Can I pay the balance needed to buy a property by personal cheque?

Usually, closing funds need to be provided in the form required for the transaction, which is often certified funds rather than a personal cheque. The exact instructions depend on timing and how the funds need to be received before closing. You should confirm this in advance so there is enough time to prepare the correct form of payment.

How long does it take to close a purchase or sale after conditions are removed?

The timeline depends on the closing date in the agreement and how quickly the remaining steps can be completed. Once conditions are removed, there is usually a set period for financing, documents, funds, and registration to be finalized. It is best to involve a lawyer early so there is enough time to address anything that comes up before closing.

On a sale, will I receive the proceeds that same day?

Not always. Sale proceeds are usually released once funds have been received, the transaction has closed, and any required payouts or adjustments have been completed. In some cases this happens the same day, but timing can vary depending on when funds are received and processed.

Why do I need home insurance on a condominium if the condo corporation already has insurance?

Condominium corporation insurance and personal condominium insurance do not cover the same things. The corporation’s policy generally covers the building as a whole and certain common elements. Your own policy may cover personal belongings, improvements to your unit, personal liability, and other gaps that the corporation’s insurance does not.

On a refinance or private sale, can I sell the property for whatever I want?

There may be legal, lender, tax, or valuation issues to consider depending on the situation. In a private sale or refinance, the amount involved is not always just a personal choice. The structure of the deal, the property value, and any existing mortgage or related obligations can all affect what is required.

Can I sign real estate documents by DocuSign or another e-signature platform?

Some documents may be handled electronically, but not every document can be signed that way. Whether e-signatures can be used depends on the type of document, the transaction, and what needs to be witnessed or verified. It is best to confirm early what can be signed remotely and what may still require an in-person signing.

Do you need a lawyer to buy a house in Saskatchewan?

Yes. A lawyer is required to complete the legal transfer of a property. They handle registration, coordinate with your lender, and make sure everything is properly finalized. Most buyers involve a lawyer shortly after their offer is accepted.

When should I contact a real estate lawyer?

The best time is right after you have a firm agreement in place. For purchases, that means once your offer is accepted. For sales, it is after conditions are removed. For refinancing, it is when your financing has been approved. If you are unsure, it is fine to reach out earlier.

What does a real estate lawyer actually do during the process?

A real estate lawyer manages the legal side of the transaction from start to finish. This includes reviewing documents, working with your lender, preparing closing documents, transferring funds, and registering the property. They also make sure issues are addressed before closing so there are no delays.

What happens if something comes up before closing?

Most issues that come up before closing are manageable, but they need to be dealt with quickly. This could include title issues, missing documents, or financing delays. Your lawyer works to resolve these issues so the closing date stays on track.

How long does the closing process take?

The timeline is usually set out in your purchase agreement and is often a few weeks. Your lawyer works within that timeline to make sure everything is ready. Delays can happen, but they are often related to financing or missing information rather than the legal process itself.

Is the closing process different in Saskatchewan?

The overall process is similar to other provinces, but there are local requirements around title registration and timelines. Working with a lawyer familiar with Saskatchewan real estate helps make sure everything is handled correctly.

Do I need a different lawyer for buying and selling?

In most cases, the same lawyer can handle both sides if the timing works. If you are buying and selling at the same time, coordinating both transactions can help make the process more efficient.

What do I need to bring when signing documents?

You will typically need valid government-issued identification, proof of insurance if you are buying, and certified funds for closing costs. SHD Law Group provides clear instructions ahead of your appointment so you know exactly what is required.

Real Estate Law

Buying, selling, or refinancing a property involves a lot of moving parts. Most of it happens on a timeline you don’t fully control.

By the time you start looking for a real estate lawyer, you are usually already in the middle of it.

We work with clients across Saskatoon, Warman, Martensville, and surrounding areas and throughout Saskatchewan to handle the legal side of these transactions. Our role is to keep things organized, make sure nothing is missed, and help your closing move forward without unnecessary delays.

Contact Us >

Real Estate Legal Services

Most people reach out when something specific is already happening. A purchase is firm. A sale is scheduled. A refinance is approved.

The legal work ties all those pieces together and makes the transaction official.

Buying a Home

We step in once you have a firm deal and handle the legal steps to transfer the property into your name.

Selling a Home

We prepare the documents, coordinate with the buyer’s lawyer, and make sure funds and title are handled correctly.

We will also work with your lender to discharge your mortgage and pay all Realtor commissions if applicable.

Refinancing

We work with your lender to update your mortgage and properly register the new financing, pay all necessary obligations, and deposit the net proceeds into your account.

Buying a Home

Once your offer is accepted, the focus shifts quickly from negotiation to execution. There are deadlines to meet, documents to prepare, and conditions to satisfy.

We handle:

reviewing the purchase agreement
confirming title details and identifying issues
working with your lender on mortgage instructions
calculating adjustments such as property taxes
preparing documents for signing

Most purchases are straightforward, but when something comes up, it is usually time-sensitive. Addressing it early helps keep things simple.

For many people, buying a home is also a point where it makes sense to review or put a plan in place for the future.

Wills and Estates >

Selling a Home

Selling a property involves a different set of steps, but timing is just as important.

