For anyone buying a property in Canada for the first time, finding a reliable and experienced real estate lawyer is one of the most important steps in the entire process. And yet, so many underestimate the value of solid representation when dealing with the legal aspects of property purchases.
Although useful during the final administrative and legal aspects of a property purchase, real estate lawyers in Edmonton can, in fact, be very helpful during the entire process, from beginning to end. As such, finding the right one is imperative.
Use the guide below to help you find the right real estate lawyer for your needs:
Verify their licence.
This fundamental check, which can be carried out using a free public directory, can help confirm that a lawyer is licensed to practise in Alberta, show their current practising status, and identify any public discipline history or other relevant status information.
Check whether they have local experience.
A real estate lawyer who regularly acts on behalf of local buyers will have a much deeper understanding of the types of properties common to the area and will be familiar with title and off-title issues that might come up more frequently in certain developments or neighbourhoods.
Determine their level of fee transparency.
If you’re grappling with a down payment, a mortgage, and all of the other costs typically associated with moving, you need to know exactly what your lawyer will be charging you, with no hidden extras. You’ll also need them to be able to tell you about any other closing costs that you might have to budget for. Try to find a real estate lawyer who can explain all of the costs to you in layman’s terms, including their own fee.
Assess their style and level of communication.
A lot can happen behind the scenes when buying a property, and for those doing it for the first time, it can be frustrating not to know exactly what is happening and when. Having a lawyer who updates you at every stage of the process and is prompt with their responses to any questions you might have is worth holding on to.
Check their flexibility in terms of signing.
Remote signing and video appointments may be available in some circumstances and can be helpful for those who aren’t able to go to a law office during working hours or who simply prefer not to. On the other hand, there are those who prefer to do everything in person, so it’s important to check whether property lawyers in Edmonton have both options available before making your final choice. It is also worth asking which documents can be signed remotely and whether any original signed documents will still be required.
While an office in a convenient location or a highly competitive fee might be tempting, they are not the only things you should carefully consider before selecting a real estate lawyer as a first-time buyer in Alberta. They must be experienced, communicate with you in a way you are comfortable with, and explain every possible fee to you in terms you can easily understand. With help from the above guide, you should be able to find yourself a great lawyer who can help make what can be a bewildering process a smoother and simpler one.