Please fill out our INTAKE FORM as soon as possible to help us get started on your closing. This will provide us with all the information required to open your file. If you are uncertain about any of the information being requested, or if any of the information requested is unavailable, simply complete the intake form to the best of your ability and knowledge. You may also contact us at any time for assistance.

Your file will be assigned to one of our lawyers shortly after it has been opened. You should provide the following parties with your lawyer’s name, phone number, email address and fax number:

• your bank, lender or mortgage broker;
• your real estate agent; and
• the condominium corporation or builder, as applicable.

It is a good idea to make yourself a separate list of the conditions of the offer (e.g. financing, status certificate, property inspection, etc.) so that you remain aware of any time-sensitive material that could cause the offer to expire. You will also need to inform us when you waive any conditions that are part of the offer.

You will pay your condo fees each month. Ensure that you have arranged a payment plan for your condo fees to avoid additional charges for missed payments.

Book your moving arrangements as soon as possible to ensure the best rates and availability of the moving company, or a truck if you are doing it yourself. Getting access to a truck at the last minute may be challenging, especially if you are moving in August, when most students are also moving back to school.

Also make sure to include the condominium corporation or property manager in your moving arrangements to ensure that you can complete your move according to plan. For example, the availability of elevators may need to be arranged. Some condominiums have rules about move-in times.

If you are moving in on the same day that your deal closes, we recommend that you schedule movers for late morning or early afternoon, as keys are usually released between 1:00pm and 5:00pm.

You will need to meet one of our lawyers to review and sign your closing documents. Ideally, this appointment would take place 2-3 business days prior to your closing date. Once you have completed our INTAKE FORM, we will be in touch to schedule the meeting.

You are responsible to contact all utility companies (e.g.: City of Ottawa, Hydro Ottawa, gas, rental companies for hot water tank/air conditioner/furnace/etc., as applicable) to advise them of ownership changes.

For rental items, an assumption agreement may need to be signed by both parties; if so, please sign and forward the document to us as soon as possible. It is highly recommended that you do that as soon as possible because meter readings need to be arranged.

Obtain special condominium insurance on your unit’s contents, improvements and betterments you make to your unit, and personal liability insurance coverage on your unit.

Please note that your lender may need us to produce several documents to fund your deal. Examples of other documents that may be required for closing include a void personal cheque; a copy of the Status Certificate; a copy of your Tarion Certificate (for new constructions); etc. We will provide you with a list of all required documents as soon as possible once we receive instructions from your lender.

We will contact you prior to closing to confirm the exact amount of the certified cheque, bank draft, or wire transfer needed to close your purchase. Personal cheques or cash cannot be accepted. To make it easier for you, the requested amount will be inclusive of all legal fees, disbursements, and the remainder of your down payment.

The keys to your condo unit will be made available to you as soon as your transaction registers. This said, please note that closings are generally completed later in the afternoon (between 1:00pm and 5:00pm). We therefore strongly recommend not to schedule any deliveries or movers on the day of your closing.

Plan your move as far ahead as possible and start packing. One of the biggest stressors during a purchase is waiting until the last minute to get packing.