Real Estate Law — Smiths Falls & Eastern Ontario

Buying or Selling a Home?
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Over twenty years of residential conveyancing experience in Eastern Ontario. No obligation, no surprises.

Request a Free Quote (613) 283-0012

Our Service

What We Handle for You

Title Search & Review

We search the title to confirm ownership, identify liens or encumbrances, and verify that the property can be legally transferred.

Document Preparation

We prepare and review all closing documents, including the transfer, mortgage, and statement of adjustments.

Title Insurance

We advise on title insurance options to protect your ownership interest against defects, fraud, and other covered risks.

Mortgage Coordination

We work directly with your lender to fulfill mortgage conditions, register the charge, and coordinate funding.

Closing & Key Release

We handle the exchange of funds on closing day, register the transfer and mortgage through Teraview, and arrange key release.

Realtor & Lender Liaison

We coordinate with your realtor, mortgage broker, and the other party's lawyer so the transaction runs smoothly.

Step by Step

The Closing Process

1

You Sign an Agreement of Purchase and Sale

Your realtor drafts the offer. Once accepted, send us a copy so we can open your file and begin working.

2

We Search the Title

We confirm the seller owns the property and identify any issues — liens, easements, or unpaid taxes — before closing.

3

We Prepare Closing Documents

Transfer documents, mortgage registration, statement of adjustments, and title insurance are prepared for signing.

4

You Come In to Sign

We meet at the office to review and sign documents. We explain everything and answer your questions before you sign.

5

Closing Day

We register the transfer and mortgage electronically through Teraview, exchange funds, and arrange for key release. You get your keys.

Where We Serve

Real Estate Services Across Ontario

Our office is in downtown Smiths Falls, but we handle residential real estate transactions for clients across Ontario — including Ottawa, Lanark County, Leeds and Grenville County, and beyond.

Contact us about your transaction

Lanark County

  • Smiths Falls
  • Perth
  • Carleton Place
  • Almonte
  • Lanark

Leeds & Grenville

  • Brockville
  • Kemptville
  • Merrickville
  • Westport
  • Gananoque

Ottawa & All of Ontario

We handle real estate closings across the province. Whether you are buying or selling in Ottawa, Kingston, Cornwall, or anywhere else in Ontario, we can assist you.

No Obligation

Request a Free Detailed Quote

Tell us about your transaction and we will provide a detailed written quote for our legal fees and estimated disbursements — free of charge.

All inquiries are confidential. We typically respond within one business day.

Common Questions

Real Estate FAQ

Do I need a lawyer to buy a house in Ontario?
Yes. In Ontario, a lawyer is required to complete a real estate purchase. Your lawyer conducts the title search, reviews the agreement of purchase and sale, prepares closing documents, registers the transfer and mortgage, and handles the exchange of funds on closing day.
How much does a real estate lawyer cost in Ontario?
Legal fees for a standard residential purchase are typically under $1,500 plus disbursements and HST. Disbursements include title searches, registration fees, and title insurance. Request a free detailed quote specific to your transaction.
What is land transfer tax in Ontario?
Land transfer tax is a provincial tax paid when you purchase property in Ontario. It is calculated on a sliding scale: 0.5% on the first $55,000, 1% on $55,001 to $250,000, 1.5% on $250,001 to $400,000, and 2% on amounts above $400,000. First-time home buyers may qualify for a rebate of up to $4,000.
What is the first-time home buyer rebate?
First-time home buyers in Ontario may qualify for a rebate of up to $4,000 on the provincial land transfer tax. This fully covers the tax on homes priced up to $368,333. For homes above that amount, the rebate is capped at $4,000. You must be at least 18, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and must not have owned a home anywhere in the world.
How long does a real estate closing take?
A typical residential closing takes 30 to 90 days from the date the agreement of purchase and sale is signed. The exact timeline depends on the closing date set in the agreement, mortgage approval, and any conditions that need to be fulfilled.
What is title insurance and do I need it?
Title insurance is a one-time policy that protects your ownership interest against certain defects in title, fraud, survey issues, and other covered risks. Most lenders require it, and it is generally recommended for all purchasers. The cost is typically around $600 for a standard residential property.
What are disbursements?
Disbursements are out-of-pocket expenses your lawyer pays on your behalf during the transaction. These typically include title search fees, registration fees for the transfer and mortgage, software fees, courier costs, and title insurance premiums. They are separate from legal fees and are itemized on your closing statement.
Can you handle my purchase and sale at the same time?
Yes. We regularly handle back-to-back transactions where a client is selling one property and purchasing another on the same day. We coordinate the timing of both closings so that funds flow smoothly from your sale to your purchase.
What do I need to bring to the signing appointment?
You will need one to two pieces of valid government-issued photo identification (such as a driver's licence or passport), depending on your lender's requirements. Some lenders require identification to be verified electronically. You will also need a void cheque or bank details for your mortgage and a certified cheque or bank draft for the closing funds. We will confirm the exact amount and ID requirements in advance.

Ready to Get Started?

Call us or request a free quote. We handle real estate transactions across Eastern Ontario — from first-time buyers to seasoned homeowners.

Request a Free Quote (613) 283-0012