What does a real estate lawyer do on a closing?

Reviews the Agreement of Purchase and Sale and its conditions
Searches title, executions, taxes and work orders on the property
Arranges title insurance and reviews your lender’s mortgage instructions
Prepares and signs the closing documents with you
Calculates land transfer tax and adjustments on the statement of adjustments
Exchanges funds and keys, and registers the transfer and mortgage electronically
Discharges the seller’s mortgage and reports to you and your lender

When should I contact a real estate lawyer?

Ideally before you sign. An Agreement of Purchase and Sale is a binding contract, and its conditions, deposit terms and closing date shape everything that follows. If you have already signed, contact us as soon as the deal is firm so we have time to complete searches and receive your lender’s instructions well before closing.

Do first-time buyers pay land transfer tax in Mississauga?

Every buyer in Ontario pays the provincial land transfer tax, but eligible first-time homebuyers can receive a refund of up to $4,000, usually claimed at the time of registration. Unlike Toronto, Mississauga does not charge a separate municipal land transfer tax.

Source: Government of Ontario, “Land transfer tax refunds for first-time homebuyers”. Verified October 2026.

We also act on

Mortgages, refinancing and private lending
Commercial purchases, sales and leases
Residential and commercial landlord–tenant matters
Investment property and new-build purchases
Real estate disputes and failed closings — see civil litigation

Last reviewed: October 3, 2026General information about Ontario law — not legal advice for your situation.

FAQ

Real Estate Law questions

General information about Ontario law, not legal advice for your situation.

What should I look for in an Agreement of Purchase and Sale?

Check the parties and property description, the price and deposit, any conditions (financing, inspection, status certificate), the chattels and fixtures included, the closing date, and how the property must be delivered. If anything is unclear, have it reviewed before you sign.

Do I need title insurance?

Most mortgage lenders require it. Title insurance protects against certain defects that may not appear in the registered title — such as some survey issues, fraud or unpaid work orders — and is usually a one-time premium paid on closing.

What are closing costs, apart from the price?

Typically land transfer tax, legal fees, registration fees, title insurance and adjustments for property taxes or condo fees the seller has prepaid. We give you a closing statement showing every amount before the closing day.

Can you help if the other side won’t close?

Yes. A failed closing can involve deposit disputes and damages claims. Our civil litigation practice handles these lawsuits.

Related practice areas

Real estate lawyers in Mississauga