Question 1

What does a real estate lawyer do during a closing?

Accepted Answer

Your lawyer reviews the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, runs a title search to confirm clear ownership, prepares and registers the transfer documents, coordinates with your lender to secure the mortgage, and handles the exchange of funds on closing day. They are your legal safeguard from accepted offer to closed file.

Question 2

How long does the closing process take?

Accepted Answer

Once you have a firm deal, a typical residential closing in Ontario runs 30 to 90 days, depending on the dates in your Agreement. We start working on your file the day we're retained. Most of the document work concentrates in the last two weeks before closing.

Question 3

Can I sign my documents remotely?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer virtual signing appointments across Ontario. You need a computer with a camera, a valid piece of government-issued ID, and about 45 minutes. No office visit required.

Question 4

Can I sign without coming into the office?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most of our clients across Ontario never set foot in our Windsor office. ID is verified over video, documents are signed electronically, and the entire closing is handled remotely. We are also happy to host you in person at 625 Erie Street East if that's your preference.

Question 5

What's the difference between a real estate lawyer and a notary in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Ontario does not use notaries for real estate transactions the way some other provinces (like British Columbia) do. By law, only a licensed lawyer can register a transfer of title, register a mortgage, or hold and disburse closing funds in trust in Ontario. There is no legal way to close an Ontario real estate transaction without a lawyer.

Question 6

What happens if my closing gets delayed?

Accepted Answer

Delays can happen for several reasons. Financing falling through, a title issue, or the other side not being ready. We push to resolve issues fast and keep you informed in real time. Depending on the cause, you may be entitled to compensation under your Agreement.

Question 7

How much does a real estate lawyer cost in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Legal fees for a standard residential purchase or sale in Ontario typically run $800 to $1,500 plus HST and disbursements, depending on complexity. Get your number in writing before anything starts. Your quote from us includes legal fees, disbursements, and HST.

Question 8

What are disbursements?

Accepted Answer

Disbursements are out-of-pocket costs we pay on your behalf during closing. Title search fees, registration fees, courier charges, and title insurance premiums. They are separate from legal fees and itemized clearly on your closing statement.

Question 9

Is land transfer tax included in the lawyer's fee?

Accepted Answer

No. Land Transfer Tax is a provincial tax (and in Toronto, a municipal tax on top) paid separately at closing. We calculate it and remit it to the government for you, but the tax itself is not part of our fee. Estimate yours with our free Land Transfer Tax calculator.

Question 10

What's the Toronto Municipal Land Transfer Tax?

Accepted Answer

Properties inside the City of Toronto pay both the provincial Land Transfer Tax and a separate Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MLTT). The two combined roughly double the closing tax bill compared to anywhere else in Ontario. First-time buyers can claim up to $4,475 against the MLTT in addition to the provincial rebate.

Question 11

What is title insurance, and do I need it?

Accepted Answer

Title insurance is a one-time policy that protects you against title defects, fraud, and certain survey or zoning issues that could otherwise threaten your ownership. Most Ontario lenders require it. It is inexpensive relative to the protection it provides. We recommend it on every purchase.

Question 12

Are there any hidden fees?

Accepted Answer

No. Our quote includes legal fees, estimated disbursements, and applicable taxes. We do not charge surprise administrative or admin-style fees. If anything material changes during your file, we tell you before proceeding.

Question 13

Do I qualify for the first-time buyer land transfer tax rebate?

Accepted Answer

You may qualify if you are at least 18, have never owned a home anywhere in the world, are not married to someone who owned a home while you were spouses, will move in within nine months of closing, and are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The Ontario rebate covers up to $4,000 of provincial Land Transfer Tax. In Toronto, an additional municipal rebate of up to $4,475 is available.

Question 14

I'm self-employed. Does that affect closing?

Accepted Answer

It doesn't affect the legal work, but it can affect how quickly your lender finalizes the mortgage. Self-employed buyers often need to provide additional income documentation (two years of T1 Generals and Notices of Assessment is typical). We coordinate directly with your mortgage broker or lender so the legal side is ready when the financing is.

Question 15

What documents do I need to prepare?

Accepted Answer

You will generally need valid government-issued photo ID, your Agreement of Purchase and Sale, your mortgage commitment or pre-approval, proof of home insurance for the new property, and a void cheque or banking details for the trust deposit. We send you a tailored checklist once we open your file.

Question 16

Where is simplyclose located?

Accepted Answer

We work out of 625 Erie Street East in Windsor, Ontario. Our physical office serves Windsor-Essex clients in person, and we close files for clients across the rest of Ontario remotely.

Question 17

Do you service all of Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ontario real estate law is governed provincially, so we can close transactions anywhere in the province. Toronto, Ottawa, London, Windsor, or a small town up north. We are fully set up for remote signings.

Question 18

How fast can you close a transaction?

Accepted Answer

We routinely close on the same day a deal allows, and we have closed last-minute files within 24 to 48 hours when the documents and funds are in place. Speed comes from our process: dedicated team per file, document automation in the background, and direct lender coordination. Not from cutting corners on the legal work.

Question 19

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Reach out through our contact form, email hello@simplyclose.ca, or call or text (519) 997-3775. We'll ask a few quick questions about your transaction and send back a transparent quote within one business day.

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