Buying a property in Laval with a notary
Has your offer to purchase been accepted, or are you about to sign one? The notary takes over from there: verifying title, preparing the deed of sale and making sure the transaction is registered and settled properly. We guide you from the first call to the signing.
The notary's role in a property purchase
The notary is a public officer. In a real estate purchase, the notary carries out, among other things, the examination of title and the legal verifications required in respect of the property. The notary prepares and receives the deeds needed for the transaction, then registers them at the land register when registration is required. The notary also makes the adjustments applicable to the transaction, notably those relating to municipal and school taxes.
When the purchase is financed, the notary also coordinates with your lender: preparing the mortgage deed, following the lender's instructions and releasing the funds. The notary also prepares the disbursements of the transaction.
When should you contact us?
- Ideally as soon as your offer to purchase is accepted, so there is enough time to examine title before the possession date.
- Before signing an offer to purchase, if you would like to understand what lies ahead.
- For new construction, vacant land, an income property or a commercial building: each involves checks of its own.
The main steps of a purchase
First contact
You send us the accepted offer to purchase and the contact details of those involved.
Title examination
We verify the seller's title and the charges affecting the property.
Preparing the deeds
Drafting the deed of sale and, where applicable, the mortgage deed.
Signing
Signing appointment: the deeds are read with you and your questions answered.
Registration and follow-up
Registration at the land register and settlement of funds according to instructions.
The exact sequence may vary depending on your file.
What to prepare
- Valid identification, such as a passport or a driver’s licence.
- A copy of the accepted offer to purchase and any schedules.
- Contact details for your real estate broker and your mortgage lender.
- Details of your financing (for example the lender’s commitment letter).
- The complete list of documents to provide is sent to you when your appointment is confirmed.
When should I choose my notary?
You can do so as soon as your offer to purchase is accepted. The earlier you contact us, the more time there is for the title examination.
Does the notary represent the buyer or the seller?
In carrying out the mission of a public officer, the notary must act impartially toward the parties to the deed and give them the legal advice required in relation to the deed the notary receives.
What is the difference between the offer to purchase and the deed of sale?
The offer to purchase is the preliminary agreement, often prepared with a real estate broker. When a property is purchased, the deed of sale records the transfer of ownership between the parties. Its registration at the land register makes the purchaser’s rights public and enforceable against third parties.
How much time should I allow before the possession date?
The time between acceptance of the offer to purchase and the signing of the deed of sale varies from one transaction to another and depends notably on the occupancy date agreed between the parties, the conditions set out in the offer to purchase and the time at which the notary receives all the documents needed to process the file. Contact us as early as possible so we can plan the signing with you.
What happens at the signing?
We read the deeds with you, answer your questions, then you sign them before the notary. We then take care of registration at the land register.
This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. As each situation is unique, it is recommended that you consult a professional to obtain advice tailored to your particular situation.
Related services
Your notary in Laval
Groupe Synergie Notaires is located at 67 boulevard Samson, in Laval (Sainte-Dorothée). The firm is led by Me Mirabela Petrulian, notary.
About Me Petrulian →Directions and opening hours →Guides to learn more
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