What Your Real Estate Lawyer Actually Does
From Offer Firm to Keys

File opening and ID verification (within 24-48 hours of firm)

Within 24-48 hours of offer firming up, the lawyer receives a copy of the agreement and: verifies your identity (driver’s license + passport equivalent), runs a conflict-of-interest check, signs a retainer letter outlining scope and fees, and collects your lender and insurer information. This step is unbilled but sets the timeline.

Title search: the central legal protection

The lawyer requests Land Registry Office records covering 40–60 years of ownership transfers, mortgages, liens, easements, and restrictive covenants. If something turns up — wrong owner on title, unresolved construction liens, unusual easements — the lawyer requires the seller to clear it or recommends termination. This is the heart of legal protection.

Document preparation (one week before close)

Prepares: Transfer/Deed, Charge/Mortgage, Statement of Adjustments (with prorated property tax, condo fees, etc.), Closing Day Fund summary (how much you bring), and Title Insurance application. You receive copies in advance for review.

Fund management (closing day core)

On closing day the lawyer receives: (1) your remaining down payment, (2) lender mortgage proceeds, (3) Land Transfer Tax. They disburse: (1) full payment to the seller’s lawyer, (2) outstanding municipal taxes, (3) the seller’s existing mortgage discharge, (4) any commission owed. Every transfer flows through a trust account.

Registration and key release

Once seller’s lawyer confirms receipt of funds, your lawyer registers the Transfer electronically with the Land Registry Office. You become the official titled owner. The lawyer notifies the agents to release keys — usually 4-5 PM. If something goes wrong here (seller’s lawyer didn’t receive funds), keys are delayed.

Reporting letter (1-2 weeks after closing)

The lawyer sends a reporting letter with: Title Insurance Policy, Final Statement of Adjustments, Mortgage Statement copy, Property Tax breakdown, and the registered Transfer document. This is your foundational record for any future sale or refinance — keep it safely for 20+ years.

Can the buyer and seller use the same lawyer?

Not in Ontario. It’s a conflict of interest. Each party must use independent counsel. Anyone suggesting shared counsel is crossing a regulatory line.

How much does a lawyer cost? What’s included?

GTA 2026 standard for buyer counsel: $1,800–2,500 all-in. This includes legal fee ($800-1,200), title insurance ($300-500), Land Registry Office fees ($80), title search ($150-250), and disbursements ($200-300). Seller’s lawyer typically $1,200-1,800.

Can I do my own title search to save money?

Technically yes, but strongly discouraged. Title search involves interpreting 40-60 years of records, specialized terms (restrictive covenants), and issuing title insurance. Errors create lifelong title problems. The professional fee is small relative to the cost of a mistake.

Is title insurance worth it?

Absolutely. A one-time $300-500 covers title fraud, undiscovered easements, unpaid construction liens, and boundary disputes. Even thorough title searches miss things — title insurance is the second layer.

Do I need to be at the lawyer’s office on closing day?

Most documents are electronic. Visit the office a few days before to sign the agreement, set up bank draft or wire, and confirm contact methods. The lawyer registers on your behalf on closing day. Keys typically released 4-5 PM.