Selling Commercial Real Estate
Cost-Effective Solutions for Individual & Small Business Success!
Serving the Greater Toronto Area
and the rest of Ontario
Lawyer for Selling Commercial Real Estate in Toronto
We understand that real estate transactions are often the most significant deals a person will be involved in during their lifetime. From reviewing purchase and sale agreements to conducting title searches and working with financial institutions for a timely and smooth closing, we assist our clients every step of the way. We recognize different types of properties and their unique considerations and guide our clients through the complexities of such transactions.
We are conveniently located in midtown Toronto, minutes from the Eglinton-Yonge station. Call us at 647-300-8391 or click the button above to book a FREE consultation.
Simplified Process
Calculate Your Quote
Fill out our form here and we will contact you to provide a detailed estimate for selling transaction of your commercial property.
Collect Your Documents
Forward us a copy of your agreement and connect us with your real estate agent & mortgage broker for us to begin the transaction.
Document Execution
We will meet with you in person or remotely for signing and guide you throughout the process to complete the transaction.
Hiring Commercial Real Estate Lawyer
If you are considering exiting the Toronto commercial real estate market as a property owner, it is crucial to have the guidance and support of trustworthy professionals throughout every stage of your transaction. Selling a commercial property involve a wide range of complex variables, and while your real estate agent can assist you in addressing some of them, there are limits to how much you can expect from even the best agents.
Hiring a real estate lawyer ahead of time will ensure that you are fully prepared to address unexpected legal problems that may arise concerning the property you wish to sell in Ontario. The sooner you secure legal counsel to assist you, the more time your lawyer will have to compile the necessary information for you to evaluate before making any significant decisions regarding commercial property.
What information will my lawyer require?
Agreement of Purchase & Sale
The Agreement of Purchase and Sale is a binding contract between the buyer and seller. It outlines all terms, conditions, and responsibilities related to the transaction, including the purchase price, closing date, and any contingencies. A copy of the agreement is to be forwarded to the real estate lawyer.
Photo Identification
Two pieces of photo identification will be required for each purchaser, such as a driver’s license and passport. A health card is not accepted as photo identification.
Mortgage/LOC/Loan Statements
Mortgage, Line of Credit, or Loan Statements will be required if there are loan against the property. According to the loan agreement, the real estate lawyer will ensure the loan is discharged properly.
Void Cheque or Direct Deposit
Void Cheque or Direct deposit form from an online account is required for the proceeds of sale.
Rental Contract
Rental contract or bill that the buyer agrees to assume, if applicable.
Understanding Taxes & Fees
The following expenses are typically required when selling your property:
Legal Fees
A real estate lawyer is required to complete specific tasks such as title searches, registration of the deed, and preparation of closing documents, and will charge a fee for their services. Our Legal fees are flat rate based on the complexity of the transaction.
Mortgage Discharge Fees
If there’s a mortgage on the property, you will need to pay a fee to discharge the mortgage.
Real Estate Commission
The most significant expense is usually the commission for the real estate agent. This is typically around 5% of the sale price for residential properties, but it can vary for commercial. This fee is split between the seller’s and buyer’s agents.
Capital Gains Tax
If the property is not the seller’s principal residence, they may have to pay capital gains tax on the profit from the sale. It is always recomended to discuss the tax implications with your accountant.
Tax Adjustments
The property tax adjustments will be calculated and prorated for both parties based on the closing date. Suppose the seller has already paid property taxes in full for the year. In that case, the buyer will have to reimburse them for the portion of the year they will have the property in possession.
Moving Costs
While not a direct selling cost, moving expenses can add up and should be factored into the overall budget.
Utility and Other Service Fees
These are prorated costs for items the seller has prepaid, such as utilities. The seller receives a credit for these at closing.
GET ANSWERS
Real Estate Law Frequently Asked Questions
When to Contact a Real Estate Lawyer?
Buyers and sellers will want to contact a real estate lawyer as soon as an Offer to Purchase is signed. Conveyance of a property can be complex and time-consuming – real estate lawyers have the experience and expertise to make sure the process is smooth and headache-free. Your Lawyer can explain the terms in plain language the steps you will need to take and help you guide throughout the process.
What services do real estate lawyers provide?
