Buying or selling a home is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of moving parts. To make things easier, we’ve prepared a straightforward checklist that outlines the key steps you’ll want to cover. Whether you’re purchasing your first home or selling a property you’ve owned for years, this guide will help you stay organized and confident throughout the process.
Buying a Home – Checklist
When you’re purchasing a property, preparation is everything. Here are the steps to take from the time you start looking until possession day:
- Get mortgage pre-approval from your lender
- Review your budget, including down payment and closing costs
- Hire a real estate agent (if applicable)
- Make an offer and review the purchase contract with your lawyer
- Arrange for a home inspection
- Review condominium documents (if applicable)
- Provide deposit as required
- Arrange homeowner’s insurance before closing
- Work with your lawyer to review title, RPR, and tax adjustments
- Prepare funds for closing (bank draft/wire transfer)
- Book moving services and set up utilities in your name
Selling a Home – Checklist
Selling your property requires gathering documents and planning ahead to avoid last-minute stress. Here’s what to have in place:
- Hire a real estate agent (if applicable)
- Gather documents: RPR (Real Property Report), compliance certificates, mortgage details
- Make repairs or improvements before listing
- Review listing agreement and disclosure forms
- Accept offer and provide the contract to your lawyer this is when your lawyer becomes directly involved
- Lawyer reviews contract to confirm conditions, timelines, and tax adjustments
- Accept offer and provide the contract to your lawyer
- Arrange mortgage payout statement with your lender
- Confirm adjustments for property tax and utilities
- Cancel or transfer insurance and utilities
- Provide forwarding address to your lawyer
- Prepare for possession date: keys, vacating property, final clean
Every transaction is unique, so think of this checklist as a guide rather than a complete list of everything you’ll encounter. Our real estate lawyers can walk you through each step, explain your documents in plain language, and make sure nothing is overlooked.