Happy Law Notary Public
Buying a Home in Vancouver, BC
Professional notarial services for residential real estate purchases in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia.
Professional notarial services for residential real estate purchases in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia.
Congratulations on your new home.
Whether you are purchasing your first condominium, upgrading to a larger home, buying an investment property, or relocating to Vancouver, completing the legal transfer of title is one of the final steps before receiving your keys.
At Happy Law Notary Public, we assist purchasers with residential real estate transactions by appointment. Our goal is to make the conveyancing process efficient, accurate, and as stress-free as possible.
How We Help with Your Property Purchase
After your offer has been accepted, your realtor, mortgage broker, lender, and the seller’s legal representative begin preparing the documents needed to complete the transaction.
As your Notary Public, we coordinate the legal aspects of the purchase and help ensure that everything is ready for the completion date.
Our services generally include:
- reviewing the Contract of Purchase and Sale
- communicating with the seller’s lawyer or notary
- communicating with your lender
- reviewing the property title
- preparing transfer documents
- arranging mortgage registration
- preparing the Statement of Adjustments
- calculating closing funds
- registering title through the Land Title Office
- completing the transfer of ownership
What Information Will We Need?
To begin your file, we generally require:
- your full legal name
- current contact information
- the property address
- the accepted Contract of Purchase and Sale
- your realtor’s contact information
- your mortgage broker or lender’s information
- completion date
- possession date
Additional information may be required depending upon your transaction.
Reviewing the Property Title
One of our responsibilities is reviewing the property’s title.
This helps confirm:
- the registered owners
- legal description of the property
- registered charges
- easements
- rights of way
- covenants
- mortgages to be discharged
- other registered interests
Where appropriate, we communicate with the seller’s legal representative regarding documents that must be addressed before completion.
Buying a Condominium or Strata Property Purchasing
Purchasing a strata property involves additional considerations. Depending upon the transaction, we may review documents such as:
- Form B Information Certificate
- Form F Certificate
- strata fees
- parking assignments
- storage lockers
- outstanding payments
- title information
Understanding these documents helps purchasers better understand the property they are acquiring.
Joint Tenancy or Tenants in Common
If more than one person is purchasing the property, ownership must be registered appropriately.
Common forms of ownership include:
Joint Tenancy
Often selected by spouses or partners. When one owner dies, ownership generally passes automatically to the surviving owner.
Tenants in Common
Each owner possesses a separate ownership interest.
This option may be appropriate for:
- family members
- friends
- investment partners
- unequal ownership shares
We will explain these options during your appointment.
Mortgage and Insurance
If you are financing your purchase, we work with your lender to obtain the necessary mortgage instructions. We also ensure that required insurance information has been received before completion where applicable.
Closing Costs
Purchasers should plan for various closing costs, which may include:
- Property Transfer Tax
- GST (where applicable)
- Land Title registration fees
- title insurance (if applicable)
- adjustments between the buyer and seller
- strata fees (move-in fees)
- legal fees
What Happens During Your Appointments?
Your first appointment is typically straightforward.
We will:
- verify your identity
- identify the property
- determine any relevant parties
Your second appointment, you will have an opportunity to:
- review and sign signing legal and financial documents
- review mortgage documents
- provide a bank draft to complete the purchase.
Situations that May Require a Lawyer
Although most residential purchases can be completed by a Notary Public, certain transactions may require legal advice from a lawyer.
Examples include:
- disputed ownership
- court orders
- trusts
- corporate purchasers
- litigation
- complex tax planning
Where appropriate, we will recommend obtaining legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I contact a Notary?
As soon as your offer becomes firm and most subjects have been removed.
Do I need to attend in person?
Yes, you need to appear before a notary public to confirm your identity and to real estate documents.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Generally: government-issued photo identification banking information insurance information (if required) any requested documents.
How long does the appointment take?
The first appointment can occur in less than an hour. At the second appointment, plan to discuss the mortgage and strata documents, if required for your transaction.
Book Your Real Estate Appointment
Whether you are purchasing your first home or adding to your real estate portfolio, we are pleased to assist you with your residential conveyancing needs.