Here is a list to assist you in making your move as smooth as possible:

• Book a mover. Do this as close to 2 months in advance. They get booked quickly, especially on Fridays.
• Forward your mail. 
• Cancel your accounts with utility providers, such as gas and hydro providers, phone and internet providers and so on.
• Book time off of work for the move, if needed.
• Contact the Municipality to cancel your property tax payments, if on preauthorized payments. 
• If you have children, contact the school to get them enrolled if there is a change.
• Contact your insurance provider to arrange to cancel your house insurance.
• Arrange for your pets to stay with someone else on moving day. This can be very stressful for them.

*Please note, this is not an exhaustive list, and not everything may apply to you. 

The following must be complete before closing:

1. Personal information: Sadro Law Group real estate lawyers require the personal and business contact information (phone #, email, address & occupation) for all sellers on title and spouses, if applicable. 
2. Fire Insurance: Cancel your fire insurance when your deal has closed, NOT before to maintain coverage. 
3. Taxes/Utilities: Contact your property tax department and utilities (water, gas, & hydro) to advise them of the property’s change of ownership. 
4. Rental Unit(s) & Investment Properties: If you are selling the property with tenants, please notify our office immediately. 
5. Signing Closing Documents: Documentation is signed before the closing date. You will be required to bring two pieces of ID (one with a picture, not a health card). 
6. Keys: (For) condos only) provide one set of keys, remotes & fobs to our firm when you sign your documents. Other keys are to be left with the property in the kitchen. 
7. Calculate closing funds: Calculate the amount of money that you will receive on closing. We provide you with a breakdown before closing. 
8. Closing funds: Our real estate law firm offers you multiple options for receiving the net proceeds of your sale to your bank account by the next business day. We will require your VOID cheque or PAD form before closing. 

This list will help you plan your move easier:

• If applicable, give notice to the current Landlord (check your lease for a timeframe and if it must be written).
• Book a mover. Do this as close to 2 months in advance. They get booked quickly, especially on Fridays.
• Forward your mail.
• Cancel your accounts with utility providers, such as gas and hydro providers, phone and internet providers and so on.
• Book time off of work for the move, if needed.
• Arrange for your mortgage and give the broker your lawyer’s information. The sooner you complete this, the better, particularly if the lender comes back with requests (e.g. appraisal).
• Contact the Municipality to cancel your property tax payments, if on preauthorized payments.
• If you have children, contact the school to get them enrolled if there is a change.
• Contact your insurance provider to arrange for house insurance and provide them with your real estate lawyer’s information. Please ask them to forward a binder of insurance to our office.
• Buy a new lock for doors for your new home. Don’t forget garage doors! Be prepared to install these on the first day; you never know who might still have a key.
• Arrange for your pets to stay with someone else on moving day. This can be very stressful for them.

*Please note, this is not an exhaustive list, and not everything may apply to you.

The closing needs:

1. Personal information: Provide the name(s), and date(s) of birth of the person(s) who will be on the ownership/title of the property. We will also require your personal & business contact information (phone #, email, address & occupation).
2. Insurance: Ask your insurance company or broker to fax a fire insurance binder to our office before the closing date. This is a one-page document that confirms that you and your lender are the loss payees in case of a fire.
3. Taxes/Utilities: Contact your property tax department and utilities (water, gas, & hydro) to advise them of the property’s change of ownership.
4. Rental Unit(s) & Investment Properties: If you are buying the property as an investment, please notify our real estate law firm immediately. We will assist you with your due diligence.
5. Signing Closing Documents: Sign your documentation at any of our meeting locations. One (1) signing appointment is included in your flat rate legal fee. Documentation is signed before the closing date. You will be required to bring two pieces of ID (one with a picture, not a health card).
6. Closing funds: Transfer your closing funds to our firm, representing your closing costs and outstanding balance. The real estate attorney will provide you with this figure in writing before closing. 
7. Keys: Pick up your keys at our office before 5 pm. Our real estate lawyers will contact you when your deal has closed and keys can be released. You may authorize (in writing) the third party to pick up keys on your behalf.

Yes, a real estate lawyer is mandatory in every real estate closing. Since a lawyer must sign the property transfer, contact Sadro Law Group to be your Toronto real estate lawyer.

Having a real estate law firm by your side as early in a property transaction as possible is the best way. If buying a property, engage our real estate lawyers before you start shopping to advise and protect your interests. If selling, Sadro Law Group can provide valuable advice before you list your property.

Hiring a lawyer who knows the legalities particular to the city in which you are looking to buy or sell a property is a good start as specific regulations vary from city to city. You would want to go with a real estate lawyer in Toronto that has proven practice experience. As such, their real estate legal services may be reviewed by past clients, so it’s worth reading about their experiences on Google Reviews. However, the best way to determine if you can trust a real estate attorney is by asking for a meeting. During that first contact, everything about your real estate goal should be clearly explained before deciding to sign a retainer. At Sadro Law Group, we offer a free no-obligation consultation; contact us to schedule an appointment.

Every real estate matter is unique. When contacting a real estate law firm, ask for an estimate after reviewing your real estate plans.