Question 1

How many times does the notary need to see the buyers?

Accepted Answer

Typically, the notary will see you twice: once 2-5 business days before the transaction date in order to collect your down payment, and then a second time on the day of purchase to sign the deed of sale.

Question 2

What should I prepare before passing at the notary?

Accepted Answer

In advance, you should prepare your insurance on the house that you are purchasing, prepare your IDs and a proof of Canadian citizenship or Permanent Residency, and make sure that your down payment is liquid and accessible.

Question 3

How do I give my down payment to the notary?

Accepted Answer

In general, we need a bank draft to the order of the notary “in trust” on the 1st appointment. The notary will confirm to you the exact amount that you will have to bring.

Question 4

Can I do multiple bank drafts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as the full amount is there.

Question 5

I will use my RRSPs as a down payment, how do I proceed?

Accepted Answer

Make sure you let the bank know at least two weeks in advance, there will be a delay before they can unfreeze and give you access to your funds.

Question 6

Who pays for the notary fees?

Accepted Answer

The buyers and the sellers pay the notary for different services, more info can be found at the website of the Chambre des notaires du Québec: https://www.cnq.org/vos-services-notariaux/immobilier/facturation/#faq-1032 (https://www.cnq.org/vos-services-notariaux/immobilier/facturation/#faq-1032)

Question 7

I am buying a property right after selling mine, what delay should I plan between the two transactions?

Accepted Answer

At least 3 business days, ideally up to 1 week. This will give the time to the first notary to complete your sale and publish it, and to transfer the money to the second notary for your purchase.

Question 8

When does the seller receive his money?

Accepted Answer

Typically 2-5 business days after the transaction; the notary has to publish the deed of sale and get the proof of publication at the land registry before issuing the cheque.

Question 9

How does the seller receive his money?

Accepted Answer

A seller is expected to come pick up a cheque at the office of the notary; other solutions are possible, with an extra fee to the seller.

Question 10

Does my spouse need to co-sign anything?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your place of marriage and the use of the property, the best course of action is to inquire to the notary in advance whether your spouse has to co-sign a document in the process. The general answer is YES, only in some exceptional cases can the notary proceed with the signature of your spouse, whether as a buyer or a seller.

Me. Yanis Bouktit, Notaire

Real Estate

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