Real Estate Lawyers serving all of ontario including durham region, gTA and tri-county

For many of our clients, Real Estate represents both their greatest asset and greatest financial risk. Real Estate transactions are also frequently associated with times of high stress. If you are buying or selling a home or business property, or refinancing your existing mortgage, we have the knowledge and experience to assist you. We are here to help you, eliminate any unnecessary stress and assist you in a smooth and stress-free closing of your purchase, sale and mortgage transactions. Creighton Law LLP’s Real Estate Lawyers make the legal aspect of your move as simple as possible.

Residential Real Estate

Whether you are buying or selling a home, condominium, cottage or other property, we will answer your questions and work to ensure your transaction goes smoothly. We guide first-time homebuyers through this process, explain mortgages, title insurance and other relevant issues, such as a Land Transfer Tax rebate for qualified first-time home buyers.

Commercial real estate

In conjunction with our Business Law practice we often represent our clients in the purchase, financing or sale of commercial Real Estate. Commercial Real Estate often involves longer and more detailed Contracts to protect you from substantial financial risk.

Mortgage & Refinance

Whether you are obtaining a mortgage for the purpose of buying a new property, for emergency funds, to lower your payments on other debt or to take advantage of lower interest rates, we can help you understand your obligations and prepare the necessary documentation.

Landlord & Tenant Matters

Our Lawyers can help you resolve disputes, whether for residential or commercial leases, and do so in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

understanding creighton’s services

more about real estate

Purchasing a home

We are particularly pleased to help first-time homebuyers through this exciting, but sometimes confusing, important step in their lives.

Selling a home

At Creighton Law LLP, we have the experience and skill to make sure the closing of your sale goes smoothly.

Mortgages & refinancing

We can help you navigate the details of your mortgage or refinancing your existing mortgage.

Frequently asked questions

As soon as possible, preferably before you sign an Agreement of Purchase and Sale. We can examine the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, and may be able to suggest clauses or conditions to protect you. If you have already entered into an Agreement of Purchase and Sale, we can ensure that you are aware of your rights and obligations, and that all conditions specified in the Contract are carried out before the sale is final.

When you buy land, you pay a certain amount of tax to the Province of Ontario, based on the value of the land. If you are a first-time homebuyer you may be able to get a refund of part or all of the land transfer tax.

A home inspection should be carried out before finalizing the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, usually at the buyer’s expense. It involves a close examination of the house itself, considering issues such as the soundness of the house, its age, and any problems with electricity, heating and plumbing. Findings may include structural instability, water damage, infestations, the need for extensive repairs, and faulty or very old insulation or heating equipment. A qualified home inspector may be able to point out problems that should be dealt with before you take possession of the house, or better still, should be considered before finalizing the Agreement of Purchase and Sale.

Our job is to make sure that you understand all of the various additional fees you will have to pay before taking possession of the house. This includes legal fees, the costs of home inspections, insurance, taxes and various other unexpected costs. While some are fixed costs, many of them depend on the price, location and condition of your property. We make sure that you understand all costs so that nothing comes as a surprise.

The Agreement of Purchase and Sale is a legally binding document, and can be enforced by the Court. You should not sign a second Agreement unless the Vendor of the first property agrees to release you, or you are able and willing to buy both properties.

No. You can buy or sell your house on your own without a Real Estate agent. However, a good Real Estate agent can help you find the most suitable property for you, or if you are selling can usually provide greater exposure to potential buyers, can answer many of your questions and can protect you from many common pitfalls.

Title insurance protects you against fraud and other defects relating to your title and the ownership of your property. A land survey shows the boundaries and dimensions of the property and may disclose any potential problems. In certain circumstances, you may need both.

A land survey is a document prepared by an Ontario Land Surveyor. It includes:

• The full measurement of the parcel of land, including boundaries
• All buildings on the property
• Improvements such as fences, pools and some landscaping
• Encroachments, such as a building on an adjacent lot that is partially located on your property
• Easements where your neighbours or utility companies may have the right to go onto your property

We’re here to help

Practice areas

Our lawyers can help you in a number of areas, including:

Family Law

The most personal area of law.

Wills & Estates

Peace of mind for your loved ones.

Real Estate

Caring for your greatest asset.

Estate Litigation

Resolving disputes constructively.

Civil Litigation

Exceptional representation in all levels of Court.

Business & Corporate

Legal support at every stage of your business.

Immigration

Assisting newcomers to Canada.

Landlord & Tenant

Legal advice for complex dynamics.