Real Estate Lawyer Toronto
Get an Instant Quote
I’m Zachary Soccio-Marandola, an experienced real estate lawyer based in Toronto, Ontario. My team and I provide comprehensive legal services for a wide range of real estate matters, with a focus on delivering a smooth, stress-free experience for our legal clients.
With over a decade in the real estate industry, I’ve become a trusted legal advisor to homeowners, investors, and businesses focusing on residential property. My Toronto law firm is built on giving careful attention to every file, and I make it a priority to keep communication clear and consistent—so you always know where things stand and get the right real estate legal advice when you need it.
✅ Specialized Expertise:
We focus exclusively on real estate law services — purchases, sales, refinances, and title transfers. It’s what we do, and we do it exceptionally well.
✅ Transparent, All-Inclusive Pricing:
No hidden fees. No surprises. Our all-inclusive pricing model means you know exactly what to expect on closing day.
✅ Personalized Communication:
We’re a small, dedicated team — not a faceless law firm. When you need to speak with a lawyer, I’m available to personally guide you through your transaction in a timely fashion.
✅ Broker Experience Advantage:
Before building my law practice, I spent 7 years as a real estate broker. I’ve been on both sides of the transaction, and I use that extensive experience to protect my clients.
Get an Instant Quote
Real Estate Closings
Closing a real estate transaction in Toronto involves numerous steps, and having a diligent real estate lawyer by your side ensures the process runs smoothly. From the initial offer to receiving the keys, my role is to safeguard your real estate interests, perform thorough title searches, identify potential issues, and make the entire closing process seamless and stress-free.
Our legal team has assisted clients with transactions across multiple types of properties, including single-family homes, condominiums, new construction, investment properties, and vacation homes. Whether you’re buying or selling, I work to reduce your risk and help you maximize the value of your transaction.
In addition to purchase and sale closings, we also handle refinance transactions and title transfers. Whether you're refinancing with a bank, financial institution, or private lender, or managing a spousal transfer, estate transfer, or survivorship application, my team and I provide personalized legal services to address potential issues and ensure a smooth closing.
Our Real Estate Transaction Services:
- Purchase
- Sale
- Refinance
- Title Transfer
- Independent Legal Advice
Get an Instant Quote
Purchase
Purchasing real estate in Toronto can be complex, whether it's your first home or an addition to your investment portfolio. As an experienced real estate lawyer in Toronto, my job is to ensure every aspect of your real estate transaction is handled efficiently and securely. We also work closely with real estate agents and mortgage brokers to get your deal closed.
Step-by-Step Closing Process for Real Estate Purchase Transactions
- Agreement of Purchase and Sale Review
The Agreement of Purchase and Sale is the foundation of your real estate transaction. I thoroughly review the legal terms of the purchase agreements to ensure we have a full understanding of the obligations, timelines, and potential liabilities. - Title Search and Due Diligence
Ensuring a property's title is clear is a crucial step. We conduct comprehensive title searches to verify the ownership history, determine liens or encumbrances, and flag any other potential issues that may affect the property. - Status Certificate Review for Condominiums
For condominium purchases, I perform a review of the Condominium Status Certificate. This allows us to assess the financial health of the condo corporation, verify maintenance fees, and uncover any legal actions or special assessments. - New Construction Agreement Review for New Builds
If you're purchasing a new construction property, I review the New Construction Agreement of Purchase and Sale to help protect you from hidden fees, delays, or clauses that could put you at a disadvantage. I also ensure compliance with the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act. - Coordination with Lenders and Financial Institutions
I work directly with your lender - banks, mortgage brokers, and private lenders to confirm financing details, review mortgage documents, and ensure proper registration on the property. This coordination ensures that your funds are ready for closing. - Final Closing and Documentation
On closing day, I handle all documentation, including registering the property through Ontario’s Land Registry System (Teraview), arranging title insurance and transferring ownership. I also address any range of matters and last-minute issues to ensure you take possession without delay using our efficient process.
Types of Purchases We Handle
- Single-Family Homes
- Detached, Semi-Detached, Townhomes, Etc.
- Condominiums
- New Construction
- Investment Properties
- Recreational and Vacation Homes
- Vacant Land
By choosing us as your Toronto real estate lawyer for your purchase transaction, you gain a partner who understands the complexities of Ontario's real estate market. From uncovering property title issues to ensuring your Agreement of Purchase and Sale is executed properly, I provide proactive legal guidance at every step. Let me handle the complexities, so you can focus on the excitement of your new property.
Get an Instant Quote
Sale
Selling real estate in Toronto is a significant financial transaction, whether it’s your family home or an investment property. As an experienced real estate lawyer in Toronto, my job is to ensure that every step of the legal process is handled with precision and professionalism, so you can sell your property with confidence and peace of mind.