Real estate lawyers provide a wide range of services, including drafting and reviewing contracts, negotiating deals, conducting due diligence, advising on zoning and land use regulations, handling title searches, and order title insurance.
When do I need to hire a real estate lawyer?
Whenever you are involved in a real estate transaction, whether you are buying, selling, leasing, or managing property, you should consider hiring or consulting a lawyer.
What is a title search?
A title search is a process of examining public records to determine the legal ownership of a property and to identify any liens, mortgages, or other encumbrances on the property.
What is title insurance?
Title insurance is an insurance policy that protects the buyer and lender from losses that may occur due to defects in the title, such as undisclosed liens, boundary disputes, or errors in public records.
What does “disbursements” mean?
Disbursements refer to the various expenses incurred during a real estate transaction. These expenses can include things like land transfer taxes, title searches, title insurance, appraisal fees, tax certificates, software and office charges, and any other costs that are associated with the transfer of ownership from one party to another.
What Happens If I have a signed Agreement of Purchase and Sale but find a better property?
The Agreement of Sale and Purchase is a legally binding document that can be enforced in court. Therefore, it is not advisable to sign a second agreement without the seller's consent to release you from the first agreement, or without being willing and able to purchase both properties.
Can I get my deposit back If I change my mind?
While it is possible to back out of a real estate deal, there are potential consequences. In cases where the seller incurs expenses such as mortgage holding costs or legal fees, or is unable to quickly resell the property, there is a likelihood that you may lose some or all of your deposit. Furthermore, if your offer was considerably higher than the new buyer's, the other party may choose to pursue legal action against you.
What is the Land Transfer Tax?
Purchasing land entails paying taxes to the Province of Ontario, determined by the land's assessed value. If you are a first-time homebuyer, you may qualify for a partial land transfer tax refund.
Please refer to the Government of Ontario website for calculating the Ontario Land Transfer Tax:
https://www.ontario.ca/document/land-transfer-tax/calculating-land-transfer-tax
If the property is located in Toronto then an additional Toronto Municipal Land Transfer Tax will also apply:
How much does it cost to hire a real estate lawyer?
The cost of hiring a real estate lawyer varies depending on the nature of the work, the type of the real estate transaction, the complexity of the transaction, and the experience of the lawyer. Some lawyers charge on an hourly basis, while others charge a flat fee.
Can I use a real estate agent instead of a real estate lawyer?
Real estate agents can help you find a property that suits your needs and provide valuable assistance in buying or selling a property, but they are not licensed to provide legal advice. It is important to hire a real estate lawyer to ensure that your legal interests are protected.
What is the Agreement of Purchase and Sale?
An agreement of purchase and sale is a legally binding agreement between a buyer and seller that outlines the terms and conditions of a real estate transaction, including the purchase price, financing terms, and contingencies. It defines the rights and obligations of both sides regarding the subject real estate transaction.
What is a contingency?
Typically, certain agreements of purchase and sale contain contingencies (or conditions) that must be met before a real estate transaction can be completed. Common contingencies include home inspections, financing approval, and appraisal.
What is an easement?
An easement is the legal right for one property owner to enter another’s without permission. An Easement runs with the land and binds all subsequent owners.
Can a real estate lawyer help with leasing commercial property?
Yes, a real estate lawyer can help with leasing commercial property by negotiating lease terms, reviewing contracts, and ensuring that the lease complies with applicable laws and regulations. Both landlords and tenants can hire their own real estate lawyers in order to obtain legal advice and other legal services regarding the lease.
What does a real estate lawyer do?
Real Estate Lawyers handle the Conveyancing of the Property, which includes handling the paperwork that transfers the property title to your name, dealing with your mortgage financing, and coordinating paying the seller the purchase price. Real estate lawyers review the legal documents and issues related to a transaction, including the legal review of the Agreement of Purchase or Agreement of Sale.
Buying or selling a home in Toronto might be challenging since this may be the most important transaction in a lifetime. While making every effort to ensure the transaction is closed smoothly and on time, our lawyers will also assist you in understanding the details of your transaction and strive to be accessible to you throughout the process. We provide quality legal services in real estate law to individuals and businesses while protecting the best interest of our clients, even in the most complex matters.