Looking for a lawyer to handle the purchase or sale of your home? You might have questions like… Does it matter which lawyer I hire? Will there be hidden fees or expenses? We understand that when buying or selling a home, hiring a lawyer isn’t usually top of mind and it may be an added step that you haven’t anticipated. We want to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. Today, that starts with answering your most frequently asked questions.

First of all, why do I need a real estate lawyer? 

Looking to buy, sell, or refinance a home? In most cases, you’ll need a lawyer to seal the deal. A real estate lawyer will take care of the legal work and ensure everything is handled accurately, which includes:  

• Reviewing all legal documents. This may include the Purchase and Sale Agreement and, in the case of a condo purchase, the Estoppel Certificate.  
• Ensuring that property taxes are up-to-date and that no claims are listed against the property. 
• Holding funds in a trust account until all terms and conditions are satisfied. 
• Making sure that there is a valid title and the seller’s mortgage (if applicable) will be paid out and taken off the title. 

How do I choose a real estate lawyer?  

Finding a good real estate lawyer, especially one who doesn’t give you a lengthy to-do list, can make all the difference. For starters, it’s important to choose a lawyer with experience in real estate law who understands the ins and outs of the laws around real estate, particularly in your province. It’s also a good idea to look for a real estate lawyer that is upfront about their fees, so there aren’t any surprises down the road. Keep in mind that you can always book an initial consultation with a lawyer to find out if they are a good fit for you. 

What questions should I be asking a real estate lawyer? 

• How long have they practiced real estate law? 
• How knowledgeable are they in Alberta real estate law? (The laws vary between provinces, so look for a real estate lawyer with expertise in your area.) 
• Do they offer a flat rate for their services or bill by the hour? What other costs are involved? 

These are just a few ideas but don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions or ask for clarification. It may also be a good idea to check out the firm’s reviews online to see what others have to say. 

How much is a real estate lawyer going to cost me?  

The price of real estate legal services can vary but, at Litco Law, we offer transparent pricing (& free consults if you have questions). For all our real estate transactions at Litco Law, you’ll pay a flat rate fee. That means you won’t get billed for a phone call or talking with your lawyer. We also cover the costs of disbursements, which are common costs for things like land registration fees, title and tax searches, obtaining real property reports, bank fees, and more.

The base fee we charge for the sale or purchase of a home includes the cost of ALL disbursement fees. Many firms will charge over and above for disbursement fees, which can cost anywhere from $250 – $1,000 and up. So, while a firm’s base fee might seem like a great deal at first glance, that number can quickly rise if your lawyer bills by the hour and charges you for disbursements.

Here’s a breakdown of our standard pricing. For more information and our full pricing list, you can visit our pricing page or contact us.

SERVICE                                                     PRICE

Property Sale                                              $1,100 + GST

Property Purchase (without mortgage)   $1,500 + GST

Property Purchase (with mortgage)         $1,600 + GST

*Pricing above INCLUDES disbursements. Special circumstances may require additional fees. We’ll always discuss all costs with you, so you know what to expect.

DID YOU KNOW? We also offer promotions with some of our real estate services!

• If you use Litco Law for any of your real estate legal services, you can receive 25% off a Timeless Will™.
• Are you a first-time home buyer? Congrats! Let’s protect your investment. You can get a FREE Timeless Will ™ with your legal service. 

Have questions about buying, selling, or refinancing a home in Alberta? It won’t cost you anything to speak with one of our real estate lawyers. Contact us today to speak to a member of our legal team.