{"id":24921,"date":"2025-08-07T09:33:21","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T13:33:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/?p=24921"},"modified":"2025-11-26T12:50:12","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T17:50:12","slug":"real-estate-lawyer-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/real-estate-lawyer-guide","title":{"rendered":"Real Estate Lawyers &#8211; What Do They Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n<p>When buying or selling a home, you\u2019ll need to work with various professionals, from real estate agents to home inspectors to mortgage brokers. One often overlooked professional is a real estate lawyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But real estate lawyers are essential to the homebuying and selling process. In fact, you are required to hire a lawyer to register the transfer of property. Here are the other services a real estate attorney provides when buying or selling a home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-takeaways\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Real estate lawyers perform the essential service of facilitating the legal side of your home purchase or sale<\/li><li>To avoid a scramble to find a real estate lawyer, develop a shortlist of candidates you\u2019d like to work with when you begin viewing homes or before you list your property for sale<\/li><li>You should budget $1,000 to $2,000 for legal fees and disbursements<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"bg-white border-t border-b border-blacklight my-12 md:my-16 sticky md:relative top-0 md:top-auto z-10 md:z-auto alignwide  wp-block-zolo-block-toc \" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"wrapper relative max-w-2xl mx-auto md:py-8 flex flex-col flex-shrink-0 max-h-screen md:max-h-none\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"toc-toggle\" class=\"hidden\"\/><label for=\"toc-toggle\" class=\"flex justify-between cursor-pointer md:cursor-auto py-4\"><div class=\"toc-title leading-normal font-medium m-0\">In this article<\/div><svg class=\"w-6 h-6 fill-current text-blue md:hidden transition-transform duration-150 ease-in-out\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M22 12c0-5.5-4.5-10-10-10S2 6.5 2 12s4.5 10 10 10 10-4.5 10-10zM6.9 10.9l1.4-1.4 3.7 3.7 3.7-3.7 1.4 1.4L12 16l-5.1-5.1z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/label><nav id=\"toc-nav\" class=\"zolo-toc-nav max-h-0 md:max-h-full overflow-y-auto scrollbar-hidden overscroll-none\"><ul class=\"zolo-toc-list my-4\"><li><a class=\"entry-title no-underline hover:underline\" href=\"#key-takeaways\">Key Takeaways<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"entry-title no-underline hover:underline\" href=\"#what-is-a-real-estate-lawyer?\">What Is a Real Estate Lawyer?<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"entry-title no-underline hover:underline\" href=\"#what-does-a-real-estate-lawyer-do?\">What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"entry-title no-underline hover:underline\" href=\"#when-to-hire-a-real-estate-lawyer\">When to Hire a Real Estate Lawyer<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"entry-title no-underline hover:underline\" href=\"#how-much-does-a-real-estate-lawyer-cost?\">How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost?<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"entry-title no-underline hover:underline\" href=\"#how-to-find-a-real-estate-lawyer\">How to Find a Real Estate Lawyer<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"entry-title no-underline hover:underline\" href=\"#bottom-line\">Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"entry-title no-underline hover:underline\" href=\"#real-estate-lawyer-faq\">Real Estate Lawyer FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-a-real-estate-lawyer?\">What Is a Real Estate Lawyer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A real estate lawyer specializes in real estate law and helps clients with the legal aspects of buying and selling homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Real estate lawyers may specialize in different types of real estate law, such as commercial real estate or residential real estate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-does-a-real-estate-lawyer-do?\">What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1044\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/what-does-real-estate-laywer-do-1024x1044.png\" alt=\"Roles of a real estate lawyer\" class=\"wp-image-24924\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A real estate lawyer will help with several steps in the homebuying process. From paperwork to calculations to double-checking the legalities, here are a few of the critical roles that a real estate lawyer will take on for buyers and sellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-buyer-s-lawyer\">Buyer\u2019s Lawyer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Title Search <\/strong>&#8211; Examines public records and legal documents to determine if there are any claims or liens on the property<\/li><li><strong>Title Registration <\/strong>&#8211; Once the sale is complete, the lawyer will register the transfer of property with the province\u2019s land registry office<\/li><li><strong>Providing Title Insurance<\/strong> &#8211; Title insurance protects you against any challenges that may question the ownership of your home. Title defects may include back taxes, liens, fraud, zoning non-compliance, or conflicting wills<\/li><li><strong>Review the Agreement of Purchase and Sale<\/strong> &#8211; Determines whether the agreement is reasonable. If you are purchasing a condo, your lawyer will also review the Status Certificate, which discloses how much money is in the condo\u2019s reserve fund<\/li><li><strong>Drawing up a Statement of Adjustments<\/strong> &#8211;&nbsp; A statement of adjustments is a statement that shows a breakdown of where your money is going during the entire homebuying process. This includes the total purchase price, the mortgage amount, your deposit and down payment, in addition to the land transfer tax and prepaid expenses like property taxes, prepaid condo fees, and prepaid fuel like oil or propane<\/li><li><strong>Facilitating Payments<\/strong> &#8211; When the deal is ready to close, the real estate lawyer will facilitate the payments and hand over the keys to your new home<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-seller-s-lawyer\">Seller\u2019s Lawyer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Review the Agreement of Purchase and Sale<\/strong> &#8211; Determines whether the agreement is reasonable and advises you on important terms that may impact the sale<\/li><li><strong>Assisting with Negotiations<\/strong> &#8211; Helps with negotiations of the terms and conditions if needed<\/li><li><strong>Resolves any Legal Issues<\/strong> &#8211; If there are any legal issues or court litigation is necessary, the lawyer will provide you with advice or resolve the issue&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Preparing the Property Deed<\/strong> &#8211; For the sale to be registered, the lawyer will prepare the deed and exchange it with the buyer\u2019s lawyer<\/li><li><strong>Facilitating Closing<\/strong> &#8211; On the closing date, the lawyer will facilitate the transfer of title and funds and ensure the closing is complete<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"when-to-hire-a-real-estate-lawyer\">When to Hire a Real Estate Lawyer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Get in touch with your real estate lawyer when you have a signed agreement of purchase and sale. Contacting a real estate lawyer at this point will give them plenty of time to complete work like doing a title search. Additionally, the offer is a legal document; you will want a legal expert to review it to ensure everything is correct. If you are unsure of any terms or conditions, your lawyer will explain them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-zolo-related flex items-center py-6 leading-tight border-t border-b border-blacklight undefined\"><p class=\"font-serif pr-6 md:pr-12 mr-6 md:flex-shrink-0 border-r border-blacklight\">Related content<\/p><p class=\"related-link w-full my-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/land-survey\">What is a Land Survey and Why You Should Review Yours<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll see your real estate lawyer again on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/home-closing-process\">closing day<\/a>. They will need to be present to sign all the paperwork required for the new mortgage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-much-does-a-real-estate-lawyer-cost?