While I like to think of myself as a committed Do-It-Yourselfer, there are certain events in life for which I feel I need expert advice before I even begin, and the process of selling and buying a new home is a fine example of an occasion where one should feel zero guilt about hiring professional help.

In search of the perfect real estate lawyer North York I did a lot of research which I am now happy to share with my readers. My family and I have been living in our suburban home for 12 years, and much has changed in the market since:

1. Resolve to make finding a real estate lawyer the first step of your move.

The importance of legal council cannot be understated when making what is perhaps the most costly purchase of your life. Selling or buying a home requires serious decision making and the guidance of a legal professional will reinforce to you the gravity of the choices you make.

2. Find out how your real estate lawyer structures their fees.

Some real estate lawyers work on a flat fee structure and some do not; you may be in conversation with one or the other. If you choose a lawyer who charges a flat fee structure you’ll know exactly how much their expertise will cost. If you are dealing with a lawyer who does not charge on a flat fee structure then be very firm in asking for a complete invoice of charges. Agree on a price before you agree to services.

3. Familiarize yourself with your lawyer’s practice.

What type of  real estate law does your lawyer specialize in? Commercial? Residential? Agricultural? Choose a lawyer whose specialty matches up with what you’re selling or buying. If a real estate lawyer has been working exclusively in a certain residential area for 10 years, you can bet his/her office and administrative staff is well versed in their work as well.

4. Find out what services are included.

Will your lawyer look over your mortgage documents for you? If you want this done and don’t specify upfront you might find yourself with unexpected fees on the bill. Is your lawyer, or is their assistant, going to be able to give you answers to your complicated questions? Will you be educated somewhat throughout the process, or left in the dark about the particulars? You may need to shop around until you find a lawyer who can offer you exactly what you’re looking for at an agreed-upon price.

5. Can your lawyer’s office close the sale electronically?

It is now possible to register land electronically throughout the entire GTA. This is not the most important tip in the article, but in the digital age we all know how much more convenient it is to work online rather than wait in a line. Plus, if your lawyer’s office hasn’t upgraded to be able to close electronically, it might reveal a need for them to be making upgrades to their practice in general. Again, this is a minor piece of advice. Be sure to hire a real estate lawyer–legal documents are very complicated.