Real Estate Lawyers Barrie
Making Your Home Purchase or Sale Simple and Stress-Free
Buying and/or selling your home is a momentous occasion and we understand that it can also be a stressful, exhausting and confusing time in your life. At CSL, our goal is to alleviate the stress, confusion, worry and help you maintain the joy and excitement of your real estate transaction.
Our training and life experiences in principles of compassion, mindfulness and empathetic approach enables us to guide you through the real estate process in such a way that you will have clarity and comfort during this very important time in your life.
At JMS Law, we are a team of highly motivated, dedicated, deeply focused real estate lawyers, who approach every transaction with care, compassion and a human touch. We see the world from a place of service to others;
- Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS): - The APS is the binding contract between buyer and seller that outlines terms, conditions, and timelines. It must be carefully reviewed to protect both parties’ interests.
- Title Searches: - Lawyers conduct title searches to confirm ownership, identify liens, mortgages, easements, or other encumbrances on the property before closing.
- Title Insurance: - Buyers and lenders often obtain title insurance to protect against unknown defects, fraud, or issues not revealed in the title search.
- Closing Costs: - In addition to the purchase price, buyers must budget for land transfer tax, legal fees, title insurance, adjustments (e.g., property taxes), and disbursements.
- Land Transfer Tax (LTT): - Ontario charges LTT on property purchases, and first-time homebuyers may qualify for a rebate. Toronto properties are also subject to an additional municipal LTT.
- Mortgage Registration: - Real estate lawyers ensure the buyer’s mortgage is properly registered on title and that funds are transferred securely on closing.
- Condominium Purchases: - Condo buyers receive a status certificate, which provides information about the corporation’s finances, rules, and potential liabilities.
- New Build Homes: - Purchases from builders involve unique considerations, including Tarion warranty coverage, potential HST, and builder closing adjustments.
- Joint Ownership Options: - Buyers can hold property as “joint tenants” (right of survivorship) or “tenants in common” (separate shares that can be willed to heirs).
- Power of Sale and Foreclosure: - Ontario allows lenders to sell mortgaged property under power of sale if the borrower defaults, rather than requiring full foreclosure proceedings.
Real help for your property move:
Buying or selling a home is one of life’s biggest milestones. It can also feel overwhelming when you’re faced with contracts, deadlines, and legal language you don’t fully understand. At Chapman Steffler LLP, our real estate lawyers in Barrie make the process clear and stress-free. We take the time to explain what’s happening, keep your transaction on schedule, and ensure you feel comfortable from start to finish.
Why choose Chapman Steffler LLP for our Real Estate Lawyers in Barrie?
Real estate transactions aren’t just paperwork—they involve significant financial and legal commitments. At Chapman Steffler LLP, our team concentrates on the details that matter in property law. We carefully review contracts, explain mortgage obligations, and manage title issues to ensure your rights are fully protected.
Clients across Barrie trust us because we:
Understand property law inside and out. From agreements of purchase and sale to title transfers, we know where problems often arise and how to prevent them.
Anticipate real estate challenges. We regularly handle condo status certificates, easements, boundary concerns, and other common pitfalls.
Work with all parties involved. Realtors, lenders, and builders count on our team to keep deals running smoothly and on schedule.
Protect your long-term interests. We go beyond the immediate closing to ensure your ownership is secure and free of legal issues down the road.
What to expect when working with us
From the moment you send us your Agreement of Purchase and Sale, we set up a clear roadmap. Our process includes completing title searches, coordinating with lenders, and preparing all the paperwork needed for closing. You’ll meet with us—either in person or virtually—to review documents before the big day. On closing day, we manage the exchange of funds, register the property transfer, and confirm everything is finalized so you can pick up your keys with confidence.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Real Estate Law in Ontario governs the purchase, sale, leasing, and use of residential and commercial property. It covers everything from drafting agreements of purchase and sale, to closing transactions, to resolving disputes over property rights and ownership.
Yes. In Ontario, only a licensed real estate lawyer can register property transfers. Lawyers also ensure that contracts are legally binding, titles are clear of liens, and funds are properly transferred during closing.
A title search is a review of public records to confirm legal ownership of a property and check for encumbrances, such as mortgages, liens, or easements. This ensures the buyer receives clear ownership without hidden legal issues.
Title insurance protects property owners and lenders against losses from title defects, fraud, or errors in public records. While not mandatory, it provides peace of mind and financial protection against unexpected claims.
Land transfer tax is payable when you purchase real estate in Ontario. The amount depends on the purchase price, with additional municipal tax in Toronto. First-time homebuyers may qualify for rebates to reduce this cost.
Once both parties sign a valid agreement of purchase and sale, it is legally binding. A seller who tries to back out without a valid reason could face legal action for breach of contract and may owe damages to the buyer.
If a buyer cannot secure financing and fails to close, they risk losing their deposit and may be held liable for damages if the seller sells the property for less than the original agreed price. Legal advice should be sought immediately.
Buying a condo includes purchasing a unit plus shared ownership in common areas. Buyers should review the condo status certificate, which discloses financial health, rules, and restrictions. This helps avoid surprises about fees or obligations.
Joint tenancy means co-owners have equal rights, and if one dies, the property passes automatically to the survivor. Tenants-in-common allows owners to hold unequal shares, and each person’s share can be passed to heirs under their will.
Yes. Real estate lawyers handle disputes such as boundary issues, breach of contract, title fraud, or disagreements with landlords or tenants. They can provide advice, negotiate settlements, or represent you in court if necessary.