What Happens After I Remove Subjects on my Offer in BC?

Understanding the Conveyancing Process in Nanaimo

Once a real estate deal becomes firm and unconditional, the transaction moves into the legal stage known as conveyancing. This is the process where lawyers or notaries transfer ownership of the property from the seller to the buyer and ensure all legal, financial, and title requirements are properly completed.

For many buyers and sellers in Nanaimo and across Vancouver Island, the conveyancing process can feel unclear. Understanding how it works helps prevent delays, avoid surprises, and ensure a smooth closing.

At Annex Real Estate Group in Nanaimo BC, we guide our clients through every step so they know exactly what happens between an accepted offer and the day they receive their keys.

Below is a clear breakdown of the seven main steps in the conveyancing process in British Columbia.

---

1. Engaging a Lawyer or Notary

Once the deal goes firm, the buyer and seller must engage a real estate lawyer or notary to handle the legal transfer of the property.

Early engagement is important because it allows time to resolve any issues before the completion date. After being retained, the lawyer or notary typically opens a file and may send a retainer or engagement letter outlining the services they will provide during the transaction.

In many Nanaimo real estate transactions, the introduction to the lawyer or notary comes through the REALTOR® or mortgage broker involved in the deal.

---

2. Collecting Client Information

The lawyer or notary will collect important details needed to prepare the legal documents and verify identity.

This usually includes:

• Full legal name and contact information

• Date of birth and address

• Copies of the Contract of Purchase and Sale and any amendments

• Contact details for the REALTOR® involved in the transaction

Additional information depends on whether the client is buying or selling.

For Buyers

The legal professional will also request:

• Mortgage broker or lender information if financing is involved

• Contact information for the home insurance provider

• Instructions on how the buyers will hold title (joint tenants or tenants-in-common)

For Sellers

They will gather:

• Mortgage account numbers

• Details of any loans or charges that must be paid off when the property sells

If a Power of Attorney will be used to sign documents, it must be reviewed early so it can be registered with the BC Land Title Office.

---

3. Searches and Legal Due Diligence

One of the most important steps in the conveyancing process is verifying the property’s legal status.

For buyers, the lawyer or notary will typically perform several searches, including:

• Title search through the Land Title Office

• Reviewing charges such as easements or restrictive covenants

• Property tax certificate to confirm taxes are paid

• Strata Form B and Form F for strata properties

• Mortgage instructions from the lender

• Insurance confirmation

• Title insurance (if required)

• Personal Property Registry searches

For sellers, the legal professional will focus on confirming the title and obtaining payout statements for any mortgages or registered debts that must be cleared when the property closes.

These searches ensure the buyer receives clear title to the property.

---

4. Preparing Closing Documents

Once due diligence is complete, the lawyers or notaries prepare the legal documents required to complete the sale.

The buyer’s lawyer typically prepares:

• Transfer of title documents

• Mortgage documents (if financing is involved)

• Statement of adjustments showing the final financial breakdown of the transaction

The seller’s lawyer prepares:

• Order to pay documents

• Mortgage discharge documents

• Confirmation of how sale proceeds will be distributed

Both sides review the paperwork to ensure it matches the Contract of Purchase and Sale.

---

5. Signing the Documents

Most clients sign their closing documents two to five business days before the completion date.

During this meeting, the lawyer or notary explains the documents and ensures everything is signed correctly.

If clients are out of town or overseas, they can often sign remotely with a notary or authorized witness. However, financing documents may have specific lender requirements, so arrangements must be made early.

---

6. Returning Documents Between Lawyers

After signing, the seller’s legal representative sends the completed documents to the buyer’s lawyer.

These documents are provided under legal undertakings that ensure they will only be used once the buyer’s lawyer has the required funds to complete the transaction.

This step allows both sides to prepare for the final registration and closing.

---

7. Registration and Closing Day

On the completion date, the buyer’s lawyer registers the transfer of title (and mortgage if applicable) at the BC Land Title Office.

Once registration is complete:

• The buyer becomes the new legal owner of the property

• The sale proceeds are released to the seller’s lawyer

• Any mortgages or charges on title are paid out and discharged

After closing, the lawyers notify the REALTORS® and their clients that the transaction has officially completed.

Possession of the property typically occurs later the same day or on the possession date outlined in the contract.

---

Why the Conveyancing Process Matters

Understanding the conveyancing process helps prevent delays and ensures every detail of the transaction is handled properly.

While lawyers and notaries manage the legal transfer, REALTORS® still play an important role in guiding clients, coordinating communication, and addressing issues early in the process.

At Annex Real Estate Group, we work closely with experienced lawyers, notaries, lenders, and inspectors to ensure every transaction in Nanaimo and across Vancouver Island moves smoothly from accepted offer to completion.

---

Buying or Selling a Home on Vancouver Island?

If you’re planning to buy or sell real estate on Vancouver Island, BC, having a knowledgeable REALTOR® guiding you through the process makes a significant difference.

Annex Real Estate Group helps clients understand every step of the transaction — from offer strategy to closing day.

Visit AnnexRealEstate.ca to browse Nanaimo homes for sale or connect with our team for expert guidance.