Step-by-Step Closing Process for Real Estate Sale Transactions
- Agreement of Purchase and Sale Drafting and Review
The Purchase and Sale Agreement is the most critical document in your transaction. I thoroughly review the terms of the sale agreements to ensure we have a full understanding of the deal and provide clarity on legal aspects like deposit amount, closing dates, and property inclusions or exclusions. - Title Review and Issue Resolution
A clean title is essential for completing a property sale. I perform a thorough review of your property’s title to confirm there are no liens, mortgages, or encumbrances that would delay the sale. If issues arise, I work quickly to resolve them, ensuring that your transaction remains on track. - Coordination with Buyers and Their Legal Team
I handle communication with the buyer’s lawyer to facilitate the seamless transfer of documents and funds. This includes responding to requisition letters, addressing title-related inquiries, and ensuring all conditions in the agreement are met. - Discharge of Mortgages and Liens
If your property has existing mortgages or liens, I manage the process of discharging them from the title. This is a crucial step to ensure the buyer receives clear title ownership upon closing. - Final Closing and Documentation
On closing day, I prepare and finalize all necessary documentation, including the deed transfer and statement of adjustments. My team ensures the funds from the sale are deposited into your account promptly and that the property ownership is officially transferred to the buyer.
Types of Sales We Handle
- Single-Family Homes
- Detached, Semi-Detached, Townhomes, Etc.
- Condominiums
- Investment Properties
- Recreational and Vacation Homes
- Vacant Land
By choosing us as your real estate lawyer for your sale transaction in Toronto, you get a dedicated advocate who ensures that the process is smooth, efficient, and legally sound. I focus on resolving potential issues proactively, working with your real estate agent to get your deal closed.
Get an Instant Quote
Refinance
A mortgage refinance allows homeowners to access equity, secure better interest rates, or consolidate debt. Whether you're working with a major bank, a small institutional lender, or a private lender, the refinancing process involves considerable financial and legal considerations. As an experienced real estate lawyer in Toronto, I ensure our customers mortgage refinance transaction is smooth, secure, and aligned with your financial goals.
Refinancing typically involves discharging an existing mortgage and registering a new one. This process requires careful review, especially when working with different types of lenders.
Major banks like BMO, CIBC, RBC, Scotiabank, and TD often have similar terms and conditions. Smaller institutional lenders, however, may provide alternative solutions with unique requirements tailored to specific needs. Private mortgage lenders can offer customized options, but these often come with complexities such as higher interest rates or specific repayment terms. My role is to guide you through these nuances, ensuring your interests are protected at every step.
Types of Refinancing We Handle
- Major Bank Mortgages
- BMO, CIBC, Scotiabank, RBC, TD, National
- Small Institutional Lenders
- Small Banks, Credit Unions, B Lenders
- Private Mortgages
- Bridge Financing
- Second Mortgages
- Construction Financing
- Reverse Mortgages
A thorough title search is a crucial part of the refinancing process. This ensures your property has no outstanding liens, claims, or issues that could delay or complicate your transaction. If any challenges arise, I work proactively to resolve them, keeping your refinance on track. Unique situations, such as spousal buyouts, second mortgages, or bridge financing, require careful handling to avoid potential pitfalls. I provide additional support by ensuring legal compliance and addressing any lender conditions.
Clear communication and transparency are at the core of our legal services. I coordinate directly with your lender to manage document submission, address queries, and oversee the timely transfer of funds. This approach not only streamlines the process but also minimizes the stress often associated with refinancing.
By choosing us as your real estate lawyer Toronto, you get professional expertise, tailored advice, and a commitment to making your refinancing experience straightforward and stress-free.
Get an Instant Quote
Title Transfer
Property owners in Toronto transfer the title of a property for various reasons. Whether it’s a spousal transfer, for estate planning purposes, or a survivorship application, title transfers involve legal and tax implications that require careful handling. As an experienced real estate lawyer in Toronto, I help ensure your title transfer is seamless, accurate, and compliant with Ontario’s property laws.
Types of Title Transfers We Handle
- Spousal Transfers: Title transfers for marriage, separation, or divorce.
- Survivorship Applications: Updating ownership for joint tenants after the passing of one owner.
- Estate Transfers: Transferring title as part of estate planning or inheritance, including first dealing exemptions.
- Gift Transfers: Transferring property ownership as a gift, including potential tax considerations.
- Adding or Removing Names: Adjusting title ownership, such as adding a family member or removing an ex-spouse.
- Corporate Transfers: Moving ownership to or from a corporation for tax or investment purposes.
A title transfer involves updating or changing the registered ownership of a property. This process may occur due to life changes, such as marriage, separation, or the passing of a property owner. For cases involving spousal transfers or estate planning, additional documentation such as separation agreements or probate applications may be required.
Regardless of the reason for the transfer, my role is to guide you through the legal requirements, address any potential issues, and ensure the process is completed seamlessly. Throughout the title transfer process, clear communication is my priority. I work closely with all relevant parties—whether lenders, beneficiaries, or legal representatives—to facilitate a smooth and efficient transfer. With a focus on transparency, I make sure you understand each step and its implications, giving you confidence and peace of mind.
