Possession & Moving
Congratulations! Your offer has been accepted, the conditions have been satisfied, and you have bought a house!
So, what happens from now until you move in?
Before Possession
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- Lawyer – Choice Realty will send all the sale documents to the law office of your choice. Your lawyer will contact you 1-2 weeks before your possession date to arrange the appointment for you to sign transfer documents.
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- Lender – Contact your mortgage lender to arrange an appointment to finalize mortgage details. This appointment often happens within two weeks before possession.
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- Insurance – Set up your home insurance policy with an insurance broker before the possession date.
On Possession Day
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- Keys – Your Realtor will contact you to give you your new keys once the lawyers have finalized all the details and dispersed the money from your bank/credit union to everyone who needs to be paid.
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- Utilities – Read meters & call Manitoba Hydro, municipality office and internet & phone companies to update your accounts
If you have sold the home you are moving from…
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- Keys – Bring extra keys and garage remotes to your Realtor for the buyers
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- Insurance – Cancel house insurance on your previous property
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- Cleaning – You want to ensure the house you have sold is clean and presentable when you leave for the last time by completing this checklist:
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- Vacuum/wash floors
- Dust
- Clean windows
- Wipe down walls + baseboards
- Replace burnt-out light bulbs
- Clean appliances and ensure good working order
- Sweep garage
- Cut grass, do weeding, trimming or snow removal
- Check furnace filter and replace if necessary
- Check septic tank (if applicable)
- Clean up all trash and belongings
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Keep in mind that you may need to repeat this list at your new home, but hopefully the sellers have also thoroughly cleaned it for you.
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- Utilities – Call the city/municipality office and Manitoba Hydro to advise them of your move and submit your meter readings.
Moving Tips
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- Keep your house keys on you so you always have them as you need them.
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- Use protective gear such as padding, extra cardboard, blankets, pillows etc. to avoid denting furniture or walls on your first day.
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- Keep things like cash, a phone charger, first aid kit, garbage bags, tape, scissors, craft knife and a toolbox handy. You’ll thank yourself later. And don’t forget the snacks and hydration!
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- Invest in borrowing, renting or buying a furniture dolly or cart to save some back pain.
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- Set up bathroom essentials first thing – toilet paper, garbage can, soap, hand towel and don’t forget the shower curtain for the blissful shower at the end of the day.
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- Consider packing a “carry-on” bag for each member of your family – pack toiletries, a change of clothes, prescription medications, chargers, etc. to help the day go a bit more smoothly.
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- Your pets may feel the stress of a new home – be equipped with food, water bowl, special treats and favourite toys.
After Possession
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- Mail – Contact Canada Post and arrange your new mailbox and keys.
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- Address – Update your new address on all documentation – driver’s license, Manitoba Health card, credit cards, banking accounts, etc.