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As early as you can, especially before signing an agreement or letting a condition expire. If you have already signed, send the complete agreement and any amendments promptly. Tell your lawyer the closing date and every deadline you know about so they can assess the work and confirm availability.

A resale condo involves both the unit and the condominium corporation. The status certificate and supporting records give information about matters such as fees, the reserve fund, rules and legal proceedings. Arrange a legal review while there is still time to act on the findings under your agreement.

Yes. Builder agreements can involve additional documents, adjustments and dates that need careful review. With a pre-construction condo, interim occupancy may begin before ownership is transferred. Share the full agreement and disclosure documents early, and ask about the deadlines and costs that apply to your purchase.

Title insurance may cover certain losses connected to ownership, such as some title defects, liens or fraud. Coverage depends on the policy and its exclusions; it does not replace legal advice or cover every property problem. Your lawyer can explain the available protection and any lender requirements for your transaction.

Share whether you are buying, selling or refinancing, the property address, relevant agreement or lender details, and your expected closing date. Your lawyer can confirm the scope and explain the estimate. Ask what is included, which taxes and third-party expenses are additional, and what could change the amount.

Closing funds can also include adjustments for items such as property taxes or condo fees. These are separate from the fee for your lawyer’s work.

Ontario land transfer tax generally applies when you acquire land or an interest in land. A purchase in the City of Toronto may also attract municipal land transfer tax. Refunds, exemptions and additional taxes depend on the transaction and the buyer’s circumstances. Have your lawyer assess the current rules rather than assuming you qualify for a rebate.

No. A preapproval does not guarantee that a lender will approve the mortgage for a particular property. Keep working with your lender or broker on final approval and outstanding conditions. Your lawyer also needs the lender’s instructions in time to prepare the legal documents and arrange closing.

It can. Paying out or changing a mortgage before the end of its term may involve a prepayment penalty or other charges under the mortgage contract. Ask your lender for the applicable payout information early, and give your lawyer the details so those amounts can be considered in the closing figures.

No. You will often sign documents before the transaction is complete. Closing also involves the required funds, registration and coordination between the lawyers. Your lawyer will confirm when completion has occurred and explain any remaining steps.

Confirm the arrangements with your lawyer. Keys are normally released once the purchase has closed, and sale proceeds are dealt with after the required payments and closing arrangements are addressed. The time can depend on funding, registration and the other transaction participants. Avoid planning around an assumed early-morning handover.

Contact your lawyer immediately and provide the relevant messages and documents. Your options depend on the agreement, the problem and the time available. An extension or release from the agreement is not automatic, and failing to close can have consequences beyond losing the deposit. Obtain advice before making commitments or assuming the transaction can simply be cancelled.

Follow the arrangements confirmed by your lawyer, including the amount, payment method and deadline. Before sending money, verify banking details by calling the office at a number you already know or independently obtain. If an email changes the payment instructions, confirm the change directly before acting on it.

Tell your lawyer and lender about both transactions and their dates at the outset. The timing of sale proceeds can affect the money available for your purchase, even when both closings are planned for the same day. Discuss any need for bridge financing or another arrangement with your lender early.

A change in ownership needs to be considered alongside the mortgage, potential taxes and the rights of everyone involved. Share any separation agreement, court order or unresolved property issue with your lawyer. Your lender may also need to approve changes to the mortgage arrangements. Confirm the steps before signing transfer documents.

HCLS meetings are virtual by default. Tell your lawyer where you will be during the transaction so suitable identification and signing arrangements can be confirmed. The process can depend on the documents and lender requirements. In-person appointments in Ottawa or Toronto must be arranged in advance.

Your lawyer can invite you to Clio for Clients, where you can access the messages, documents, events and invoices they share for your matter. The invitation comes from your lawyer; there is no separate website account to create. Ask how updates will be communicated, and contact the office if you need help accessing your invitation.