Before You Sign: What to Know About Signing Real Estate Deals in BC

Before You Sign: What to Know About Signing Real Estate Deals in BC

Buying or selling real estate in British Columbia is a major financial and legal milestone. Whether you're entering the market for the first time or completing your fifth sale, it's important to know exactly what you're agreeing to when it's time to sign.

At Lilian Cazacu Notary Corporation, we work with clients across the Fraser Valley to ensure their real estate deals are not only successful, but legally sound and stress-free. In this article, we'll walk you through the notary’s role in signing real estate documents, what to watch out for, and how to protect your interests at every step.

Why Signing Matters More Than You Think

Many clients assume the signing appointment is a simple formality. In reality, this step is one of the most critical parts of the entire process. You're not just signing papers. You're legally committing to terms that affect your finances, responsibilities, and ownership rights.

The notary's job is to make sure everything is correct, complete, and legally enforceable before your name hits the page. One small error, like an incorrect legal description or a mismatched name, could cause costly delays or even void the registration entirely.

The Notary’s Role in a Real Estate Transaction

When it comes to residential property transactions, a notary public does far more than witness signatures. Similarly to a lawyer, a BC Notary is fully authorized to prepare and represent you in real estate conveyancing and mortgage transactions, and provide legal advice as needed. At our office, we provide trusted legal documentation preparation, oversight, and guidance to ensure your transaction is handled with the care it deserves. This includes:

• Reviewing your contract of purchase and sale to confirm it aligns with mortgage instructions and other legal documents
• Preparing and verifying the Land Title forms, mortgage documents, and tax filings
• Coordinating with lenders, realtors, and legal professionals to ensure timelines are met and documentation is consistent
• Verifying your identification and legal capacity to sign
• Overseeing the exchange of funds and confirming their secure transfer
• Registering your property and mortgage with the BC Land Title and Survey Authority

To learn more about how our team works with clients across all stages of the transaction, visit our About Us page.

How Notaries Work With Other Professionals

While as a BC notary, we may handle the legal side of your transaction, we don’t work in isolation. We’re in frequent contact with your:

• Realtor, to confirm details about the property, possession date, and any contractual    conditions
• Mortgage broker or lender, to ensure that loan instructions match the purchase terms
• Insurance providers, when property insurance confirmation is needed before closing
• Lawyers or co-notaries, if the other party has their own legal representation
• Title insurance companies, ensuring proper policies are in place; and
• Strata Management companies, clarifying the current status of strata payments or outstanding amounts.

These relationships are vital for coordinating the release of funds, transferring ownership, and avoiding last-minute surprises. Our office acts as a hub or “concierge”, keeping all parties aligned and on schedule.

Identifying potential issues and Errors in Real Estate Documents

Before we ever reach the signing table, our team checks your paperwork for common problems that could cost you later. These include:

• Inconsistent or missing names such as your name on the title not matching your ID
• Outdated property descriptions or incorrect legal identifiers
• Conflicts between the purchase agreement and mortgage instructions
• Missing signatures or initials in key areas
• Incorrect closing dates, interest rates, or payment terms

Even small oversights can delay registration, jeopardize financing, or put your deposit at risk. Our goal is to catch and correct these issues before they impact your transaction.

Why ID Verification Is Non-Negotiable

Identity verification is a legal requirement in British Columbia that protects all parties involved. At our office, we ensure compliance with provincial guidelines by verifying two pieces of valid identification, one of which must be government-issued and include your photo.

This protects against fraud, forgery, and unauthorized transfers. If ID is missing, expired, or doesn’t match the documentation, the entire process may need to be rescheduled. This can delay your closing by days or even weeks.

Tips for a Smooth Signing Process

If you want your closing to go smoothly, here are a few steps you can take to prepare:

• Review your documents before the appointment. Ask questions if you’re unsure.
• Make sure your ID is valid, current, and matches the name on all documents
• Confirm the details of your mortgage and closing date are correct and up to date
• Contact your notary early, ideally several weeks before your scheduled closing

Still deciding when to book your closing? Read our blog on How to Choose a Perfect Closing Day to help make the right decision for your situation.

What Happens After You Sign

Once everything is signed and verified, our team takes care of the behind-the-scenes work. This includes:

• Coordinating with the lender to release mortgage funds
• Paying out property taxes or utilities if required
• Submitting your documents to the Land Title Office
• Confirming your name is officially registered as the new owner

We also provide a clear record of all signed documents for your files. You’ll walk away knowing your deal is legally complete and your ownership is properly recorded.

Why Clients Trust Lilian Cazacu Notary Corporation

With over a decade of experience, we’re proud to be one of the most trusted names in the Fraser Valley when it comes to real estate conveyancing. We make the complex feel simple and the stressful feel manageable. Whether you're buying your first home or managing a real estate portfolio, we’re here to guide you with clarity and care.

Want to speak to someone before your next signing? Contact us directly to schedule a consultation or learn more about our real estate services.

Conclusion

The signing stage of a real estate deal is where your financial and legal responsibilities become permanent. That’s why it’s essential to have a qualified, detail-oriented notary by your side.

At Lilian Cazacu Notary Corporation, we don't just help you sign. We help you understand, protect, and complete your transaction with confidence.

Need help preparing for your real estate signing 

Call or email us to book an appointment with a trusted notary today.