PlayInfoBox

Home /Education /Closing Day: Paying the Balance and Transferring Title

Closing Day: Paying the Balance and Transferring Title

Tap each step to see it in order.

  1. Recheck the title record right before closing

    Pull the title record again immediately before you pay the balance to confirm no new lien or claim has been placed on the property since the contract was signed.

  2. Gather the documents needed for title transfer

    Sellers typically need to provide proof of ownership, an ID document, and a certificate of residence, while buyers need ID and any required registration forms. If you're using a licensed closing agent or conveyancer, ask in advance exactly which documents they need from each side.

  3. Coordinate clearing any existing lien with the final payment

    If there's still an existing lien on the property, it's common to use part of the final payment to pay it off and receive the lien-release paperwork at the same time -- so coordinate the order of these steps in advance with your closing agent and the other party.

  4. Pay the balance

    Pay the final amount specified in the contract, and settle any shared costs -- like prorated maintenance fees or utility bills -- that were agreed on as special terms at this same point.

  5. File for title transfer

    After the balance is paid, your closing agent typically files the title transfer with the relevant land registry. Many jurisdictions set a deadline -- often around 60 days -- after which late filing can trigger a fine, so don't delay.

  6. Confirm the transfer went through

    Once the filing has had time to process, pull the title record one more time to make a final check that ownership has actually transferred to you.

Closing day is when ownership actually changes hands

Paying the balance and filing for title transfer often happen on the same day, so preparing the required documents and steps in advance keeps things running smoothly. This is general information and doesn't replace advice from a licensed conveyancer or legal professional.

Know how to read the title record itself

If you'd like to understand exactly what you're checking when you pull the title record before closing, see our guide on how to read a property title record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the title transfer complete the same day as closing?

On closing day, the documents needed for the filing are exchanged and the filing itself is submitted to the registry, but it can take several days after that for the transfer to actually be reflected in the official record.

Do I have to use a professional to handle the title transfer?

You can often file it yourself, but the paperwork and process can be complex and mistakes can be hard to undo, so most buyers choose to have a licensed conveyancer or closing agent handle it.