The two weeks between firm and close
Once conditions are removed, the deal is firm. The next chapter is logistics. Here is what happens.
Days 1-3 after firm
- Deposit cleared in trust at listing brokerage
- Lawyer files engagement letter with both sides
- Buyer arranges home insurance binder (lender requires before funding)
- Seller signs mortgage discharge authorization at their bank
Days 4-10
- Buyer lawyer runs title search, executions, tax certificate from City of Toronto
- Seller lawyer prepares draft transfer + statement of adjustments
- Buyer mortgage documents signed at lender / via lawyer
- Insurance binder confirmed, lender funds released to lawyer trust
Days 10-13
- Buyer pre-closing visit (24-48 hours pre-close) — confirm condition, fixtures stay, chattels delivered
- Statement of adjustments finalised — property tax pro-rated, utilities, condo fees, etc.
- Wire transfer of remaining funds from buyer to lawyer trust
Closing day
Lawyer registers the transfer at the Land Registry. Funds move seller-side. Keys handover happens after registration confirmation, usually mid-afternoon to early evening. I am at the meet-up for handover.
The week after
- Address updates (CRA, OHIP, drivers licence, banks, subscriptions, employer)
- Utility transfers — Toronto Hydro, Enbridge, Toronto Water
- Condo corporation onboarding (new fobs, parking, locker assignment)
- Mail forwarding via Canada Post (12 months for )
Ongoing
Most realtor relationships end at closing. Mine does not. I stay on call for renovation referrals, mortgage renewals (in-house since I am dual-licensed), and the next move when life shifts. Real estate is a long game and most clients become repeat clients over a decade.