\">How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no flat fee for a real estate transaction. Instead, the cost will depend on where you live, the complexity of the transaction and the lawyer\u2019s experience and expertise. One of the most important things to remember when hiring a real estate lawyer is that their total fee includes a base fee, disbursements, and registration fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The base fee is the traditional legal fee for their services and is usually disclosed upfront. That said, the base fee does not include disbursements, such as sending faxes and emails, creating photocopies, and filing. These extras are usually billed as an hourly fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-zolo-related flex items-center py-6 leading-tight border-t border-b border-blacklight undefined\"><p class=\"font-serif pr-6 md:pr-12 mr-6 md:flex-shrink-0 border-r border-blacklight\">Related content<\/p><p class=\"related-link w-full my-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/what-to-look-for-house-hunting\">What to Look for When Buying a House<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>The total cost for a real estate lawyer will depend on your specific situation, with some sources estimating a range as wide as <a href=\"https:\/\/insightlawfirm.ca\/real-estate-lawyer-fees\/\">$1,000 to $2,000<\/a>. Generally speaking, budgeting $1,500 will be enough in most circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-find-a-real-estate-lawyer\">How to Find a Real Estate Lawyer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You should start searching for a real estate lawyer early in your homebuying or selling process. Having your lawyer ready before you make or receive an offer can help the closing process go more smoothly. If you are a buyer, it\u2019s essential to hire a lawyer who specializes in the type of property you are purchasing. For instance, in residential real estate or commercial real estate law. Here are our top tips for finding the right lawyer for you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Search for a lawyer who specializes in real estate in your area<\/li><li>Ask friends and family for their recommendations<\/li><li>Ask your real estate agent, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/why-use-a-mortgage-broker\">mortgage broker<\/a> or another lawyer for a referral<\/li><li>Contact your local bar association<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-zolo-related flex items-center py-6 leading-tight border-t border-b border-blacklight undefined\"><p class=\"font-serif pr-6 md:pr-12 mr-6 md:flex-shrink-0 border-r border-blacklight\">Related content<\/p><p class=\"related-link w-full my-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/how-much-is-a-down-payment\">How Much Is a Down Payment on a House in Canada?<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the questions you will want to ask during your research and screening process include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>How long have you been practicing law?<\/li><li>When did you begin specializing in real estate in (your province)?<\/li><li>Will anyone else be working with you on my case?<\/li><li>How will I be billed? (Ask about flat and hourly fees in terms of disbursements)<\/li><li>You can also ask for references from previous clients&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"bottom-line\">Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A real estate lawyer is integral to any real estate transaction in Canada. Therefore, it\u2019s essential that you hire the right professional for your situation. You can find your next property on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/\">Zolo.ca<\/a>, whether you\u2019re looking for a detached family home, a condo in the city, or a townhouse in the suburbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"real-estate-lawyer-faq\">Real Estate Lawyer FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-the-point-of-a-real-estate-attorney\">What is the point of a real estate attorney?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Attorneys specializing in real estate provide legal services, prepare paperwork, review the contract, and facilitate closing. An experienced lawyer can expertly spot any red flags in the transaction and advise you accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-do-real-estate-lawyers-negotiate\">Do real estate lawyers negotiate?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, real estate attorneys can help negotiate for the buyer or the seller in a real estate transaction. Their real estate law expertise can help ensure your interests are prioritized and protected.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-low-should-you-bid-on-a-house\">How low should you bid on a house?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The amount you bid on a house depends on various factors, including the market conditions and the property&#8217;s condition. An experienced real estate agent can help you decide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/how-much-to-offer-on-house\">how much to offer on a home<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-do-real-estate-lawyers-ever-go-to-court\">Do real estate lawyers ever go to court?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, it is possible for a real estate lawyer to go to court; however, it is not the norm. A real estate lawyer may go to court for several reasons, including disputes over contracts, land use and zoning issues, title and boundary issues, or even real estate fraud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-who-pays-real-estate-lawyer-fees\">Who pays real estate lawyer fees?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In any real estate transaction, both the buyer and the seller are required to pay legal fees along with their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/real-estate-closing-costs\">closing costs<\/a>. Many real estate law firms charge a flat fee for their legal services, plus an additional hourly charge for disbursements.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Real estate lawyers review contracts, facilitate closings, and protect your interests in any property transaction<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":95,"featured_media":24922,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[47,48],"tags":[],"guide":[],"class_list":["post-24921","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buying","category-selling"],"acf":[],"zolo_excerpt":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24921","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/95"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24921"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24921\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25200,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24921\/revisions\/25200"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24922"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24921"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24921"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24921"},{"taxonomy":"guide","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guide?post=24921"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}