Mortgage refinancing: 3 things to know before signing with a notary
Have you renegotiated your mortgage for a better rate? Or are you transferring your mortgage to another lender?
Great news — that could save you big.
But in Quebec, even for a refinancing, you’ll need to sign with a notary. It’s a legal requirement, and the notary is the one who makes the transaction official.
Here are 3 key things to know before signing:
1. The notary’s role in a refinance
Contrary to what many think, the notary doesn’t just stamp a document and sign.
Their role is essential to:
- Draft the new mortgage deed
- Ensure the previous mortgage is discharged
- Verify the property’s compliance (title, taxes, easements)
- Register everything with the land registry
In short: the notary protects both you… and your lender.
2. The documents you'll need
To avoid delays (and headaches), prepare these ahead of time:
- A copy of your original deed of sale
- An official mortgage balance from your current lender
- Proof of home insurance
- Valid ID
- Your new loan offer (or approval letter)
Notaries in the Notairo network will send you a personalized checklist as soon as you request a quote.
3. How much does it cost?
Refinancing typically costs a bit less than a purchase, since there’s no promise to purchase to analyze or buyer-seller fund transfer.
Estimated costs for 2025:
|
Item |
Approximate cost |
|
Legal fees |
$900 to $1,500 |
|
Disbursements (registry, stamps, etc.) |
$300 to $600 |
|
Total |
$1,200 to $2,100 + taxes |
In some cases, these fees can be rolled into the refinance — check with your mortgage rep.
Bonus: Why choosing the right notary matters
The notary’s speed and thoroughness can be the difference between a smooth refinance and an administrative nightmare.
At Notairo:
- You get an instant quote online
- A professional, responsive notary is assigned to your file
- You can track everything clearly via your online dashboard
- You save time — without cutting corners
In short:
|
What to remember |
Why it matters |
|
✔️ A notary is mandatory |
They make your new loan official |
|
✔️ Documents are required |
Get them ready ahead of time |
|
✔️ Fees are reasonable |
Often rolled into your loan |
Ready to move forward?
Skip the phone tag, last-minute surprises, and paperwork chaos.
With Notairo, refinancing gets done with confidence.
