What Is a Real Estate Lawyer?

Your real estate lawyer is the legal risk manager, translator, and closer for your property deal. We protect your rights, coordinate all parties, and make sure the transfer is accurate and on time.

• Contract review: explain deadlines, contingencies, adjustments, and what happens if conditions aren’t met.
• Title search: identify liens, easements, encroachments, boundary or zoning issues, and unpaid taxes that could affect use or value.
• Lender coordination: follow mortgage instructions, verify down payment sources, and prepare documents for execution.
• Registration: prepare the transfer and charge, register ownership and mortgage, and confirm key release.
• Protection: arrange title insurance to help guard against certain fraud, survey, or unknown defect risks.

For a deeper look at our approach and services, see our real estate law service page.

Real Estate Lawyer Toronto: Why It Matters

• Fast markets: tight offer timelines demand precise execution and clear communication among your team.
• Condo complexity: status certificates can reveal special assessments, reserve fund issues, or rule restrictions—your lawyer reads the fine print.
• New-build nuances: builder agreements include adjustment clauses, warranty coverage, occupancy periods, and strict timelines.
• Multiple taxes: Toronto transactions often involve both provincial and municipal land transfer taxes; filings and timing matter.
• Diverse client needs: multilingual service (English, Hindi, Punjabi) and virtual consults reduce friction for busy buyers, sellers, and newcomers.

We often add Independent Legal Advice (ILA) when a parent co-signs, a spouse is added to title, or a guarantee is involved—keeping everyone’s interests protected. If that’s you, our team can coordinate ILA alongside your closing.

How the Closing Process Works (Step-by-Step)

Here’s the flow from accepted offer to key pickup. Use these steps as a checklist with your realtor and lender.

1. Engage your lawyer: send us your signed APS and valid photo ID right after acceptance. Earlier is even better.
2. Open the file: we confirm deadlines, collect contact details, and start our title search and document requests.
3. Title search & requisitions: we investigate title and send formal requests to the seller’s lawyer for any issues to be fixed.
4. Condo status review (if applicable): we analyze the corporation’s financial health, rules, and any litigation.
5. Lender coordination: we receive instructions, prepare mortgage documents, and set up insurance and tax accounts as required.
6. Closing prep: we assemble the statement of adjustments and closing package, schedule signing (in person or virtual), and confirm funds.
7. Registration & funds: we register the transfer and mortgage, release funds, and confirm when keys are available.
8. Post-closing: you receive a reporting package with copies of registered documents and final statements.

What We Watch Closely

• Deadlines: waiver periods, financing approvals, inspection timelines, and condo status review dates.
• Title defects: liens, construction liens, encroachments, un-discharged mortgages, or boundary problems.
• Condo risks: special assessments, reserve fund deficits, short-term rental restrictions, or rule violations.
• New-build clauses: HST treatment, assignment rights, delayed closing compensation, occupancy fee calculations.
• Lender conditions: insurance binders, down payment verification, property tax setup, and any holdbacks.

Need related documents notarized or witnessed? Our services include in-house notarization, Affidavits, Powers of Attorney, and quick Will preparation when a file calls for it.

Types of Toronto Transactions

Different properties and contract structures call for different legal checks. Here’s how we tailor the approach.

Freehold (Detached, Semi, Town)

• Survey and lot lines: confirm no encroachments or easements limit use or future projects.
• Zoning and permits: check for open permits, outstanding work orders, or non-conforming uses.
• Utilities and access: private easements, shared driveways, or private wells/septic systems need proper documentation.

Condominiums

• Status certificate review: financial health, legal proceedings, reserve fund contributions, and rules that affect renting or renovations.
• Common elements: confirm parking and locker legal descriptions match what you expect.
• Bylaws and rules: pet limits, short-term rental restrictions, balcony use, noise, and renovation approvals.

New Construction

• Builder contracts: detailed addendums, adjustment clauses, and finish schedules require close review.
• Occupancy vs. final closing: understand occupancy periods, fee structures, and warranty timelines.
• Warranty coverage: track warranty windows and process claims promptly when defects arise.

Assignments & Private Sales

• Assignment terms: consent requirements, caps on assignments, and tax treatment considerations.
• Private deals: additional diligence and clear documentation when there’s no agent oversight.

Best Practices Buyers and Sellers Swear By

Before You Sign

• Loop in your lawyer early: share draft offers or builder agreements for a quick read before you commit.
• Keep contingencies realistic: financing, inspection, and status review periods protect you—don’t waive lightly.
• Ask about ILA: adding a spouse or parent to title, acting as guarantor, or private lending often requires Independent Legal Advice.

