Happy Law Notary Public
Selling Property in Vancouver, BC
Professional notarial services for residential real estate sales in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia
Once you have accepted an offer, there are several important legal steps that must be completed before ownership can be transferred to the buyer. At Happy Law Notary Public, we assist sellers with the legal conveyancing process to help ensure that your transaction is completed accurately, efficiently, and on time.
Whether you are selling a condominium, townhouse, detached home, or investment property, we work closely with your realtor, mortgage lender, and the buyer’s lawyer to complete the transaction.
What Does a Notary Do When You Sell a Home?
After your Contract of Purchase and Sale becomes firm, we begin preparing the legal documents required to complete the transfer of ownership.
Our services generally include:
- reviewing the Contract of Purchase and Sale
- communicating with the buyer’s lawyer or notary
- reviewing the property’s title
- obtaining mortgage payout statements
- reviewing transfer documents
- preparing and reviewing the Statement of Adjustments
- arranging for the discharge of existing mortgages and financial charges
- registering the required documents with the Land Title Office
- ensuring that the sale proceeds are properly distributed
Our goal is to make the conveyancing process as smooth and straightforward as possible
Reviewing the Property Title
Before completion, we review your property’s title to identify any registered interests that may affect the sale.
These may include:
- existing mortgages
- lines of credit secured against the property
- easements
- rights of way
- restrictive covenants
- certificates of pending litigation
- tax sale notices
- other registered charges
Where appropriate, we work with the relevant parties to ensure that documents required under the Contract of Purchase and Sale are completed before closing.
Paying Out Your Mortgage
If your property is subject to a mortgage or secured line of credit, we obtain a payout statement from your lender.
This statement confirms the amount required to fully repay the loan on the completion date.
Following completion, we arrange for payment of the mortgage in accordance with the lender’s instructions
Reviewing the Closing Documents
We carefully review the legal documents prepared for your transaction.
Depending on the circumstances, these may include:
- Statement of Adjustments
- Form A Transfer
- GST Certificate
- Residency Declaration
- mortgage discharge documentation
- other required conveyancing documents
We explain these documents before you sign them and answer any questions you may have.
What Information Will We Need?
To open your file, we generally require:
- the accepted Contract of Purchase and Sale
- your realtor’s contact information
- the property address
- the completion date
- the possession date
- mortgage information (if applicable)
- contact information for your lender
- your forwarding address after completion
Additional information may be requested depending upon your transaction.
Your Signing Appointment
A few days before the completion date, we will arrange an appointment for you to sign the required legal documents.
Please bring:
- government-issued photo identification
- any documents we have requested in advance
During your appointment, we will:
- verify your identity
- review the transaction
- explain the legal documents
- answer your questions
- obtain your signatures
- confirm the completion process
Many appointments are completed within approximately one hour.
Completion Day
On the completion date, we coordinate the legal transfer of ownership.
This generally includes:
- receiving confirmation that all conditions have been satisfied
- paying out existing mortgages and financial charges
- transferring the remaining sale proceeds
- registering the required documents
- confirming completion with the buyer’s legal representative
Once the transaction has completed, possession of the property is provided according to the Contract of Purchase and Sale.
Receiving Your Sale Proceeds
After all required payments have been made—including mortgage payouts and other registered financial obligations—the remaining sale proceeds are distributed according to your instructions.
If there is more than one registered owner, the distribution of funds will depend upon the ownership registered on title and any instructions provided by the owners.
We will explain how the sale proceeds will be handled before completion.
Situations That May Require a Lawyer
While most residential real estate sales can be completed by a Notary Public, certain transactions may require legal advice from a lawyer.
Examples include:
- court orders
- trust ownership
- estate sales
- corporate sellers
- disputes involving ownership
- complex tax matters
- aboriginal title
Where appropriate, we will recommend that you obtain legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I contact a Notary?
As soon as your Contract of Purchase and Sale becomes firm and all subjects have been removed.
What identification do I need?
Government-issued photo identification is generally required. We will advise you if additional identification or documentation is needed.
When do I sign the documents?
The signing appointment is usually scheduled a few days before the completion date.
When will I receive my sale proceeds?
Sale proceeds are generally distributed after the transaction has completed and all required payments have been made.
Do I need to attend in person?
We will discuss the available signing options based on your circumstances and the applicable legal requirements.
Book Your Real Estate Appointment
Selling a home involves important legal and financial steps. We are pleased to assist clients throughout Vancouver and British Columbia with residential real estate conveyancing.