How do I transfer title to the buyer?
Want to transfer title to the buyer in Georgetown fast and without drama? Here’s the exact step-by-step process that closes deals cleanly.
Why this matters now
Selling a home in Georgetown, Ontario isn’t just a handshake and a key exchange. The title transfer is the legal handoff. Do it wrong and you face delays, extra costs, or even legal headaches. Do it right and you close on time, get your funds, and sleep well.
I work with sellers in Georgetown every week. I’ll show the precise local steps, who does what, the fees you can expect, and the common traps to avoid.
Quick overview: What transferring title means in Ontario
Transferring title means updating the provincial land registry so the buyer is the official owner. In Ontario this is done electronically by a licensed lawyer or a conveyancer using the Land Registration system (Teraview/Teranet). Your lawyer prepares and registers the transfer at closing.
Key outcomes:
- Buyer becomes registered owner.
- Any mortgage or lien on title must be discharged or addressed.
- Land transfer tax is calculated and paid unless exempt.
The step-by-step transfer process for Georgetown sellers
- Agreement of Purchase and Sale
- You sign the sale contract with the buyer. This sets the closing date, price, and conditions. The contract triggers the legal conveyancing process.
- Choose a closing lawyer (or accept the buyer’s lawyer)
- In Georgetown, sellers typically retain a local real estate lawyer in Halton Region. You can use the buyer’s lawyer, but it’s safer to have your own to protect your interests and handle mortgage discharge.
- Title search and documents review
- Your lawyer runs a title search to identify mortgages, liens, easements, or other charges. This reveals issues that must be cleared before registration.
- Mortgage discharge or payout statement
- If you have a mortgage, your lender issues a payout statement showing the amount required to clear the mortgage at closing. Your lawyer arranges the discharge.
- Prepare the transfer deed and closing paperwork
- The lawyer drafts the transfer (deed), statement of adjustments (property taxes, utilities, condo fees if applicable), and any additional documents required by the buyer’s lender.
- Calculation and payment of Land Transfer Tax
- Ontario Land Transfer Tax applies on most residential sales. Your lawyer calculates it for the buyer (or confirms rebate eligibility for first-time buyers). Note: Toronto has a municipal LTT; Georgetown (Halton Hills) does not.
- Closing day logistics
- On closing day your lawyer registers the transfer and any mortgage discharge electronically. The buyer’s funds are received, fees paid, and net proceeds sent to you. Keys are handed over as per the purchase agreement.
- Registration complete — buyer becomes owner
- After e-registration, the buyer is reflected on title. Title insurance and final statements are supplied.
Local points Georgetown sellers must know
- Halton Hills is in Halton Region, not Toronto. That means no municipal land transfer tax — only the Ontario provincial LTT applies.
- Most lawyers in Georgetown use Teraview for e-registration. That speeds registration but requires accurate paperwork — mistakes cause delays.
- Because many buyers are using mortgages, the buyer’s lender will require clear title and title insurance before releasing funds.
Common title problems in Georgetown and how to avoid them
- Unpaid property taxes or local charges: Confirm tax payments to avoid registration holds.
- Mortgage discharge timing: Ask your lender early for a payout statement with a date range covering your closing day.
- Easements and right-of-ways: These are recorded on title and can affect buyer financing. Fully disclose them early.
- Unregistered improvements: If a buyer discovers an addition without permits, it can slow or scuttle financing. Disclose or correct before listing.
Title insurance — optional but smart
Title insurance protects buyers (and often lenders) against past title defects, fraud, or clerical errors. As a seller, offering a clean copy of recent title documents and being ready to provide details reduces friction. If issues appear, title insurance simplifies resolution for the buyer — which protects your closing timeline.
Costs sellers should expect
- Lawyer’s fees for preparing documents and registering the transfer. Expect competitive local rates in Georgetown; get a clear quote.
- Mortgage discharge fees from your lender. These vary by bank.
- Any legal costs to clear liens, easements, or outstanding municipal charges.
The buyer typically pays Land Transfer Tax in Ontario, but your net proceeds will reflect adjustments for taxes, utilities, condo fees, and any agreed seller-paid items.
The seller’s closing checklist — get ready 30 days out
- Confirm your mortgage payoff amount and the date range it covers.
