From Offer to Keys: What Really Happens When You Buy a Home in Ottawa
You’ve found the home, made the offer, and it’s been accepted. Time to relax, right? Not exactly. While that’s a huge milestone, the journey from offer to keys is where the real work begins—and it’s also where having the right team on your side makes all the difference.
At New Purveyors, we guide our clients through every step of the home buying process so there are no surprises, no missed deadlines, and no last-minute stress. Here’s what really happens after your offer is accepted in Ottawa.
1. The Conditional Period
If your offer included conditions (and most do), this is your first priority.
Home Inspection: A professional inspector will go through the property from top to bottom, checking for any issues that might need attention.
Financing Confirmation: Even with a pre-approval, your lender will need to formally approve the property. This can include an appraisal to confirm the value.
Status Certificate Review (for condos): This document outlines the building’s financial health, rules, and any upcoming repairs. A lawyer should review it carefully.
This phase usually lasts a few days to a week, and it’s your window to make sure the home you’re buying is exactly what you expect.
2. The Deposit and Paperwork
Once conditions are met and the sale is firm, you’ll provide the deposit (if you haven’t already). In Ottawa, this is typically delivered within 24 hours of the offer being accepted or conditions being removed. At the same time, your agent and lawyer will make sure all paperwork is complete and legally binding.
3. Finalizing Financing
Your lender will confirm the mortgage details, lock in your rate, and prepare the final paperwork. If an appraisal is required, this is when it happens. Delays can occur if documents are missing, so staying organized is key.
4. Preparing for Closing
This is the “countdown” period. You’ll:
Meet with your lawyer to sign final documents.
Arrange home insurance (often required before closing).
Set up utilities in your name.
Organize movers or rental trucks.
It’s also a good time to make a plan for any work you want done before moving in, like painting or flooring updates.
5. Closing Day
On closing day, your lawyer transfers the funds, the property title changes hands, and you officially become the owner. Your keys will be ready once everything is processed—sometimes by lunchtime, sometimes later in the day. A final walkthrough before closing is always a good idea, just to make sure the home is in the agreed-upon condition.
How New Purveyors Makes It Smoother
From the moment your offer is accepted, we keep you on track with reminders, checklists, and access to trusted professionals. Need a reliable inspector? We have one. Confused about your condo’s status certificate? We’ll connect you with a lawyer who knows what to look for. Our job doesn’t end when the paperwork is signed—it ends when you’re settled in and happy with your new home.
Ready to Buy?
If you’re thinking about making a move, we can walk you through the entire Ottawa home buying process, from first showing to key in hand. Let’s talk about your goals and get you started on the path to your next home.
