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Step 6
Congratulations — you have an accepted offer, and the sale of your home is underway. The period between acceptance and closing day involves a coordinated effort among lawyers, lenders, and agents to ensure a smooth transfer. Here is exactly what happens, what you need to do, and what to expect.
Days 1 to 10 — Condition Period: If the offer includes conditions, the buyer works to satisfy them during this window. They will arrange a home inspection (you may need to accommodate access), finalize their mortgage approval, and complete any other due diligence. Your home remains on market if there is an escape clause. Once the buyer waives all conditions, the deal is firm, and you can stop showings and take a breath.
Days 10 to 21 — Legal Preparation: Both lawyers begin their work. The buyer's lawyer conducts a title search, and your lawyer prepares the deed of transfer, arranges for your existing mortgage to be discharged, and begins preparing the statement of adjustments. If the buyer's lawyer raises any title concerns (easements, encroachments, outstanding liens), your lawyer will work to resolve them.
Final Week — Pre-Closing: You meet with your lawyer to sign transfer documents. The buyer's agent arranges a final walkthrough — typically within 24 hours of closing — to confirm the home is in the agreed-upon condition. This is a formality when the home has been well-maintained, but take it seriously. The property should be in the condition specified in the agreement of purchase and sale.
Closing Day — Transfer and Keys: On the morning of closing, your lawyer and the buyer's lawyer coordinate the exchange of funds and registration of the deed. Once your lawyer confirms that funds have been received and ownership has been transferred, the sale is complete. Your agent will arrange the key handoff to the buyer.
Complete these tasks before closing day to ensure a seamless transition.
Arrange final utility readings. Contact your hydro, gas, and water providers to schedule final meter readings for the closing date. This ensures you are only billed for your usage and provides clear cutoff points for adjustments.
Complete agreed-upon repairs. If you negotiated any repairs as part of the accepted offer, ensure they are completed before the buyer's final walkthrough. Keep receipts as documentation.
Gather all keys and access items. Collect every key, garage remote, alarm code, mailbox key, and gate opener associated with the property. Leave them on the kitchen counter or as directed by your agent.
Leave appliance manuals and warranties. If appliances are included in the sale, leave their manuals, warranty cards, and any service records. This is a professional courtesy that buyers genuinely appreciate.
Ensure the property is broom-clean. The standard expectation is that the home is left in "broom-clean" condition — free of debris, garbage, and personal belongings. All included items should be present and in working order. Leaving the home cleaner than required leaves a positive final impression.
Cancel or transfer services. Notify your insurance company, alarm monitoring service, landscaper, snow removal company, and any other service providers of the ownership change.
Your lawyer will prepare a statement of adjustments — a document that accounts for any prepaid or owing amounts that need to be prorated between you and the buyer as of the closing date. Common adjustments include property taxes (if you have prepaid beyond the closing date, the buyer reimburses you; if you owe, the amount is deducted), utility costs prorated to the closing date, and any other items specified in the purchase agreement.
The net result of these adjustments, combined with the sale price minus your mortgage payout, real estate commission, and legal fees, determines your final proceeds. Your lawyer will walk you through every line item before closing.
The completion of a sale is not the end of your relationship with RE/MAX Garden City — it is the beginning of a long-term connection. Your agent remains a trusted resource for years to come. Need a referral for a contractor, plumber, or electrician? Curious about the current value of your new property? Thinking about investing in real estate? Your agent is always just a phone call or email away.
Many of our strongest client relationships began with a single transaction and have continued for decades — through multiple moves, investment purchases, and referrals to friends and family. That is the kind of partnership RE/MAX Garden City is built on.
Thank you for trusting us with the sale of your home.