While You’re Firm

• Speed up documents: send ID, mortgage details, proof of down payment, and insurance binder quickly.
• Confirm inclusions: appliances, parking/locker, and fixtures should match the APS—flag differences early.
• Plan the move: book movers, elevator timeslots, and utility transfers before closing week.

Closing Week

• Signing appointment: schedule in person at our Etobicoke office near Highway 27 and Albion Road or meet virtually.
• Final walkthrough: test appliances, faucets, and lights; photograph any issues to share promptly.
• Key timing: keys are typically available after registration—align your move-in plans accordingly.

If your deal also needs a Power of Attorney—for example, a partner who’s traveling on closing day—our team can prepare it. Learn more on our Power of Attorney service page.

Tools & Resources We Use

• Ontario land registration systems: for title searches and electronic registration of transfers and mortgages.
• Title insurance providers: to help protect against certain fraud, survey, and unknown title risks.
• Condo platforms and corporation docs: status certificates, bylaws, budgets, and rules for due diligence.
• GTA-specific checklists: to track municipal requirements, closing-day logistics, and tax considerations.

Need to tackle related tasks in one place? Explore our connected legal services for notarization, affidavits, wills and estates, business law, and more.

GTA Case Examples

Here are scenarios we see frequently across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, and nearby communities.

• First-time buyer in Etobicoke: financing approval lagged; we negotiated a short extension and closed on time.
• Mississauga condo investor: status review flagged short-term rental restrictions; client adjusted strategy before firming up.
• Vaughan new-build: we mapped builder adjustments early so occupancy and final closing weren’t a surprise.
• Brampton freehold: an old work order surfaced; we arranged clearance before closing.
• Downsizing couple: title transfer and a limited Purpose Power of Attorney kept moving plans flexible.
• Parent co-signer: Independent Legal Advice completed to protect all parties and satisfy lender requirements.
• Private sale townhouse: extra diligence on disclosures, permits, and inclusions avoided closing-day friction.
• Assignment deal: we confirmed consent requirements and reviewed tax treatment in advance.
• Parking/locker mismatch: corrected the legal description in time to avoid title issues.
• Newcomer family: multilingual support reduced stress, ensured clarity, and kept timelines on track.
• Estate sale: discharge of a prior owner’s debts cleared title for transfer.

Pricing & What’s Included

We follow a transparent, upfront model with no hidden fees. Specific quotes depend on property type and complexity, but buyers and sellers can typically expect:

• Plain-English contract review and risk guidance.
• Title search and requisitions to the seller’s lawyer.
• Mortgage document preparation and lender coordination.
• Preparation and registration of transfer and charge (mortgage).
• Title insurance coordination based on your needs and lender requirements.
• Closing-day funds transfer and confirmation of key availability.
• Post-closing reporting package with copies of registered documents.

If your file also needs Independent Legal Advice, notarization, Powers of Attorney, or a quick Will, we can bundle support to keep everything moving under one roof.

FAQ

When should I hire a real estate lawyer?

Right after your offer is accepted—earlier if possible. Early involvement lets us flag risky clauses, confirm timelines, and coordinate with your lender and realtor before deadlines get tight.

Do I need a lawyer for a condo purchase?

Yes. Status certificates, bylaws, and corporation finances determine what you can do with the unit. We translate the documents, flag risks, and verify legal descriptions for your unit, parking, and locker.

What is title insurance and do I need it?

Title insurance helps protect against certain risks like fraud, unknown liens, or survey issues. Most lenders require it. We review coverage options and arrange policies during closing.

Can you work with my lender and realtor?

Absolutely. We coordinate conditions, documents, and funds so everyone moves in sync. That’s how files close on time without surprises.

What else can your firm help with?

Independent Legal Advice, Notary Public Services, Affidavits, Powers of Attorney, Wills & Estates, Business Law, and more. Keeping everything with one team reduces delays and miscommunication.

Key Takeaways & Next Steps

• Engage your lawyer early; a quick pre-sign review can save days later.
• Use checklists: ID, lender instructions, insurance binder, and condo status are the gating items.
• Ask questions: there are no “silly” questions when you’re buying a home.
• Bundle support: ILA, POA, notarization, and wills under the same roof keep your file moving.

Ready to move forward? Visit Vikram Sharma Law Professional Corporation at 23 Westmore Dr. Unit #218A, Toronto, ON M9V 3Y7. We serve Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, and Vaughan with clear guidance and reliable closings. Explore our real estate services or the broader legal services overview to get started.