Published 16 September 2026 · By Jatin Dua, Broker of Record, RE/MAX Quantum Realty
After an offer is accepted in Ontario, the buyer delivers the deposit (often within 24 hours), any conditions are satisfied or waived by their deadlines, both lawyers handle the title search, requisitions and adjustments, the buyer finalizes the mortgage and insurance, the buyer usually does a final walk-through, and on closing day funds and documents are exchanged electronically and keys are released.
The timeline
| Stage | What happens | Who acts |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance | Signed agreement delivered to both sides | Both agents |
| Deposit | Usually due on acceptance or within 24 hours, held in trust | Buyer |
| Conditions | Financing, inspection, status certificate satisfied or waived | Buyer; seller cooperates with access |
| Firm deal | Waivers or notices of fulfilment signed | Buyer |
| Lawyers | Title search, requisitions, statement of adjustments | Both lawyers |
| Mortgage and insurance | Final approval, appraisal, home insurance in place | Buyer |
| Seller’s mortgage | Payout statement, discharge on closing | Seller’s lawyer |
| Walk-through | Buyer visits as the agreement allows | Buyer |
| Closing day | Funds and deed exchanged; keys released | Lawyers |
For sellers: what to do now
- Hire your real estate lawyer immediately and send them the agreement.
- Tell your lender and ask for a payout figure; check for a prepayment penalty. See mortgage penalties.
- Keep the home in the condition it was sold in, and leave included chattels and fixtures.
- Arrange movers and cancel or transfer utilities for closing day.
For buyers: what to do now
- Pay the deposit on time — late deposits can void the deal.
- Book the inspection and send documents to your lender.
- Arrange home insurance before closing; lenders require it.
- Budget for land transfer tax, legal fees and adjustments. See closing costs in Toronto.
- Do the final walk-through.
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How long does closing take?
Most resale closings in Ontario are set 30 to 90 days after the agreement, but the date is fully negotiable. A longer closing can help a seller buy their next home; a shorter one suits a buyer with a lease ending.
Where I fit
I am Jatin Dua, Broker of Record at RE/MAX Quantum Realty. I coordinate lawyers, lenders and deadlines for buyers and sellers across Toronto and the GTA until the keys change hands.
The takeaway
After acceptance, the deposit goes in, conditions are satisfied or waived, lawyers handle title and adjustments, the buyer finalizes the mortgage and insurance, and funds and keys change hands on closing day, usually 30 to 90 days later. Hire your lawyer the day the offer is accepted.
Talk it through with me
Just accepted or received an offer?
Tell me where you are in the process. I will send a checklist of dates and next steps.
I will come back to you personally, usually the same day. If it is urgent, call or text 833-330-1925.
Frequently asked questions
What happens after an offer is accepted in Ontario?
The buyer pays the deposit, conditions are satisfied or waived, lawyers complete title work, the buyer finalizes financing and insurance, and the deal closes on the agreed date.
When is the deposit due in Ontario?
It is set in the agreement, commonly on acceptance or within 24 hours.
How long after an accepted offer is closing?
Usually 30 to 90 days, but any date can be negotiated.
When does the seller get paid?
On closing day, through the seller’s lawyer, after the mortgage and costs are paid out.
Can a buyer see the house before closing?
Standard agreements often allow limited visits; many include a final walk-through before closing.
When does the buyer get the keys?
On closing day, once the lawyers confirm funds and documents are registered.
Sources
- Ontario Real Estate Association — publisher of the standard Agreement of Purchase and Sale forms used in most Ontario resale transactions. Accessed 16 September 2026.
- RECO — information for buyers and sellers — consumer guidance on buying and selling, deposits and representation. Accessed 16 September 2026.
- Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) — public register of registrants, registration categories and disciplinary decisions. Accessed 16 September 2026.
Related reading
- Can a buyer back out?
- Final walk-through
- What a real estate lawyer does
- How deposits are held in trust
About the author — Jatin Dua, Toronto and GTA real estate broker
I am Jatin Dua, Broker of Record and co-founder of RE/MAX Quantum Realty Inc., Brokerage, Unit 101, 799 The Queensway, Etobicoke. I work with buyers and sellers across Toronto and the GTA, with deep local knowledge of the west end. Four-plus years of active GTA transactions and over $100 million in sales volume. Every market figure here comes from TRREB’s published tables and every rule from RECO or Ontario legislation, so you can check all of it without asking me.
Reach me at connect@jatindua.com or 833-330-1925, or book a call.