Sold! Congratulations. Now before you go off fantasizing about how to spend the newfound fortune earned from selling your home, you’ve got a couple things left to do. If you were selling your primary home, you’re likely buying real estate right now too, in which case you probably want to check out our buyer’s section. If the property is an investment property, then you get to skip some of the advice below.

1. visits from the new people.
The offer probably allowed the buyer a couple visits to the new property, one to potentially take contractors and family through, and one to check the home right before closing day to see that everything is still in good condition. Kevin Price, the team's Client Experience Manager, will organize these visits and make sure that they’re convenient for you.

2. moving day.
There are some advantages to using professional movers. First, you won’t owe your friends a huge favor, and second, good professionals will do a professional job. But not all movers are created equal. Some get the job done with a great deal of care, and others just get the job done. One more thing. If you’re moving into a condominium, you need to book the elevator. Neither your friends nor a professional company will stick it out if they’re hauling your stuff up 17 flights of stairs.

3. utilities and changing your address.
You’re nearly done, but there are a few other details left to consider, like making sure your utilities are paid up to the closing date, and that the account is transferred to the new owners. Usually you can do this without turning off the utilities. You can also do this online and we can help you figure out the status of your utilities. Next, you need to change your address with Canada Post. You can also do this online and we can give you the contact info.

4. check in with the mortgage broker.
If you’re selling a house, you’re likely buying one too. So be sure to check in with your mortgage broker. You need to go over the papers and sign them. Be sure that your broker takes you through the agreement and that you’re comfortable with everything.

5. check in with your lawyer.
Your lawyer will have you sign a few things to officially transfer the property over to the buyer and, potentially, to officially pay for the property you’re buying. Our buyer’s guide has all the details on this step.

On occasion, you, the seller, have paid the utilities, maintenance fees and/or property taxes beyond closing, and you are owed some money from the buyer. Also, if you’re in the process of buying, you’ll need to pay the Land Transfer Tax. Taxes are never fun, but usually unavoidable. Check out our Resources page for a Land Transfer Tax calculator; it almost makes calculating taxes fun. Almost.

Not to worry, this whole tax thing will be clearly explained by your lawyer.

6. closing day.
It’s finally arrived. And while you’re feeling a bit weepy over leaving the home you’ve known and loved, your lawyer and the buyer’s lawyer are officially transferring ownership over to the buyer. Once this is done, your lawyer will pick up the keys from you and arrange the exchange with the buyer’s lawyer. We’ll make this day as easy as possible on you. Tears, laughter, and champagne- we’ve seen it all so we can help.