JAMAICAN REAL ESTATE CHARGES

(A) CASH SALES

• On deposit of 10% - 20% of the selling price, and upon signing of the sales agreement, the transaction commences
• Stamp Office - approximately 3 weeks for stamping documents
• If sales agreement indicates balance is payable on signing Registrable Transfer (as opposed to balance being payable on the transfer of title), then COMPLETION MAY BE ACHIEVED WITHIN 30 DAYS
  This situation, however, is highly unlikely and hardly ever occurs. A more reasonable time expectation is 90 days.

To accomplish a shorter time frame, however, factors to consider:-

1. That all funds are in hand and available
   - where are funds?
   - ensure funds not tied up on deposit.
2. That vendor and purchaser are on the island
   - if either is overseas, the requirement to send documents abroad adds considerably more time
3. That premises are vacant
   - if tenanted, tenants require notice
   - if monthly tenants, 30 days notice from the due date is required and should be served prior to the due date
4. Purchaser's attorney to carry out title search before signing of the sale agreement and paying the deposit
5. If the stamp office wants to value the property this can cause a delay 

(B) SALES CONDITIONAL UPON MORTGAGE

Realistically - consider 5 - 6 months

• First, confirm qualifications for a mortgage - can you qualify by yourself or by combining with another party/parties?acquire a list of all information and documents, which shall be required by the mortgage company.
• Ascertain the date of their meetings for approving applications. If you miss the date, their following meeting may not be held for a further 4 - 6 weeks.
• It can take 45 days to receive a letter of commitment.
• All funds must be accounted for before your attorney can provide his letter of undertaking to vendor's attorney.
• This transaction may involve as many as four attorneys, one for the purchaser, one for the vendor, one for your mortgage company, one for the company with the current mortgage to be discharged. Documents have to travel back and forth extensively.
• If stamp office wants to value the property this can cause further delay!

THUS ALTHOUGH COMPLETION MAY BE HOPED FOR IN 3 - 4 MONTHS, IT IS MORE USUAL THAT THE PROCESS TAKES 5 - 6 MONTHS.

1. Taking instructions from the Vendor.

2. Taking details from the Purchasers.

3. Obtaining a copy of the Certificate of Title.

5. Preparing the Agreement for Sale and submitting same to the Purchasers Attorney and in some instances, the Vendor, before submitting same to the Purchasers Attorney.

6. Settling differences before the finalization of the Agreement.

7. Finalization of the Agreement and providing copies to the parties of the Agreement.

8. Sending the Agreement to the Stamp Office and obtaining a tax certificate and up to date water rates receipt.

9. Checking with the mortgage company to obtain a mortgage commitment.

10. Writing to the company holding the security to obtain the Certificate of Title and Discharge of Mortgage.

11. Preparation of statements of account for the Vendor and Purchaser.

12. Preparation of the transfer.

13. Cross-stamping the transfer.

14. Obtaining a letter of undertaking from the firm responsible for registering the mortgage.

15. Sending documents to the Mortgagors Attorney.

16. Preparing, stamping and registering the mortgage with the transfer.

17. Submitting documents to the Titles Office.

18. Collecting the relevant Certificate of Title.

19. Submitting the same for payment.

20. Preparation of final accounts.

21. Paying off the mortgage, utilities if any and balance of sale price the Vendors Attorney.