We take care of:

preparing transfer documents
coordinating with the buyer’s lawyer
arranging the payout of your mortgage
confirming final figures and adjustments

Funds, documents, and registration all need to line up on the closing date. We monitor that closely so there are no last-minute issues.

Refinancing Your Property

Refinancing is often tied to a specific goal, whether that is adjusting your mortgage or accessing equity. We work directly with your lender to keep the process moving.

Your lender will require a lawyer to:

prepare and register the new mortgage
confirm title details
handle payout of your existing mortgage, and other necessary obligations.

If your refinance ties into a business or investment decision, there may be a few additional legal considerations to keep in mind.

Corporate & Commercial Law Services >

The Real Estate Closing Process

Closing is when everything becomes final, but it is really the result of a series of steps coming together at the right time. By the time you reach this stage, most of the work has already been done behind the scenes.

Before Closing

In the days leading up to closing, we prepare documents, confirm financing, and make sure all conditions have been met. We also calculate final amounts so you know exactly what to expect.

On Closing Day

Funds are transferred, documents are finalized, and the property is registered in the buyer’s name. This is when ownership officially changes hands.

What You Need to Prepare

We will provide clear instructions ahead of time. In most cases, you will need:

valid identification
proof of insurance (for buyers)
certified funds for closing costs

Most clients expect this stage to be more complicated than it is. Once everything is in place, it tends to move in a structured and predictable way.

From Our Clients

“What an amazingly pleasant experience on my recent real estate transaction. Bryton was thorough, efficient and kept me informed step-by-step as documents were prepared and/or needed. Sami covered everything I needed to know and why... I was able to complete closing on the transaction a full 6 weeks earlier than I'd expected. Excellent communications throughout the process. Prompt completion of all financial aspects of the transaction really helped reduce my stress level.” - DZ.

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When to Contact a Real Estate Lawyer

A common question is whether you need to wait until everything is finalized before reaching out. It's usually time to contact a lawyer if:

your offer is accepted for a purchase
you have a firm agreement for a sale
when financing is approved for a refinance

If you are unsure, it is fine to reach out earlier. It is easier to plan ahead than to step in late when timelines are tight.

Real Estate Law FAQs

Usually, closing funds need to be provided in the form required for the transaction, which is often certified funds rather than a personal cheque. The exact instructions depend on timing and how the funds need to be received before closing.
You should always confirm this in advance so there is enough time to prepare the correct form of payment.
The timeline depends on the closing date in the agreement and how quickly the remaining steps can be completed. Once conditions are removed, there is usually a set period for financing, documents, funds, and registration to be finalized.
The best approach is to get a lawyer involved early so there is enough time to deal with anything that comes up before closing.
Not always.
Sale proceeds are usually released once funds have been received, the transaction has closed, and any required payouts or adjustments have been completed. In some cases that happens the same day, but timing can vary depending on when funds are received and processed.
Condominium corporation insurance and your own insurance do not cover the same things.
The corporation’s policy generally covers the building as a whole and certain common elements. Your own policy is still important because it may cover your personal belongings, improvements to your unit, personal liability, and other gaps that the corporation’s insurance does not.
There may be legal, lender, tax, or valuation issues to consider depending on the situation.
In a private sale or refinance, the amount involved is not always just a personal choice. The structure of the deal, the property value, and any existing mortgage or related obligations can all affect what makes sense and what is required.
Some documents may be handled electronically, but not every document can be signed that way.
Whether e-signatures can be used depends on the type of document, the transaction, and what needs to be witnessed or verified. It is best to confirm early in the process what can be signed remotely and what may still require an in-person signing.
Yes. A lawyer is required to complete the legal transfer of a property. They handle registration, coordinate with your lender, and make sure everything is properly finalized.
Most buyers involve a lawyer shortly after their offer is accepted.
The best time is right after you have a firm agreement in place.
For purchases, that means once your offer is accepted. For sales, it is after conditions are removed. For refinancing, it is when your financing has been approved.
If you are unsure, it is fine to reach out earlier.
Your lawyer manages the legal side of the transaction from start to finish.
This includes reviewing documents, working with your lender, preparing closing documents, transferring funds, and registering the property. They also make sure any issues are addressed before closing so there are no delays.
Most issues that come up are manageable, but they need to be dealt with quickly.
This could include title issues, missing documents, or financing delays. Your lawyer works to resolve these, so the closing date stays on track. Catching things early makes them much easier to deal with.
The timeline is usually set out in your purchase agreement and is often a few weeks.
Your lawyer works within that timeline to make sure everything is ready. Delays can happen, but they are often related to financing or missing information rather than the legal process itself.
The overall process is similar to other provinces, but there are some local requirements around title registration and timelines. Working with a lawyer familiar with Saskatchewan real estate helps make sure everything is handled correctly.
In most cases, the same lawyer can handle both sides if the timing works.
If you are buying and selling at the same time, coordinating both transactions can help make things more efficient.
You will typically need:
- valid government-issued identification
- proof of insurance (for buyers)
- certified funds for closing costs
You will receive clear instructions ahead of your appointment so you know exactly what is required.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are getting close to a purchase, sale, or refinance, or just want to understand next steps, we are here to help.