Real EstateLawyer referralCommercial, investment and development property
Environmental due diligence and Record of Site Condition
Reviews Phase I and II reports and the filing of a Record of Site Condition before a change to a more sensitive use.
The closing date in your agreement sets the timeline; contact the lawyer as soon as the agreement is signed, or before you sign if possible. Ontario Done by an Ontario lawyer, by referral
What is included
Reviews or drafts the agreement and its due diligence conditions
Reviews title, zoning, leases, environmental reports and permits
Works with surveyors, environmental consultants, lenders and planners
Structures the purchase, including through a corporation or partnership if appropriate
Closes the deal, registers the documents and handles adjustments
What is not included
Land transfer tax, registration fees, title insurance premiums and other disbursements
Home inspections, surveys and appraisals
Disputes or lawsuits arising from the deal, unless the lawyer agrees to act
Work by NEO Legal Services: NEO is a paralegal firm and only makes the referral
Who this service is for
Investors buying or selling commercial or multi-unit property
Developers assembling or selling land
Businesses buying the property they operate from
Information to have ready
1The offer, letter of intent or agreement
2Any leases, rent roll and tenant information
3Environmental, building condition and survey reports
4Financing terms and the buyer's corporate details
How a referral works
1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.
A typical Ontario fee for this service is $1,500–$5,000, plus HST. The lawyer quotes the actual fee before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.
When should I contact a lawyer?+
Ideally before you sign an offer, so the lawyer can review the conditions. At the latest, as soon as the agreement is signed.
What is title insurance?+
It is a policy that protects against certain title problems, such as fraud or some survey issues. The lawyer can explain what it covers and whether it suits your deal.
Can the same lawyer act for the buyer and the seller?+
Usually not. The Law Society's rules generally prevent one lawyer from acting for both sides of a property sale, with limited exceptions.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
No closing can be guaranteed if the other side or a lender does not perform
Problems found late, such as title or survey issues, may delay closing
The work is limited to the scope the lawyer confirms in writing