Most people who buy a house do so with the help of an estate agent. After the estate agent draws up the purchase contract and the parties sign it, the documents are sent to the notary. After signing the purchase contract, the notary starts preparing the transfer. This requires a lot of information. Not only from the parties, but also from the public registers and the banks involved. On the day the transfer takes place, the purchase price must also be paid, so the bank must send everything surrounding the mortgage to the notary before then. Before the transfer, the notary prepares a statement of account, say a financial statement, for all parties. After the transfer, copies of the deeds are immediately registered at the Land Registry. Only when the registration has taken place properly, the notary can transfer the funds to the seller and his mortgage is repaid.
Mortgage deed
Most buyers also need a mortgage to purchase the property. After signing the bank's offer, the bank sends the documents to the notary, who then invites the customer to sign.
Interpreter
At our office, we are increasingly working with clients who do not have sufficient or no command of the Dutch language. This need not to be a problem, of course. However, it is then mandatory that an interpreter is present when signing the deed or during discussions. We believe it is important that our clients are well informed about the choices to be made and the content of the documents. We are therefore happy to arrange an interpreter.
After all, with an interpreter present, our clients know which documents they are signing and what the consequences are. This is best done in their native language.
