Practical Guide #3: Steps to refinancing a mortgage at the notary

Practical Guide #3

Refinancing Your Mortgage in Quebec: What Really Happens at the Notary’s Office

Thinking about refinancing your mortgage? Whether you’re planning renovations, consolidating debt, or securing a better interest rate, your bank isn’t the only player in the process. Once your refinancing is approved, a notary takes over.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect — and how to keep things moving.

1. Sign your loan offer with the bank

Once you’ve negotiated the terms with your lender, you’ll be asked to sign a formal loan agreement. This document confirms your acceptance and authorizes the notary to move forward with the legal paperwork.

At this stage:

• You don’t need a notary just yet.
• The bank will handle sending everything to the notary afterward.

2. The notary receives the official mandate

After you’ve signed, your lender sends a refinancing mandate to your notary (or to Notairo, if you’ve chosen us). This is the formal go-ahead to start preparing the mortgage deed.

The notary will receive:

• A copy of the signed loan offer
• The exact loan amount
• Your previous mortgage number (if applicable)

3. Your file is prepared

The notary now drafts the official hypothec (mortgage) document and conducts a land registry search to ensure the property title is clear and valid.

You may be asked to provide:

• A copy of your current mortgage deed
• Valid ID for all borrowers
• A void cheque for fund transfers (if required)

4. In-person signing at the notary’s office

When the paperwork is ready, you’ll be invited to sign the mortgage deed in person. The notary will walk you through the terms, explain your obligations, and answer any questions before the signing.

Key points:

• All borrowers must attend the appointment.
• The signing takes place in person at the notary’s office.

5. Registration in the land registry

Once signed, the notary registers the new hypothec in the Quebec Land Register, which makes the new loan legally binding and enforceable.

This is a crucial step — the bank can’t release the funds until it’s done.

6. Funds are released

After registration, the lender releases the money. Depending on your situation:

• Funds are deposited into your account
• Or used to repay an existing mortgage or other debts directly

7. You receive your official documents

Once everything is complete, the notary sends you:

• An official copy of the notarial deed
• A receipt for your records (useful for tax or accounting purposes)

Quick Timeline Overview

Ready to refinance?

Make the process smoother, faster, and stress-free by choosing a notary who understands your needs and keeps you in the loop.

Let Notairo handle the legal steps so you can focus on your project.