Buying or selling a home or property can be a complex transaction between two parties with legalities requiring proper documentation. In that case, should you hire a real estate agent or a real estate lawyer? Which one is better?

You actually need both. The roles of the real estate lawyer vs. a real estate agent are very different when it comes to their responsibilities. Buyers and sellers require someone familiar with the local properties as well as someone who can help protect their investment.

That’s why understanding the difference between a real estate lawyer and a real estate agent can help make your real estate transaction as seamless as possible.

... Why Hire Both a Real Estate Lawyer and a Real Estate Agent?

Buying a home is considered one of the largest investments you can make in your lifetime. That’s why hiring the best real estate lawyer in Toronto is the first step in realizing your dreams of owning a house.

A real estate lawyer specializes in reviewing legal documentation pertaining to the buying and closing processes of property.

The Agreement of Purchase and Sale is a complex document that protects both the buyer and the seller. Having a real estate lawyer assist in drafting the legal documentation can save you potential heartache and thousands of dollars down the line.

Real estate lawyers also investigate if there are any unknown claims against the property.

Below, we have compiled a list of some of the must-have traits to look for when hiring the best real estate lawyer in Toronto.

... What Are the Traits of the Best Real Estate Lawyers in Toronto?

With all the excitement of purchasing a home, it’s easy to overlook some of the important details within the transaction. That’s why a residential real estate lawyer in Toronto should be consulted when drafting the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. As it becomes a legally binding document once both parties have signed, it is crucial to ensure the details are clear and concise.

In addition, a real estate lawyer in Toronto can help you decipher the legal implications of when a real estate transaction goes wrong.

Below, we will now look at four common problems to be aware of with a real estate transaction.

... Common Real Estate Transaction Problems

Protecting your legal rights when purchasing a home begins with an Agreement of Purchase and Sale. 

The Agreement of Purchase and Sale is a written legal document between the buyer and the seller of a property. It is established to protect the rights of both parties. It contains details such as the offer and closing dates, legal names of both parties, offer price and deposit amount, chattels and fixtures, and other conditions relating to the sale of the property. 

... Why Hire a Lawyer for Purchase Agreements?

The real estate market can be tricky to negotiate, even for the most veteran property seekers. A real estate lawyer in Toronto should be your first call, particularly when it comes to prepayment for a pre-constructed home.

Recently, John Zinati was featured in a CBC News article focused on two failed townhouse projects that are predicted to cost the homebuyers close to $150K in unprotected deposits. In the article, John warns potential homebuyers to protect their investment by following a few key guidelines. Below, we go over some of his tips.

... How Can a Real Estate Lawyer Help Protect Your Investment?

Hi, 

I hope you are well. 

As of May 17, 2022,all Assignments will be subject to HST and extra care is required when drafting Assignment Agreements.I am pleased to enclose our latest issue of Title Tips which goes over what you need to know about this. I hope you find this helpful. If so, I would ask that you forward this to other Agents and Brokers or anyone who you think may find it of interest. Thank you!

... New Home Contract – 2022

Buying a new home is definitely an exciting venture. It’s a new chapter in your life that’s worth celebrating. Whether you’re moving to be closer to family and friends or to start a new job, the process of buying a home can be arduous and involves numerous logistical and clerical steps that need to be followed to make it official. If you’re moving out on your own for the first time or simply lack real estate experience, then you need to hire a house closing lawyer in Toronto who can help you navigate the ins and outs of the process. 

... Actions to Take between Offer Acceptance and House Closing

Throughout the pandemic—particularly during the past year—the Ontario housing market experienced a massive economic boom that tipped the scale in favour of sellers. This left a lot of buyers and renters in the dark. Financial experts and residential real estate lawyers in Toronto predict that the housing market will eventually balance itself out and the housing bubble will pop. But the situation will continue to get worse before it gets better. Here are some of the top challenges that even the best real estate lawyers in Toronto are currently facing along with possible solutions. 

... Challenges in Ontario’s Real Estate in 2022