By choosing us as your Toronto real estate lawyer, you gain the peace of mind that your title transfer is handled professionally and efficiently. Let us manage the legal complexities, so you can focus on the important things.
Get an Instant Quote
Independent Legal Advice (ILA)
Independent legal advice (ILA) ensures that individuals fully understand the terms and implications of legal agreements before they sign. Whether it’s for a mortgage, guarantee, co-ownership agreement, or other binding document, the role of an independent lawyer is to provide unbiased guidance and protect your interests.
As your lawyer for ILA, I carefully review the agreement to explain its terms in plain language, identify potential risks, and confirm that you are entering into the agreement voluntarily and with full understanding. This process includes answering your questions, highlighting clauses that may impact you financially or legally, and providing a certificate of independent legal advice if required.
By seeking ILA, you gain clarity and confidence, ensuring you make informed decisions without pressure or misunderstanding. My role is to help you navigate complex agreements with peace of mind, knowing your rights and responsibilities are fully understood.
Get an Instant Quote
Real Estate Legal Fees
Understanding real estate legal fees shouldn’t be complicated. They should be clear, transparent, and all-inclusive prices.
Other real estate law firms and experienced lawyers advertise a low fee but exclude disbursements like Title Searches, Banking Fees, and Software Charges—leaving you with an unexpectedly high bill at closing.
We do things differently. Our all-inclusive pricing includes standard disbursements.
This means you get a clear picture of your actual cost, with no hidden fees or surprises. Everything is included in one straightforward charge, allowing you to properly budget and prepare for your closing.
Investing in quality legal representation can protect you from issues that cost far more down the road.
To deliver our pricing directly to our clients, we built a modern legal fee calculator.
Enter the type of transaction and the value, and we provide our competitive rates instantly, with an option to save it.
No surprises, no hidden extras, and no unnecessary charges like "photocopying fees" on closing.
It’s simple, honest pricing designed to give you peace of mind.
Try if for yourself ↓
Contact Us
Have questions about our real estate services? Whether you need help with a real estate closing, refinancing, title transfer, or other property legal matters, I’m here to provide clear and reliable legal representation.
As an experienced real estate lawyer in Toronto, I offer a broad range of tailored support to ensure your transaction is on time and stress-free. From resolving title issues to managing complex agreements, my goal is to protect your interests and simplify the process.
We are committed to delivering professional, detail-oriented legal solutions as a trusted real estate partner for both our previous clients and future clients. Just read our Google Reviews.
Contact us today to learn how we can assist with your next property transaction.
Speak to a Real Estate Lawyer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is a real estate lawyer in Toronto?
For real estate purchases, our legal fees start at $1999. For real estate sales, our legal fees start at $1599.
How much do real estate lawyers charge per hour in Toronto?
While some real estate lawyers charge hourly rates, we aim to simplify the process by offering all-inclusive flat fee pricing for our legal services. This approach ensures transparency and allows you to budget confidently, without worrying about unpredictable hourly costs.
What is the role of a real estate lawyer in Toronto?
A real estate lawyer in Toronto facilitates the entire real estate transaction, including preparing closing documents, managing fund transfers, and protecting the clients' interests during the purchase or sale of property.
Do I need a lawyer when selling my house in Toronto?
In Toronto, it is a requirement to use a lawyer when buying or selling real estate. Only specialized real estate lawyers have the ability to register the transaction through Teraview.
Who pays land transfer tax in Toronto?
In Toronto, the buyer is responsible for paying the land transfer tax in a real estate transaction. This includes both provincial and municipal (Toronto MLTT) Land Transfer Tax.
Is title insurance mandatory in Toronto?
Title insurance is not required in Toronto. However, most Toronto lenders require a title insurance policy as a condition of their mortgage. Therefore, if you're purchasing a property with a mortgage, it will likely be required.
Our Commitment
When dealing with real estate concerns, time is often a critical factor, especially for busy clients navigating stressful situations or working under a time crunch. At our firm, we understand the unique challenges faced by real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and customers in need of dependable customer service. Our real estate law firm offers a wealth of experience and a wide range of real estate services tailored to meet the needs of every client. From simple transactions to complex mortgages and financial agreements, we provide professional advice and resources for clients to ensure a positive outcome.
Our expertise extends to all types of homes and real estate situations, delivering outstanding experiences by maintaining a professional approach and transparent, upfront prices. We collaborate closely with real estate agents and a trusted real estate group to simplify legal matters and guide clients through the entire process with ease.By focusing on providing services to clients that reduce costs while maximizing efficiency, we ensure that even the most challenging situations are handled calmly and effectively. Whether you're managing estimated costs for a property transaction or seeking legal clarity on financial agreements, our company is dedicated to delivering reliable outcomes and peace of mind.