Real estate lawyer fees in Ontario

May 18th, 2019 5:37 pm

#1

moochaoranges [OP]: Newbie; Mar 17, 2019; 18 posts; 4 upvotes

May 18th, 2019 5:37 pm

Hi all,

Got quoted the following and was wondering if it's reasonable. I'm used to BC prices which seem to be much lower (paid 750$ all in after tax in Vancouver).

Here is the breakdown I've received.

Title Insurance:                                $   400.00

Legal Fee:                                          $   459.00 plus HST

Gov't Fees/Disbursements:           $   475.00 plus applicable HST

Total Costs:  $1,455.42 inclusive of HST

Land transfer tax is of course additional on top of this. Am I being ripped off here? I've contacted many law firms and all seem to be in the 1300-1700 range.

Cheers

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May 18th, 2019 5:51 pm

#2

realtorhome: Sr. Member; May 3, 2013; 643 posts; 199 upvotes; Toronto

May 18th, 2019 5:51 pm

That range is normal. The two things I look for when I recommend a lawyer is their responsiveness to email/call and proximity to the client. If the transaction isn't straight forward and a bit complex (eg. overseas buyer, assignment, etc), make sure the lawyer is familiar with those aspects, which most of them are.

May 18th, 2019 6:32 pm

#3

Furcorn: Sr. Member; Jun 7, 2017; 957 posts; 710 upvotes; BC

May 18th, 2019 6:32 pm

That's really low when including title insurance.

May 19th, 2019 12:44 am

#4

DealsFreak: Member; Oct 21, 2013; 284 posts; 140 upvotes; waterloo, on

May 19th, 2019 12:44 am

this is a really low quote. If you look at it, the legal fee is only 459. I never seen this lower than 650.

Serving Kitchener/Waterloo/Guelph/London/Hamilton/Niagara and surrounding areas

May 19th, 2019 11:05 am

#5

at1212b: Deal Guru; Mar 31, 2008; 11637 posts; 2141 upvotes; Toronto

May 19th, 2019 11:05 am

That's cheap bro.

May 19th, 2019 11:06 am

#6

eonibm: Deal Expert; Aug 2, 2010; 15193 posts; 4925 upvotes; Here 'n There

May 19th, 2019 11:06 am

Should be in Hot Deals section.

+1

May 20th, 2019 12:16 am

#7

pradstoronto: Jr. Member; Nov 14, 2018; 119 posts; 21 upvotes

May 20th, 2019 12:16 am

Does this depend on property price?

I have been quoted 1100 + hst + title insurance.

Property value : 940k

May 20th, 2019 9:28 am

#8

eonibm: Deal Expert; Aug 2, 2010; 15193 posts; 4925 upvotes; Here 'n There

May 20th, 2019 9:28 am

pradstoronto wrote: ↑ Does this depend on property price?

I have been quoted 1100 + hst + title insurance.

Property value : 940k

well, um, higher value higher risk, so ya

May 20th, 2019 3:21 pm

#9

PeterR639: Newbie; Feb 26, 2017; 28 posts; 11 upvotes

May 20th, 2019 3:21 pm

That sounds cheap. For my new build I am being qouted:

lawyer + disbursements: 1600$
title Insurance: 300$
Registration: 150$

Time to look around.

Edit:
Location ottawa

May 21st, 2019 9:04 am

#10

DealsFreak: Member; Oct 21, 2013; 284 posts; 140 upvotes; waterloo, on

May 21st, 2019 9:04 am

pradstoronto wrote: ↑ Does this depend on property price?

I have been quoted 1100 + hst + title insurance.

Property value : 940k

it totally depends on the lawyer. some might some might not. some just have a flat fee.

Serving Kitchener/Waterloo/Guelph/London/Hamilton/Niagara and surrounding areas

May 21st, 2019 12:17 pm

#11

realtorhome: Sr. Member; May 3, 2013; 643 posts; 199 upvotes; Toronto

May 21st, 2019 12:17 pm

My clients always get quotes in the $1300 to $1600 range including HST. I think some folks feel that because this is a big purchase, it's better to find a big law firm with a big name and many partners. Those firms will cost more... cuz you end up paying for their advertising and rent.

Most real estate transactions are simple for lawyers, they "simply" need to verify the titles, transfer funds to and from lenders/lawyer/buyer/seller, and exchange title. No need for a big name with big fees. IMHO.

+1

May 21st, 2019 11:32 pm

#12

woofster: Member; Jan 13, 2007; 490 posts; 373 upvotes; Toronto, Ontario

May 21st, 2019 11:32 pm

I've seen most real estate lawyer fees for a purchase transaction to be in the $1,500 range as well.

May 21st, 2019 11:35 pm

#13

Redsanta: Deal Addict; Dec 16, 2015; 2510 posts; 2175 upvotes; Canada

May 21st, 2019 11:35 pm

moochaoranges wrote: ↑ Hi all,

Got quoted the following and was wondering if it's reasonable. I'm used to BC prices which seem to be much lower (paid 750$ all in after tax in Vancouver).

Here is the breakdown I've received.

Title Insurance:                                $   400.00

Legal Fee:                                          $   459.00 plus HST

Gov't Fees/Disbursements:           $   475.00 plus applicable HST

Total Costs:  $1,455.42 inclusive of HST

Land transfer tax is of course additional on top of this. Am I being ripped off here? I've contacted many law firms and all seem to be in the 1300-1700 range.

Cheers

Super cheap. You actually only need the lawyer to do the paperwork and transaction. Not the sales guy who is asking for 2,000% this price.

To the moon

May 22nd, 2019 11:30 pm

#14

moochaoranges [OP]: Newbie; Mar 17, 2019; 18 posts; 4 upvotes

May 22nd, 2019 11:30 pm

Redsanta wrote: ↑ Super cheap. You actually only need the lawyer to do the paperwork and transaction. Not the sales guy who is asking for 2,000% this price.

Any tips on going about this?