When you remove conditions, you are officially all in. The deal is firm.
When you take possession, you get the keys.

Those are two very different moments  and squeezing them too close together is where unnecessary stress creeps in.

I strongly recommend a minimum two-week gap between condition removal and possession. Not because it’s “nice to have.” Because it protects you. 

Here’s why.

1. Breathing Room to Make Sure Everything Is Actually Done

Condition removal means financing, inspection, condo docs (if applicable), and anything else in the contract has been satisfied.

It does not mean the moving truck should be idling outside.

Those two weeks give us time to:

• Arrange a proper final walkthrough and

  • Confirm agreed-upon repairs are completed

  • Make sure inclusions are still there

  • Catch anything odd before money changes hands

Last-minute surprises are far less dramatic when you aren’t moving in 48 hours.

2. Money Logistics (This Is Where People Get Tripped Up)

After conditions are removed, your lender and lawyer get busy.

There are:

• Final mortgage instructions

• Adjustments

• Title searches

• Insurance confirmation (you will need to arrange this before you meet with the lawyer)

• Bank drafts (and  PLEASE confirm the amount with your lawyer before you sprint to the bank)

Two weeks gives your lawyer time to prepare your file properly and schedule your signing appointment without rushing.

Rushed paperwork is where mistakes happen and none of us want to deal with mistakes.

3. Moving Is a Military Operation

Let’s be honest. Moving is not casual.

You need to:

• Book movers

• Arrange cleaners

• Set up utilities

• Transfer insurance

And here’s a pro tip: book movers and cleaners for mid- to late-afternoon on possession day. Funds transfer first. Keys come after. Rarely do we get the keys before noon regardless of what the contract says.

Two weeks lets you schedule properly instead of panic-booking whoever is available.

4. Life Happens

Vacations. Lender document requests. Unexpected work commitments. Title delays.

A two-week buffer absorbs normal human life without derailing your move. Please let your lawyer know if you have travel plans before closing. Unlike signing the offer, the final documents need to be  signed in real life. 

The Bottom Line

Could you do a one-week gap? Sometimes especially if you are paying cash (ie no mortgage)
Should you? Rarely. 

If you ever want to talk through timelines on a specific deal, I’m happy to map it out with you. My job isn’t just getting you the house — it’s getting you there without chaos.