How can a notary help?

A notary in BC can help with all real estate transfers, whether you are buying, selling or refinancing. In fact,  notaries in BC handle over 170,000 real estate transactions a year (as of 2018).  

A simple transaction usually involves reviewing the contract, performing searches, working with the lender (if a mortgage is involved), drafting the appropriate documents, executing documents, handling trust funds and reporting. 

We want to make the process as smooth and as worry-free as possible for the client.

How and when do I hire a notary?

Call or email me as soon as you have an accepted offer or a lender commitment so I can save you a spot in my closing calendar. As I am a small, solo practice, my calendar does book up quickly on busy month-ends - so get in touch early!

Please have your name, property address, and closing date ready so that I can run a conflict check and get you in my calendar. 

I am also available for help with subject removal - I can do title or contract reviews. Always seek advice if you are unsure!  

What closing costs can I expect?

Typical statement adjustments can include pro-rated debit/credits for property taxes, utilities, strata fees, rental income, security deposits. 

Closing costs can also include:

• Property transfer taxes or other taxes 

• Legal fees and disbursements 

• Title insurance and binder fees 

• Real estate commission (for sales only)

What's your fee?

Fees for real estate transactions can vary substantially, depending on the complexity of the file. I am happy to provide a competitive quote on request - please call or email. 

Joint tenants vs tenants in common

In joint tenancy, when one owner dies, their share can be easto the surviving owner(s). 

In tenancy in common, each owner can have a distinct share, and upon death, that share passes to their heirs according to their will or the laws of intestacy, not automatically to the other co-owners. 

Tenants in common can hold different proportions of ownership (e.g., one person owns 60%, another owns 40%) as each tenant in common has their own separate and individual interest in the property. 

Example 1: Spouses often own property as joint tenants, which allows the property to pass to the surviving joint tenant spouse without the need for obtaining the grant of probate. 

Example 2: If two business partners own a property as tenants in common, and one partner dies, their share would be inherited by their heirs, not automatically transferred to the surviving partner. 

Want to ask me something?

Email me at beth@leenotary.ca or telephone 250-363-9611. A quick chat is always free.