A lawyer (or a notary in Quebec) will protect your legal interests, such as ensuring the property you want to buy doesn’t have any building or statutory liens or charges or work or clean‐up orders associated with it.
When choosing a real estate lawyer, keep these 4 things in mind:
- Your lawyer should be a licensed full‐time lawyer or notary.
- Your lawyer should be local, which will give your extra expertise in local real estate laws, regulations, and restrictions.
- Your lawyer’s fees should be realistic and acceptable.
- Your lawyer should be able to explain things in plain language.
Your lawyer will review all your contracts before you sign them, especially the offer (or agreement) to purchase. Having a lawyer or notary involved in the process will give you peace of mind and ensure things go smoothly. Law associations can refer lawyers and notaries who specialize in real estate law.
Lawyer and notary fees range widely and depend on the complexity of the transaction, so make sure you shop around for rates.