Do I need to be there for closing?
Want to skip closing day in Georgetown but still close on time and get your money fast? Here’s the blunt truth.
Quick answer: No — but you might want to be available
Most home sellers in Georgetown, ON do not have to attend the closing in person. Ontario law and local practice let your real estate lawyer or licensed paralegal handle the paperwork, register the deed, and transfer funds on your behalf. That said, there are critical moments where your presence, or clear prior authorization, matters. Don’t guess. Plan.
What “closing” actually means for Georgetown sellers
Closing day (also called completion day) is when ownership transfers on paper and money moves. For sellers in Georgetown and Halton Hills, closing involves:
- Your lawyer/paralegal registering documents with the Ontario land registry
- Mortgage discharge and payout with your lender (if applicable)
- Final adjustments for property taxes, utilities and condo fees (if applicable)
- Keys handed over to the buyer or buyer’s agent
- Funds released to you (after lawyer fees and mortgage payoff)
Your lawyer coordinates all of this. In most deals the buyer’s and seller’s lawyers communicate and confirm funds, then registration happens behind the scenes.
Why most sellers don’t need to be there in person
Here’s why attendance is usually optional:
- Lawyers are licensed to register documents and handle closings for clients.
- Sellers typically sign closing documents ahead of time at the lawyer’s office or via courier.
- Funds are transferred electronically between lawyers’ trust accounts — no bank visit required.
- The buyer does the final walk-through; sellers rarely attend unless there’s a negotiated requirement.
That said, “optional” isn’t the same as “never needed.” Read on for the situations where you should be physically present.
When you should be at closing in Georgetown
Be present if any of these apply:
- You want to hand keys to the buyer in person or walk through the property together. Buyers often prefer a final demonstration of major systems.
- You’ve negotiated a possession time tied to the sale and buyers expect you to meet them at the property.
- There are last-minute repairs, incomplete punch-list items, or disputes that could stall closing.
- There’s an unusual financing structure or a complex discharge instruction from your mortgage lender.
- You want the peace of mind of watching the final steps, signing last-minute documents, or discussing final adjustments with your lawyer.
If none of the above apply, you can avoid the hassle of attending.
How sellers who can’t be there handle closing in Georgetown
If you’ll be out of town, out of country, or you simply don’t want to attend, do this:
- Choose a local real estate lawyer or licensed paralegal experienced with Halton Hills closings.
- Sign closing documents in advance. Most firms will schedule a signing appointment before completion day.
- Provide valid ID and banking details so funds can be sent to you electronically.
- Grant a limited Power of Attorney (POA) only if your lawyer requires it — keep it narrow and time-limited.
- Confirm how keys will be transferred: to buyer, to buyer’s agent, or via a lockbox.
- Verify final statements and payout numbers with your lawyer 24–48 hours before closing.
Follow the checklist and you’ll avoid surprises. A single missed instruction can hold up registration and delay funds.
Power of Attorney — when to use it and what to watch for
A Power of Attorney lets someone act for you on closing day. In Georgetown transactions it’s common when sellers live elsewhere. But be careful:
- Use a limited POA specifically for the closing date and transaction. Don’t give blanket authority.
- Get POA forms prepared and witnessed properly per Ontario rules.
- Confirm the receiving lawyer will accept your POA. Some firms have firm policies on out-of-province signings.
- Use your real estate lawyer to review the POA document before signing it.
A well-drafted POA prevents delays. A sloppy POA causes them.
The timeline sellers should expect in Georgetown
- 7–14 days before closing: Your lawyer prepares documents and sends you signing instructions. Expect a signing appointment.
- 48–72 hours before closing: Final adjustments and payout statements are prepared.
- Closing day: Your lawyer registers documents with the land registry, pays off mortgages, and releases net proceeds to your bank or lawyer trust account.
- Within 24–48 hours after closing: You should see funds delivered or receive a trust cheque, depending on your instructions.
