and gather IDs.
- They arrange for payout of any existing mortgages and for payment of realty commission and closing costs.
If any surprises appear — an unregistered lien, outstanding work orders in Halton Region, or a bank hold — your lawyer flags them immediately and either resolves them before closing or negotiates a short delay.
On closing day (the critical window)
- The buyer’s lawyer and your lawyer exchange documents electronically. Ontario uses electronic registration systems, so this process is fast if paperwork is clean.
- Your lawyer receives the buyer’s funds (usually by certified bank transfer) into trust.
- Your lawyer registers the transfer of title and, if applicable, registers a mortgage discharge and/or other instruments.
- The lender’s discharge statements are processed so your existing mortgage is paid off.
- The lawyer issues the final Statement of Adjustments and pays any outstanding property taxes, utility arrears, legal fees, realtor commission, mortgage balances, and any other charges.
- After funds clear and disbursements are made, the lawyer releases net proceeds to you.
After closing day (24–72 hours after)
- Your lawyer confirms registration is complete and sends final closing documents to you and your realtor.
- They confirm the mortgage discharge has been registered and ensure no residual encumbrances remain.
- They send you the final statement and copies of documents for your records.
Specific responsibilities your lawyer must handle in Georgetown, ON
Georgetown is part of Halton Hills in Halton Region. Local issues crop up. A good lawyer anticipates these and acts fast.
- Property tax adjustments with Halton Region: Property taxes are a common hold-up if not prorated correctly. Your lawyer ensures tax adjustments reflect the halved billing cycles and any special charges from the town.
- Utility and water accounts: Final water and utility adjustments must reflect the Region of Halton’s billing and may require specific municipal clearances.
- Heritage designations and local bylaws: Some Georgetown properties, especially in the historic downtown, might have heritage restrictions. Lawyers check for these and make sure the transfer respects existing covenants.
- Condo or shared services in developments nearby: If your property is part of a condo or has shared driveways/laneways, the lawyer confirms fees and adjustments are accounted for.
The technical tasks that can stop your sale cold (and how your lawyer prevents them)
- Title defects: Unregistered changes, forgotten liens, or probate issues. A thorough title search and quick remediation avoid delays.
- Mortgage discharge timing: Lenders often take a business day to release funds. Your lawyer coordinates payoff figures and schedules registration to prevent last-minute hold-ups.
- Holdbacks and requisitions: Buyers sometimes insist on minor repairs or missing documents. Your lawyer negotiates holdbacks or ensures conditions are met so closing proceeds.
- Incorrect Statement of Adjustments: A small math error can hold funds. Lawyers double-check figures and send a clear breakdown to both sides.
How lawyers handle funds safely on closing day
Lawyers in Ontario use trust accounts. The trust system protects parties and ensures funds move only for the purposes they were deposited. On closing day, the buyer’s funds land in trust, the lawyer registers the transfer, pays off the mortgage, pays commissions and fees, and then releases your net proceeds.
If money is missing — for example, a bank hold or a wire delay — the lawyer negotiates alternatives: a short holdback, a guarantee, or a revised closing schedule.
What a seller should prepare for closing day in Georgetown
- Bring government ID for identity verification.
- Confirm your lawyer has the correct mortgage payoff figure and lender contact.
- Clear outstanding utility accounts or inform your lawyer about any arrangements.
- Remove personal items and ensure keys are available for handover.
- Have forwarding address and instructions for final documents and remaining mail.
Red flags: When to worry about your lawyer’s performance
- They can’t provide a clear Statement of Adjustments at least 48 hours before closing.
- They don’t confirm mortgage payoff numbers or refuse to contact your lender.
- They can’t confirm funds flow or trust arrangements.
- They don’t check local municipal requirements unique to Halton Hills/Georgetown.
If you see these signs, call your realtor. A quick lawyer change may be painful, but far less painful than a failed closing.
Why local expertise matters — and how it saves you money
An Ontario real estate lawyer who knows Georgetown moves faster. They have relationships with local lenders, municipal offices, and title firms. They spot common local issues like utility adjustments, municipal liens, easements near the Credit River, or conservation authority requirements. Faster closings mean fewer bank fees, fewer interim interest charges, and less market risk.
