Buying or Selling a Home, Property or Business
First, ask your lawyer to assist you from the beginning to avoid costly mistakes and unsound contracts. If your lawyer is not a member already, point her/him to this website. Any practicing lawyer in Canada can join The Network - and joining is a quick and painless procedure.
You will be asked to sign a Retainer Agreement authorizing the lawyer to act for you on the sale or purchase of your home, business or property. The Agreement will detail all of the services to be provided to you and the fee arrangement that you and your lawyer negotiate. The whole process is flexible.
Lawyers will work with realtors, mortgage brokers, financial institutions and other agents to ensure the best possible deal for you.
Remember - you are in control - your lawyer is representing you.
For Sale by Owner
There are no set fees or commissions as you may find with real estate contracts. You discuss with your lawyer all the services you want undertaken and determine the fees. You can choose how to market your home, business or property and have as much or as little involvement with the sale as you want. With your authorization, your lawyer may contract with third party service providers, on your behalf, to complete the sale. All those details and costs are discussed up front so there are no surprises upon closing.
Your lawyer can arrange for:
1. professional signs
2. photographs
3. inventory of the features of your property
4. advertising: newspaper and/or internet web-listings for global exposure
5. advice on preparing your home or business for sale
6. professional valuations and appraisals to help you set the best price
7. showings of your home or business
These costs may be invoiced to you or included in the fees, depending on the arrangement with your lawyer.
When a buyer is interested in your home or business, your lawyer can arrange for a showing, manage negotiations, draft solid contracts and work with you to conclude the sale. It is just that easy.
If You Are Buying
Describe to your lawyer the type of home, commercial property or business you want. You will be asked to sign an agreement authorizing the lawyer to work on your behalf. You and your lawyer will discuss fee arrangements and services up front.
Your lawyer will work with you. S/he can post your interest on theNetwork.ca website. Perhaps the right property may become available in an estate or foreclosure, or another lawyer will see your "property/business wanted" listing and have a client with a similar property for sale.
Your lawyer can also canvas properties or businesses listed for sale with realtors. Once the property is located, your lawyer can arrange a showing, provide you with advice to ensure you get a fair deal and negotiate the purchase agreement. Securing mortgage funds, conveying your mortgage and ensuring a solid contract are all part of the services offered by your lawyer.
Links
The Network Advantage
Search for a Lawyer
Associated Documents
 | Home Seller Checklist #1 | ||
| Home Seller Checklist #2 | ||
| Preparing Your Home For Sale | ||
| Property Condition Disclosure | ||
| Home Maintenance Checkup |
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