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Buying a home lawyer in Mississauga

Buying a home is likely the biggest purchase of your life. Lawcrest guides first-time buyers, families and investors across Mississauga and the GTA from the offer to the keys, with clear advice, careful title work and a smooth closing.

Confidential and privilegedPlain-language adviceFees discussed upfrontMississauga office
Call before you sign

Have a lawyer review your offer before it becomes binding. Once an agreement of purchase and sale is signed, your options can be limited.

416-830-3369

Buy with confidence

When you buy a home in Ontario, a real estate lawyer protects your legal interests. We review the agreement, search the title, handle the mortgage paperwork, move the money and register the transfer so the home is legally yours.

Small mistakes in a real estate deal can be costly and hard to undo. Early legal advice helps you avoid them.

We explain each step in plain language, keep you informed and make sure nothing is missed before closing day.

  • First-time buyersStep-by-step guidance through a process that is new to you.
  • Families and move-up buyersCoordinating your purchase with the sale of your current home.
  • InvestorsPurchases of rental and investment properties.

Types of purchases we handle

If your situation is not listed, call us. We will tell you plainly how we can help.

First-time buyers

Clear, patient guidance through the whole process, including the costs and credits to ask about.

Resale houses

Purchases of existing houses, from offer review to registration of the transfer.

Condominiums

Review of the status certificate, rules, fees and the financial health of the building.

New builds and pre-construction

Careful review of builder agreements, deadlines, closing costs and warranty coverage.

Investment properties

Rental and investment purchases, including buying through a company.

Buying with family or partners

How to hold title together, and agreements between co-owners.

Power of sale and estate sales

Special purchases with extra risks and different rules that need careful review.

Non-resident buyers

Additional rules and restrictions can apply. Ask us before you make an offer.

When should you speak to a lawyer?

The earlier, the better. Most buyers call us before they sign, and that is the best time.

  • Before you make or sign an offerWe review the terms and conditions so you know what you are agreeing to.
  • When your offer is acceptedWe confirm the deadlines for conditions such as financing and inspection.
  • When your mortgage is approvedWe make sure the lender requirements can be met before closing.
  • When you buy a condo or a new buildSpecial documents and risks need careful review.
  • When something looks wrongProblems with the title, the property or the other side should be dealt with quickly.

How the purchase works

A clear process, with no surprises about where your purchase stands.

Review the offer

We review your agreement of purchase and sale, explain every term and suggest changes where needed.

Title search and due diligence

We search the title and check for liens, defects, taxes and other issues that could affect you.

Mortgage and funding

We work with your lender, review the mortgage terms with you and prepare the funds for closing.

Sign the closing documents

We prepare the documents, explain each one and meet you to sign.

Closing day

We register the transfer, pay the seller, and confirm that the keys are released to you.

After closing

We send you your reporting, and make sure your title insurance and records are in order.

Understanding your closing costs

Closing costs are more than the down payment. We give you a clear estimate early, so there are no surprises on closing day.

Legal feesDiscussed upfront

Our fees for reviewing the offer, searching title, handling the mortgage and completing the closing. We explain our fees before you commit.

Land transfer taxPayable on closing

Ontario charges land transfer tax on most purchases. Some first-time buyers may qualify for a refund. We calculate it for you.

Title insuranceProtection for your ownership

A one-time premium that protects you against certain title problems, such as fraud and errors in public records.

DisbursementsThird-party costs

Costs we pay on your behalf, such as title searches, registration fees and similar charges.

AdjustmentsTaxes and utilities

The seller and the buyer share some costs, such as property taxes and utilities, based on the closing date.

What we check for you

Many problems cannot be seen on a showing. These are some of the legal risks we look for before you close.

  • Title defects and liensDebts or claims registered against the property.
  • Outstanding taxes and work ordersItems that could become your responsibility.
  • Unauthorized work or zoning issuesAlterations, additions or uses that may not be permitted.
  • Condo finances and special assessmentsReserve funds, fee increases and upcoming major repairs.
  • Builder delays and changesClosing dates, price adjustments and warranty coverage on new builds.
  • Fraud protectionVerifying identities and payment instructions so your money goes to the right place.

What happens on closing day

On closing day, we register your transfer electronically, your mortgage funds are released, and payment is made to the seller. Once the seller side confirms, the home is legally yours and the keys are released.

Wait for our confirmation before you schedule movers or travel to the property. We tell you exactly when funds are due and what to bring, so closing day goes smoothly.

What to bring to your consultation

Do not worry if you do not have everything. Bring what you can, and we will tell you what else is useful.

  • The agreement of purchase and sale, or the draft offer
  • Your mortgage approval or commitment letter
  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Details of your deposit and how it was paid
  • Condo documents or the builder agreement, if relevant
  • The names of everyone who will be on title

Why clients choose Lawcrest

You are trusting us with your biggest purchase. This is how we earn that trust.

Plain-language advice

No jargon. You understand each step and each choice before we act.

Cost clarity

We estimate your closing costs early and discuss our fees at the start.

Careful title work

We look for the problems that could cost you later.

Confidential

What you tell us is protected by solicitor-client privilege.

Responsive

Your questions get answers, and you hear from us as your deal moves.

Deadline discipline

We track every condition and closing deadline so nothing is missed.

Regulated lawyers

Lawcrest is a professional corporation regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.

Local and accessible

Meet us at our Matheson Blvd office in Mississauga, or arrange a call.

Frequently asked questions

Still not sure? Call 416-830-3369 and we will talk it through.

When should I hire a real estate lawyer?

Ideally before you sign an agreement of purchase and sale. A lawyer can review the terms and conditions first, when changes are still possible.

How long does a purchase take to close?

Many closings happen within about one to three months of an accepted offer, but the date depends on your agreement. We keep you updated and ready for the closing date.

What is title insurance?

It is a one-time policy that protects you against certain title problems, such as fraud, errors in public records and some defects. We explain what it covers and what it does not.

How much will closing cost?

It depends on the price, your mortgage and the property. We provide a clear estimate of fees, taxes and other costs early in the process.

Do I have to pay land transfer tax?

In Ontario, land transfer tax applies to most purchases. Some first-time buyers may qualify for a refund. We calculate what applies to you.

What if my financing falls through?

It depends on whether your offer had a financing condition and what the agreement says. Tell us as soon as there is a concern, because options narrow as deadlines approach.

Can one lawyer act for me and my lender?

Often yes, as long as there is no conflict. We explain how this works and what the lender requires.

Is my information confidential?

Yes. Your communications with us are protected by solicitor-client privilege.

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Testimonials

They made a complicated legal matter feel understandable. We always knew what was happening, why it mattered and what came next.

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We always knew what was happening, why it mattered and what came next. They made a complicated legal matter feel understandable.

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