A. Notary/Lawyer fees normally $1,450.00 plus GST includes conveyance fees, preparation of statement of adjustments, and mortgage registration costs.

B. Property transfer tax of 1% on first $200,000, 2% on remainder. If you are a first time home buyer, there is a program to provide full or partial relief from this tax under specific conditions.

C. Appraisal (standard) $375.00 plus GST (location and size can vary the cost). Lenders may require an appraisal of the property to support the lending value of the property. 

D. Site Survey certificate $1,000.00 plus GST (local city property). If there is an existing site survey - $200.00 plus GST. Lenders may require a survey to support the transaction. A survey is a drawing by a certified surveyor of the property lines and where the building sits on the property. This is done so the lender can verify exactly where and what they are lending on, and to provide some assurances the buildings are not illegally encroaching on neighbouring properties, etc. The cost of the survey varies for size/complexity of the property. 

E. Title Insurance $200.00 plus GST. If property does not have a Site Survey you can purchase Title Insurance. Some Lenders require Site Survey and Title Insurance. 

F. Property Inspection $550.00 plus GST. An inspection is a thorough evaluation of the structure, system and components of a home and commonly part of a home purchase. The inspection report is usually multi-paged, and comments on the condition of, but not limited to: foundations, electrical, plumbing, heating, water heaters, appliances, fireplaces, drainage, roof, walls, floors, attic, crawl spaces, patios, etc. The cost is well worth identifying any major cost repairs required before purchasing a home. Additional charges may include $450.00 (depends on age and type) for septic inspection, $250 for well water testing and an added cost for a WETT Certificate (wood stove, wood burning fireplace), shop, in law suite. 

G. Property Tax Adjustments - Generally, property taxes for the calendar year are paid at the beginning of July. If you purchase a property before July 1st, the seller will be paying you for the days they owned the home from January 1st to completion day. You then are responsible for the entire amount to be paid to the municipality on July 1st. If you purchase a property after July 1st, you will pay the seller for the days you own the property from completion day to December 31st, as they will already have paid the entire amount to the municipality on July 1st. 

H. Consider Mortgage Insurance. In some cases, lenders require this insurance. 

* These are estimates only.

1. Gather packing supplies before you start. There's nothing more frustrating than having to stop half-way through a packing session in order to get more supplies.

2. Packed boxes should weigh less than 50 pounds. Pack heavier items on the bottom.

3. Stuff boxes with small fabric items such as socks, scarves, pillow cases and other in holes and crevices in boxes - just make sure you keep pairs of socks together!

4. Pack small items in small boxes then place them into a large box. Label all boxes, large or small. Small, loose items should be boxed or bagged and sealed securely before placing into a larger box.

5. Know which items your mover will not move. Keep an inventory list of each box and its contents. This will be necessary if a box goes missing and you need to make a claim.

6. Keep clothing in dresser drawers. Tape drawers shut with tape that won't destroy wood finishes or paint.

7. Keep a box labeled "Load last, unload first" for the essentials you'll need when you arrive. Read more about what to include in your essentials box.

8. Keep important records with you. Don't move them with the rest of your household goods. If you can't take them with you in the car, then send them on ahead with a secure courier company.

9. Fill empty spots with lighter linens. This can be done with your washer and dryer, and the vegetable crisper in the refrigerator.

10. Keep items where they belong. For example, when packing the silverware/flatware, keep it in its tray then tape bubble wrap around it to secure the contents. This is easier than sorting out all those pieces after your move.

11. Tape screws, bolts and other loose items to underside of furniture. Make sure you bag them first.

12. Keep tools you'll need to reassemble furniture in a separate box that is clearly marked. There's nothing worse than arriving at your new home late at night, wanting to put the bed together and not knowing where the screwdriver is.

13. Do not use standard garbage bags! They rip and tear too easily. If you're going to pack linens and clothing in garbage bags, purchase the thicker, heavy ones to ensure they don't break during the move. Or double up. Some moving companies don't like you using garbage bags so check first if you can use them to pack. The great thing about garbage bags full of clothing is that they can be squished into nooks and holes, protecting furniture and using less space.

14. Keep items from the same room together. This will make it easier to sort the contents after you move.

15. Get everyone involved. Make a task list, then divide out the jobs that each person can do. Organizing your household will not only save you time and energy, but will make your whole family feel like part of this adventure.

16. Get started now! It's never too late to plan, sort and start packing.