- Gather ID (two pieces, one government photo ID), municipal tax roll number, and recent property tax bills.
- Provide any condominium documents (if applicable) to your lawyer immediately.
- Confirm utility final meter readings and arrange final bills.
- Decide who will hold keys and confirm lockbox or handover details in the agreement.
How long does it take to transfer title? Timeline expectations
- Typical timeline from signed agreement to registration: 30 to 60 days, depending on conditions and mortgage processing.
- On closing day, electronic registration often posts the same day. If manual or complex issues appear, registration can take longer.
What can delay your title transfer? Real examples
- Buyer financing falls through at the last minute — closing is postponed.
- A previous owner left a caveat or lien uncovered by a cursory search — lawyer must resolve it.
- Incorrect legal description or missing signatures on documents — requires correction and re-filing.
Anticipate these by working with an experienced Halton Region real estate lawyer and a local realtor who knows Georgetown quirks.
Who pays what — quick legal responsibilities
- Seller: Outstanding mortgages, legal fees for seller’s lawyer, discharge costs, agreed seller-paid credits.
- Buyer: Purchase funds, Ontario Land Transfer Tax, buyer’s lawyer fees, lender-related requirements.
This division can shift if you negotiate otherwise in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale.
Why local expertise matters: Georgetown specifics
Georgetown properties often involve older lots, unique easements to conservation lands, and heritage considerations in some neighborhoods. Local lawyers and agents understand which documents the Land Titles office expects, how Halton Region calculates adjustments, and common title surprises here.
That local knowledge keeps buyers funded and closings on schedule.
How I remove friction for sellers in Georgetown
I coordinate the timeline between your lender, your lawyer, and the buyer’s team. I push for early mortgage payoffs, get all condominium documents up front, and run a title review before listing so there are no surprises at the offer stage. That’s how I keep closings clean and fast.
If you want a pre-listing title review and a clear playbook to close on time, I’ll handle the details and protect your net proceeds.
Clear call to action
Selling in Georgetown? Don’t leave title transfer to chance. Contact Tony Sousa — Georgetown real estate pro — for a pre-listing title review, a local lawyer referral, and a step-by-step closing plan.
Email: tony@sousasells.ca
Phone: 416-477-2620
Website: https://www.sousasells.ca
Reach out now — I’ll give you a clear closing timeline and an itemized estimate of costs.
FAQ — Georgetown title transfer questions answered
Q: Who actually registers the transfer in Ontario?
A: A licensed lawyer or conveyancer registers the transfer electronically using the provincial Land Registration system (Teraview). In practice, lawyers handle this for sellers and buyers.
Q: Do sellers pay Land Transfer Tax in Georgetown?
A: No. Ontario’s Land Transfer Tax is normally paid by the buyer. Georgetown (Halton Hills) does not levy a municipal land transfer tax like the City of Toronto.
Q: What documents do I need as a seller?
A: Photo ID, mortgage details and payoff statement, property tax roll number, condo documents (if applicable), and any survey or deed information you have. Your lawyer will request specifics.
Q: How long before closing should I get a mortgage payout statement?
A: Request a payout statement 10–20 days before closing to ensure the amount covers interest to the closing date.
Q: Can I transfer title without a lawyer?
A: Not practically. Ontario’s registration system requires a lawyer or licensed conveyancer for electronic registration. DIY transfers are risky and uncommon.
Q: What if there’s a surprise lien or caveat on title?
A: Your lawyer will notify you and work to remove it—either by paying off the lien, negotiating, or obtaining a release. This often delays closing until resolved.
Q: Do I need title insurance as a seller?
A: Title insurance typically protects buyers and lenders. As a seller, ensuring clear title and full disclosure is your priority. Offering a clean title will keep buyers and lenders happy.
Q: How soon after registration does the buyer get full ownership?
A: Ownership is effective once the transfer is registered. With electronic registration, that often posts the same day as closing.
Q: Where can I get a trusted Georgetown real estate lawyer?
A: Contact me and I’ll connect you with local Halton Region lawyers who handle conveyancing daily.
If you’re selling a home in Georgetown and want a no-nonsense closing plan that protects your proceeds and closes on time, contact Tony now. I’ll get your paperwork reviewed, your mortgage payoff nailed down, and your closing executed without drama.
Email: tony@sousasells.ca | Phone: 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