These times vary depending on lender responsiveness and whether any title issues arise.
Common closing day issues and how sellers avoid them
- Missing signatures: Sign at your lawyer’s office before closing.
- Incorrect bank instructions: Provide void cheque or bank letter with exact account and routing numbers.
- Mortgage discharge delays: Ask your lender for payoff figures early and confirm discharge instructions with your lawyer.
- Title or lien surprises: Have your lawyer check outstanding liens as early as possible.
- Final adjustment disputes: Get clear written confirmation of what adjustments will be made and how.
Prevent each issue with a simple rule: confirm everything 48 hours before closing.
Local tips for Georgetown, ON sellers that matter
- Halton Hills property tax adjustments: Municipal adjustments often happen on closing; your lawyer will prorate taxes back to the possession date.
- Conservation authorities and permits: If your property has municipal or conservation constraints, disclose early — these can delay registration.
- Condo sellers in Georgetown: Provide the up-to-date status certificate early. Buyers expect it and buyers’ lawyers rely on it for closing.
- Seasonal closings: In winter, coordinate final meter reads and utility final bills so adjustments are accurate.
These local details matter. Small delays in Halton’s registration process or municipal adjustments can push funds a day or two.
How you get paid and when
After the buyer’s funds clear and registration is complete, your lawyer will:
- Pay off existing mortgage(s) and liens
- Deduct closing costs, realty commissions, and legal fees
- Send your net proceeds by electronic transfer or trust cheque per your instructions
Typical timing: funds are available to you within 24–48 hours after registration. If you need cash at closing, let your lawyer know early — some firms can arrange an interim trust cheque.
How I help Georgetown sellers close clean and fast
I focus on making closing day invisible for sellers who don’t want to be there. Here’s what I do for every seller in Georgetown:
- Partner with experienced Halton Hills real estate lawyers who handle signings, registrations, and POAs correctly
- Create a clear closing checklist and timeline so you know exactly what to sign and when
- Run the final coordination: lenders, buyer’s lawyer, and utility/mortgage companies
- Anticipate local issues (taxes, status certificates, conservation rules) and resolve them before closing day
If you want to close without stress, I’ll manage the details and make sure funds land on time.
Contact me: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
FAQ — Closing Process for Home Sellers in Georgetown, ON
Q: Do I need to be at closing in Georgetown? A: Usually no. Your real estate lawyer handles the registration and funds. Attend only if you want to hand over keys, manage last-minute issues, or you’ve negotiated an in-person possession.
Q: How do I sign if I can’t be in Ontario? A: Sign in advance at a local lawyer or provide a limited Power of Attorney. Confirm your Georgetown lawyer will accept the POA.
Q: When will I get paid? A: After registration and mortgage discharge. Expect funds within 24–48 hours after closing, sometimes sooner.
Q: Who pays property tax and utility adjustments? A: Adjustments are prorated on closing. Your lawyer handles the calculation and payment from closing proceeds.
Q: What if the buyer does a final walk-through and finds something wrong? A: Usually negotiations happen before registration. If significant disputes arise, closing can be delayed until both sides agree or instructions are provided.
Q: Do condo sellers need extra documents? A: Yes. Provide the status certificate as early as possible. Missing condo docs are a common cause of delay.
Q: Can I pick who receives the keys? A: Yes. Keys are typically given to the buyer, buyer’s agent, or held by the seller’s agent. Decide and record your preference ahead of time.
Q: Who should I call if something goes wrong on closing day? A: Call your listing agent first for coordination. Then contact your real estate lawyer. If you’re my client, call me at 416-477-2620 and I’ll sort it.
Closing doesn’t have to be stressful. For Georgetown sellers who want a fast, clean finish without standing at a lawyer’s desk for hours, planning is everything. Book a call and I’ll walk you through the exact steps to close remotely or in person — whichever you prefer.
Contact: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
