What to Expect in the Closing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Carla Sturm • April 15, 2026

You’ve found the right home, your offer’s been accepted, and your financing is approved—congratulations! But before you can pick up the keys and celebrate, there’s one more important stage: the closing process.


Closing is the final step in your homebuying journey, where all the paperwork, legal details, and financial transactions come together. It can feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect, but with the right preparation, closing can be smooth and stress-free.


Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process.


Step 1: Hire a Lawyer or Notary

A real estate lawyer (or notary, depending on your province) handles the legal side of closing. They will:

  • Review the purchase agreement and mortgage documents
  • Conduct a title search to confirm the seller has the legal right to sell the property
  • Ensure the mortgage lender is properly registered on the title
  • Handle the transfer of funds between you, the lender, and the seller


Your lawyer or notary will be your main point of contact during closing, so choose one you trust and who communicates clearly.


Step 2: Finalize Your Mortgage

Your lender will send the mortgage instructions directly to your lawyer or notary. At this stage:

  • You’ll provide proof of property insurance (lenders require this before releasing funds)
  • You’ll confirm your down payment and closing costs are available in your lawyer’s trust account
  • The lawyer will prepare all documents for your review and signature


Step 3: Pay Closing Costs

Closing costs typically range from 1.5% to 4% of the purchase price. These can include:

  • Legal fees
  • Title insurance
  • Land transfer tax (where applicable)
  • Adjustments for property taxes or utilities prepaid by the seller
  • Home inspection or appraisal fees (if not already paid)

Your lawyer will provide a final statement of adjustments so you know exactly how much is due on closing day.


Step 4: Sign the Paperwork

A few days before closing, you’ll meet with your lawyer or notary to sign all the necessary documents, including:

  • Mortgage agreement
  • Title transfer
  • Insurance confirmations
  • Statement of adjustments

Bring valid government-issued ID to this appointment.


Step 5: Transfer of Funds

On the day of closing:

  • Your lender sends the mortgage funds to your lawyer
  • Your lawyer combines these funds with your down payment and pays the seller
  • Legal ownership of the property is transferred into your name
  • The lender is registered on title as a secured creditor


Step 6: Get the Keys!

Once the paperwork is filed and the funds have cleared, your lawyer will confirm that the transaction is complete. You’ll then get the keys to your new home—officially making it yours.


The Bottom Line

The closing process is a series of important steps, but with the right team in place, it doesn’t have to be stressful. By working closely with your mortgage professional and lawyer, you’ll have guidance every step of the way—from signing the documents to turning the key in the front door.


If you’d like help preparing for the closing process—or want a clear breakdown of your own closing costs—connect with us today.


Carla Sturm
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What Older Canadians Should Know About Mortgage Financing

By Carla Sturm • July 8, 2026
Retirement doesn’t always mean a mortgage-free life anymore. And that’s okay. Between higher home prices, rising living costs, and longer life expectancy, many Canadians are choosing to retire with a mortgage or refinance later in life to create more flexibility. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s having options that actually support the life you want to live. If you’re thinking about how a mortgage fits into your retirement years, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. Why work with an independent mortgage professional? Because retirement financing is not one-size-fits-all. Unlike a single bank, an independent mortgage professional can look across multiple lenders and solutions to find what truly fits your income, equity, and long-term plans—not just what one institution offers. Mortgage options available in retirement Traditional Mortgage Solutions Many retirees still qualify for standard mortgages. Pension income, investment income, and other retirement sources can often be used to support an application. If you have good equity and solid credit, this is often the lowest-cost option. Reverse Mortgages For homeowners 55+, a reverse mortgage can unlock tax-free equity from your home with no monthly payments required. There’s no income verification or medical questions, making it a helpful option for those who want to improve cash flow while staying in their home. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) A HELOC allows you to access your home equity as needed and only pay interest on what you use. Many retirees appreciate the flexibility and like consolidating income and expenses in one place. Private Financing Sometimes life throws a curveball. If timing, income, or credit create challenges, private financing can act as a short-term bridge. It’s not usually the first choice, but it can provide solutions when traditional lenders can’t. If you’re approaching retirement—or already there—and wondering how your mortgage fits into the picture, let’s talk. A clear plan can make retirement feel a lot more secure and a lot less stressful.

Breaking Down the Real Costs of Homeownership

By Carla Sturm • July 1, 2026
Don’t Forget About Closing Costs When planning to buy a home, most people focus on saving for the down payment. But the truth is, that’s only part of the equation. To actually finalize the purchase, you’ll also need to budget for closing costs —the out-of-pocket expenses that come up before you get the keys. Closing costs can add up quickly, which is why they should be part of your pre-approval conversation right from the start. Lenders will even require proof that you’ve got enough funds set aside. For example, if you’re getting an insured (high-ratio) mortgage, you’ll need at least 1.5% of the purchase price available in addition to your down payment. That means a 10% down payment actually requires 11.5% of the purchase price in cash to make everything work. Let’s break down some of the most common expenses you should prepare for: 1. Home Inspection & Appraisal Inspection : Paid by you, this gives peace of mind that the property is in good shape and doesn’t have hidden problems. Appraisal : Required by the lender to confirm value. Sometimes this is covered by mortgage insurance, sometimes by you. 2. Legal Fees A lawyer or notary is required to handle the title transfer and make sure the mortgage is properly registered. Legal fees are often one of the larger closing costs—unless you’re also responsible for property transfer tax. 3. Taxes Many provinces charge a property or land transfer tax based on the home’s purchase price. These fees can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, so you’ll want to factor them in early. 4. Insurance Property insurance is mandatory—lenders won’t release funds without proof that the home is insured on closing day. Optional coverage like mortgage life, disability, or critical illness insurance may also be worth considering depending on your financial plan. 5. Moving Costs Whether you’re renting a truck, hiring movers, or bribing friends with pizza and gas money, moving comes with expenses. Cross-country moves especially can be surprisingly pricey. 6. Utilities & Deposits Setting up new services (electricity, water, internet) can involve connection fees or deposits, particularly if you don’t already have a payment history with the utility provider. Plan Ahead, Stress Less This list covers the big-ticket items, but every purchase is unique. That’s why it pays to have an accurate estimate of your personal closing costs before you make an offer. If you’d like help planning ahead—or want a breakdown tailored to your situation—let’s connect. I’d be happy to walk you through the numbers and make sure you’re fully prepared.