Choosing A Real Estate Lawyer

5 Essential Things to Look for When Deciding Who’s the Best Fit

By Kristin Doucet | 5 minute read

When it comes to choosing the right real estate lawyer,  consider these five factors to help decide on the best fit.

When Jennifer and David decided to buy their first home in Toronto, they made what many consider a common mistake: they chose their real estate lawyer based solely on price. 

The least expensive option seemed like a smart financial decision, but three days before closing, they discovered their lawyer had yet to hear from the seller’s lawyer, missed a significant lien on the property, and was unresponsive to their increasingly frantic calls.

Their story isn’t unique. Choosing the wrong real estate lawyer can turn your dream home purchase into a legal nightmare, costing you thousands in delays, corrections, and missed opportunities.

With real estate transactions representing one of the largest financial commitments most Canadians will make, selecting the right legal representation deserves the same careful consideration you’d give to choosing the property itself. 

Here are five essential factors to evaluate when choosing your real estate lawyer.

1. Communication Style and Responsiveness 

In today’s fast-paced real estate market, communication can make or break a deal. Your lawyer and their staff should be accessible, responsive, and able to explain complex legal concepts in plain English.  From the minute you contact a lawyer to get a quote or to engage them, they should be responsive and easy to work with. If you get a vibe that this isn’t the case, it might be time to look at other options.

What to Look For:

• Response time to initial inquiries (within 24-48 hours is reasonable)
• Clear explanations of legal processes without excessive jargon
• Multiple communication channels (phone, email, online portals)
• Proactive updates on transaction progress
• Availability during critical periods like the final week before closing

Red Flags to Avoid:

• Lawyers or firms who take days to return calls or emails
• Unclear or evasive answers to direct questions
• Making you feel rushed during consultations

“The foundation of any successful real estate transaction is trust, and trust is built through clear, consistent communication,” says Reuven Gorsht, Co-founder and CEO of Deeded, a leading Real Estate legal platform servicing Ontario and Alberta. “When clients know exactly what’s happening with their transaction and when, it eliminates anxiety and builds confidence in the process.”

Modern real estate transactions move quickly, and last-minute issues are common. You need a lawyer who will keep you informed and be available when you need them most.

2. Fee Transparency and Structure 

Legal fees can vary dramatically between firms, but the least expensive option isn’t always the best value. More importantly, you need to understand exactly what you’re paying for.

Key Questions to Ask:

• Is this a flat fee or hourly rate?
• What services are included in the base fee?
• What are the estimated disbursements (third-party costs)?
• Are there additional fees for rush transactions or complications?
• What happens if unexpected issues arise?

Real estate lawyer fees in Toronto typically range from $1,500 to $3,000 plus tax, including necessary disbursements. Some lawyers offer “all-inclusive” pricing to bundle these expenses, providing transparency and avoiding surprises at closing.

Understanding Disbursements

In addition to legal fees, which is what your Real Estate Lawyer will charge to complete all your legal tasks, you are likely to encounter the word “disbursements.” Disbursements are out-of-pocket expenses your lawyer pays on your behalf, such as:

• Land transfer tax
• Title insurance premiums
• Government registration fees
• Title search fees
• Courier charges

Look for lawyers who provide detailed, written fee estimates that break down both legal fees and expected disbursements, so you can budget accordingly.

Transparent Pricing Models

The best lawyers offer clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees. “All-Inclusive” or Flat Rate Fee structures redefine property transactions with a focus on transparency and value. Unlike traditional models that add disbursements on top of the base fee to the final invoice, all-inclusive pricing offers a single fee that covers both the legal fee and disbursements.

3. Technology and Modern Processes 

The legal profession has undergone significant digital transformation, and the best real estate lawyers leverage technology to provide better service, increase efficiency, and reduce errors.  One such benefit is virtual signing.  In prior years, buyers and sellers would have to attend a lawyer’s office in-person to sign legal documents.  Virtual signing avoids the in-person visit altogether so that documents can be signed over a secure video call, avoiding the need to take time off work.

Features to Look For:

• Online transaction tracking and document management
• Digital document signing capabilities
• Secure client portals for real-time updates
• Electronic fund transfers
• Integration with government registration systems
• Mobile-friendly platforms for busy schedules

“Technology isn’t just about convenience, it’s about creating transparency throughout the entire process,” explains Gorsht. “When clients can track their transaction progress in real-time and access all their documents in one secure location, it eliminates the stress and uncertainty that often comes with real estate deals.  At Deeded, we took a page from Amazon and Uber, giving consumers the ultimate transparency into their transaction, so they always know what’s next.”

Benefits of Digital Integration:

• Faster document processing and approvals
• Reduced risk of lost or misfiled documents
• Better coordination between all parties
• Lower environmental impact
• More convenient for clients with busy schedules

Questions to Ask:

• Can I track my transactions online?
• Do you offer remote signing options?
• How do you handle document storage and security?
• What happens if I need to access documents after closing?

While traditional lawyers may still provide excellent service, those who embrace modern technology typically offer more efficient, transparent, and convenient experiences.

4. Specialization and Local Market Knowledge 

It may be tempting to use your uncle, who happens to be a retired family lawyer, however, not all lawyers are created equal. Real estate law is complex and varies significantly by province, municipality, and even neighbourhood. Look for someone who specializes in real estate transactions and understands your local market.

Experience Factors to Evaluate:

• Number of real estate transactions completed annually
• Familiarity with your specific area or property type
• Knowledge of local zoning laws and restrictions
• Understanding of regional market conditions

Types of Transactions

 Make sure your lawyer has experience with your specific type of transaction. Here are a few examples:

• First-time homebuyer purchases
• Investment property acquisitions
• New construction purchases
• Condominium transactions
• Commercial real estate
• Refinancing and mortgage renewals

5. Comprehensive Service Offering and Problem-Solving Ability

Despite best intentions, real estate transactions rarely go exactly as planned. The best lawyers don’t just handle routine paperwork, they anticipate problems and provide solutions when unexpected issues arise.

Full-Service Capabilities: Your lawyer should handle all aspects of your transaction, including:

• Title searches and insurance arrangements
• Document review and preparation
• Liaison with lenders and other parties
• Resolution of title defects or survey issues
• Co-ordination of closing day logistics
• Post-closing support for any arising issues

Problem-Solving Examples:

• Discovering undisclosed liens or encumbrances
• Resolving survey discrepancies
• Handling last-minute mortgage approval issues
• Addressing title defects or boundary disputes
• Managing closing delays or complications

Value-Added Services: Top-tier lawyers often provide additional services that demonstrate their commitment to client success:

• Educational resources about the buying/selling process
• Market insights and trend analysis
• Connections to trusted real estate professionals
• Post-transaction support and guidance
• Estate planning recommendations

Your Real Estate Journey Deserves Expert Guidance

Choosing a real estate lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your property transaction. The right lawyer provides more than just legal services; they offer peace of mind, expert guidance, and protection for one of your largest investments.

Take the time to evaluate potential lawyers based on these five essential factors: communication, transparency, technology integration, specialized expertise, and comprehensive service offerings. Don’t let price be your only consideration; focus on value and the total cost of the transaction experience.

Remember, a great real estate lawyer doesn’t just help you get to closing—they ensure you arrive there confidently, fully informed, and protected from both known and unknown risks. The difference between a smooth, stress-free real estate transaction and a problematic one often comes down to the quality of your legal representation. Choose wisely, and your future self will thank you.

Looking for a modern, transparent approach to real estate law? Visit Deeded.ca to learn how technology-driven legal services can make your next real estate transaction smoother, more transparent, and more convenient than ever before.