16 December 2025

As a real estate broker, I help many buyers each year successfully complete their real estate transaction. And if there is one step that often raises questions, it is the notary appointment. This moment marks the completion of your home purchase, but it also involves several steps you need to understand clearly to avoid mistakes.

From submitting the offer to purchase to the final signing, here are the 7 key steps you should know to go through your real estate experience with complete peace of mind.

1. Preparing for your notary appointment before buying

Even before starting the formal process, it is essential to prepare for your meeting with the notary. Many people think the notary only steps in at the end, during signing, but their role is much broader.

From the earliest stages, the notary can help you review documents and protect your interests.

How can you prepare properly?

At your appointment, the notary will need a number of documents:

• a valid piece of identification,
• a copy of your offer to purchase,
• your banking information or your mortgage pre-approval,
• the list of conditions or special clauses agreed upon with the seller.

I always recommend that my clients prepare their questions in advance: what timelines should you expect? What insurance is required? What additional fees should you plan for?

This preparation will help you approach the process clearly and without stress.

Tip: the more you anticipate this step, the more effectively the notary can guide you.

If you would like me to help you prepare for your first appointment, you can reach me directly through my contact page.

2. The offer to purchase: the first step in a real estate transaction

The offer to purchase is the starting point of any real estate transaction.

It is a document that formalizes your intention to buy a property at a given price, under certain conditions.

What it includes:

• The price offered,
• The possession date,
• Conditions (inspection, financing, sale of another property, etc.),
• The offer’s validity period.

Once signed by both parties, the offer becomes a legal commitment.

That is why it is best to have it reviewed by a professional before submitting it.

As a broker, I always make sure each clause is written clearly and fairly. A well-drafted offer to purchase protects your rights while reassuring the seller.

The notary, for their part, will verify the document’s compliance before the next steps.

3. The promise to purchase: a commitment not to take lightly

The promise to purchase (or sales agreement) is a pivotal step in your project.

This is when the commitment becomes concrete: you and the seller officially agree on the terms of the sale.

What you need to understand:

• The promise to purchase details the obligations of both parties.
• It includes conditions precedent (mortgage approval, satisfactory inspection, etc.).
• It sets out deadlines and the planned date for the final signing.

At this stage, the notary verifies title, servitudes, zoning-related documents, and all technical reports.

Their role is to ensure the transaction is legally solid and that the property can be sold without risk.

Tip: before signing the promise to purchase, take the time to read it carefully.

If anything seems unclear, the notary or your broker can explain the implications.

4. Securing your mortgage: a required step

Once the promise to purchase is signed, financing comes next. Securing your mortgage is essential to complete your home purchase. This is often when the notary contacts your financial institution to finalize the file.

What you need to know:

• You will need to provide your lender with proof of income, bank statements, an employment contract, etc.
• A property appraisal may be required by the bank.
• Once the loan is approved, the notary receives the funds and holds them until the final signing.

I always advise clients not to wait until the last minute to secure final approval.

Even a small delay in financing can postpone the signing and complicate the transaction.

Tip: I often work directly with lenders to speed up this step. If you need advice on mortgage financing, I can refer you to reliable partners.

5. Notarial checks before the final signing

Before setting the signing appointment, the notary conducts all legal checks required to ensure the transaction is properly completed.

Here is what they review:

• The seller’s title of ownership, to confirm they are the rightful owner.
• The absence of debts, mortgages, or charges on the property.
• The certificate of location to ensure there are no boundary disputes or servitudes.
• Insurance documents, permits, and other legal items.

These checks ensure the transaction is secure and that you will become the owner without future issues.

I often remind my clients that these verifications are essential.

They help prevent complex situations after the purchase, such as discovering an undeclared servitude or a legal defect.

6. The signing appointment: the official deed of sale

The big day has arrived!

Your appointment at the notary’s office marks the final step of your buying journey.

This is the moment the property officially changes hands.

How does the signing work?

• The notary reads and explains the deed of sale in detail to all parties.
• You sign the official documents (deed of sale, transfer declaration, mortgage).
• The bank transfers the funds, and the notary releases the amount to the seller.
• You pay notary fees, land transfer tax, and the final adjustments (taxes, heating, etc.).
• And finally… you receive the keys!

This is often an emotional moment, as it finalizes weeks, sometimes months of steps and decisions.

7. After the signing: formalities and final transfer

The signing does not mark the end of the real estate transaction.

The notary still has several tasks to complete in order to finalize the transfer of ownership.

Here is what happens afterward:

• The deed is registered with the Québec Land Register, officially confirming your ownership.
• You receive a certified true copy of the deed.
• The notary handles the payment of the land transfer tax (“welcome tax”).
• Your title of ownership is provided once registration is complete.

On your side, I recommend that you carefully keep all documents received at signing: they may be useful in the event of resale or refinancing.

Key takeaway: your purchase is only fully completed once all post-signing formalities have been carried out.

FAQ about signing at the notary’s office

What should you bring to the signing appointment?

A piece of identification, proof of home insurance, a copy of the offer to purchase, and your mortgage statement.

How long does the appointment take?

On average, 45 minutes to 1 hour. The notary will take the time to review each clause and answer your questions.

When do you officially become the owner?

At the signing of the deed of sale and once the notary has registered it with the Land Register.

Can you change notaries midway through the process?

Yes, but it may involve fees or delay the transaction, especially if the file is already well advanced.

Summary: the 7 key notary steps in a real estate purchase

In conclusion

Finalizing a real estate purchase is not just about signing: it is a rigorous process that requires preparation and a clear understanding of each step.

The notary’s role is central, but it is also your responsibility as a buyer to stay attentive and well informed.

My job is to guide you through this journey, anticipate surprises, and make every step clearer and smoother. Whether this is your first purchase or a rental investment, I make sure your real estate transaction is a complete success.