That’s why working with a realtor who understands Georgetown and coordinates with a trusted local lawyer matters. It keeps the sale predictable and puts more money in your pocket at closing.
What to ask your lawyer before signing the purchase agreement
Ask these direct questions:
- Have you handled closings in Georgetown and Halton Region this year?
- Do you expect any title issues or municipal clearances for my property?
- What is the estimated payoff for my mortgage and when will it be requested?
- How will you send funds to me and how long after registration will I receive net proceeds?
- Will you provide the full Statement of Adjustments at least 48 hours before closing?
If the answers are vague, push for specifics. Good lawyers answer clearly and give timelines.
How Tony Sousa coordinates closing day for Georgetown sellers
Tony Sousa is a local realtor in Georgetown who coordinates every moving part to make closing day predictable. He works with trusted local lawyers who:
- Provide pre-closing checklists and timelines for sellers.
- Communicate payoff figures early and track registration in real time.
- Handle municipal quirks and local adjustments without surprises.
Tony keeps sellers informed so you never wonder what’s happening on closing day. If you’re selling in Georgetown and want a smooth closing, get expert coordination from someone who knows the players and the process.
Final checklist for sellers in Georgetown, ON — closing day ready
- Lawyer confirmed and engaged.
- Statement of Adjustments delivered 48 hours before closing.
- Mortgage payoff confirmed and discharge paperwork ready.
- Title search completed and no unresolved liens.
- Utility/property tax adjustments accounted for.
- IDs ready and keys organized.
- Net proceeds plan (how you’ll receive funds) confirmed.
Call to action
If you’re selling a house in Georgetown, ON and want a closing that actually closes on time, get local expertise. Contact Tony Sousa for proven coordination and referrals to trusted Georgetown real estate lawyers who get it done.
Email: tony@sousasells.ca
Phone: 416-477-2620
Website: https://www.sousasells.ca
FAQ — Georgetown sellers (clear answers, no fluff)
How long does closing take in Georgetown, ON?
Most closings register electronically the same day if documents are clean and funds are available. Expect 24–72 hours for final confirmations and disbursements. Complex issues can add days.
Who pays closing costs in Ontario when selling a house?
Sellers typically pay real estate commissions, legal fees for their lawyer, and any mortgage discharge fees. Buyers usually pay land transfer tax and their lawyer’s fee. Adjustments for property taxes, utilities, and condo fees are prorated between buyer and seller.
Will my lender release mortgage funds the same day?
Lenders often require a formal payoff request and may take a business day to release funds. Your lawyer coordinates this to match registration timing. Delays can occur — expect contingency planning.
What if a lien is found on my property before closing?
Your lawyer will either arrange for the lien to be discharged before closing or negotiate a holdback with the buyer until it’s resolved. Unresolved liens can delay closing.
Do I need to be at my lawyer’s office on closing day?
Not always. Many sellers sign earlier or sign electronically. Your lawyer will tell you which documents need your signature and whether you must attend in person. Make sure ID and signatures are organized.
How much will a lawyer charge a Georgetown seller?
Fees vary. Expect a flat closing fee plus disbursements for title searches and registration. Ask for an estimate upfront. Local lawyers experienced with Georgetown often price competitively and deliver faster closings.
What local Georgetown issues can delay closing?
Common issues: property tax billing cycles, municipal work orders, heritage restrictions in downtown Georgetown, conservation authority requirements near waterways, and unregistered easements. A local lawyer anticipates these.
How soon do I get my net proceeds after closing?
Typically within 24–48 hours after registration and funds clearance. If the buyer’s funds arrived by certified transfer to the lawyer’s trust account and registration is complete, disbursement is quick.
Can keys be handed over before my lawyer finishes closing?
Keys should only be released per the purchase agreement and once the buyer’s lawyer confirms registration or a written arrangement is in place. Your realtor coordinates handover timing.
If you want a predictable closing in Georgetown, get local coordination you can trust. For referrals to experienced Georgetown real estate lawyers and a step-by-step closing plan, contact Tony Sousa: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
