Closing The Purchase

10. Add a lawyer to your team
Purchasing a home involves heaps of legal documents. You require somebody to interpret the legal matters and make sure your best interests are sheltered.

• Locating a lawyer
There are lots of skilled real estate lawyers out there. Ask your friends or co-workers about them. eXp Realty will be happy giving you the names of several lawyers skilled in real estate. Always be sure to ask your lawyer how they constitute their fees, and get an estimate of the other legal costs you can expect.

• How your lawyer will help
There are various legal steps to transfer the possession of land from one person to another. Even if consequences like fraud, government legislation, zoning issues or unpaid taxes don't come up, your lawyer will more than earn their pay by making the legal transfer of the home a smooth one.

• Don't be scared of your lawyer
A lawyer is here to help you. Ask questions if you don't understand anything. Explaining legal jargon in plain language is a big part of their job.

11. Close the purchase
Your offer has been accepted and you can't wait to approach. But don't break out the bubbly just yet. You have to close the deal. eXp Realty and your lawyer will do most of the closing work, but here's your checklist.

Without delay begin satisfying any conditions of the agreement that require action on your part. eXp Realty can fill out the documents stating that the conditions have been satisfied.

Searching title to the property by your advocate can take a while, so make sure you allow ample time.

Your lawyer will transfer essential utilities like hydro and water, but you'll have to make sure telephone and cable companies switch their services to your name.

If you rent, give notice to your landlord or sublease your apartment.

Send out your change of address information and fill out a card at the post office. Contact the Ministry of Transport about changing your driver's licenses.

A day or two before closing, you'll meet with your lawyer to sign the closing documents. Your lawyer will tell you in advance what certified cheques you'll need to seal the deal.