August 2011

Whether you’re a first time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner looking to move into a new house, it’s always recommended that you retain a lawyer to help you make sure the transaction goes as smoothly as possible.

A real estate lawyer can help:

• Advise and explain the Agreement of Purchase and Sale and what it means in relation to your rights as a homebuyer
• Ensure clear title to the house you’re buying, so that you’re actually buying the house that you think you’re buying and that there are no problems with the title to the house that may expose you to litigation or other hazards in the future
• Ensure compliance with municipal bylaws, zoning requirements, and all required building and fire codes – especially important for buyers who intend to rent out a basement apartment for example
• Draft and take care of all paperwork in relation to the real estate transaction, including the deed, mortgage and lending documents with your lender, the bill of sale for chattels, residency declarations, and more
• Advise on tax matters related to the real estate transaction, including the Ontario Land Transfer Tax, the Toronto Land Transfer Tax, and the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST/GST)
• Advise on federal and provincial incentives and rebates for new and existing homeowners