
Buying or selling a home can be a very involved process that requires lots of paperwork and attention to detail. There can be unexpected complications during the buying or selling of a home, particularly during closing and the two-week title transfer process. To avoid the risks associated with closing and to ensure all rules and regulations are properly followed, many people hire a real estate lawyer. But what does a real estate lawyer actually do and, more importantly, are they necessary? While this topic is worth discussing with your Realtor®, here is a general explanation of what you can expect of a real estate lawyer to help you decide if you need one.
What’s The Point Of A Real Estate Lawyer?
What Do Real Estate Lawyers Do?
Real estate lawyers are involved in the closing of a home sale or purchase. A real estate lawyer will review all of the legal documents related to the sale of the property. This includes checking to make sure all municipal property taxes are up to date, any condo or home association fees are paid, the property title is transferred free of financial encumbrances, and more. If there is anything in the documents that may need litigation, a real estate lawyer can assist. The real estate lawyer will ensure that you have a valid title upon closing the sale, they will prepare the deed for the house, they can draw up the mortgage documents, and they can ensure all legal and financial conditions have been met.
Do I Need A Real Estate Lawyer?
It is mandatory to work with a lawyer when buying a home in Alberta. While some other provinces only require a notary to oversee the legal transfer of the property, in Alberta this task must be done with a lawyer who is authorized to practice in Alberta. All money and disbursements must go through a lawyer, whether you are the buyer or seller. The lawyer will ensure that all payments are made to the correct parties.
Although you do need a lawyer to oversee the sale and purchase of a home, this lawyer does not need to specialize in real estate. Any lawyer that can legally practice in Alberta is authorized to fulfill this requirement. Although a real estate lawyer is not needed for the buying and selling of a home, they are highly beneficial. Since you need a lawyer, it makes sense to hire a real estate lawyer to oversee the selling or buying of a home, as they will have an intimate understanding of Alberta laws regarding property-related bylaws, inspections, insurance, and more.
Working With Real Estate Professionals
Working with trained professionals who have a deep understanding of the Calgary real estate market will always be beneficial when buying or selling a home in Calgary. Hiring a real estate lawyer can be highly valuable to buyers and sellers to ensure the transfer of the home follows all legal guidelines and that the contract is sound. Another way to ensure you are getting a great deal and are properly and effectively navigating the Calgary real estate market is by partnering with an experienced Calgary Realtor®. Your Calgary Realtor® can help you from the moment you start looking at homes or are interested in selling your home through to the finalization of the sale. Your Calgary Realtor® may also have recommendations of experienced and trusted real estate lawyers.
Partner With A Calgary Realtor® From The Mel Star Team
Whether you are buying or selling, The Mel Star team of Calgary Realtors® can help you every step of the way. Homeownership and real estate transactions can be complicated and having a team of highly experienced Realtors® to advise you on topics such as whether or not to hire a real estate lawyer can help simplify your real estate journey. The Mel Star team can lower the stress that can come with navigating the Calgary real estate market. To partner with a Realtor® in Calgary who has your best interests at heart and who can answer all of your real estate questions, call the Mel Star team at 1-403-861-9944 or fill out the online contact form.
FAQ
A good Realtor® will represent you during the home buying process. A real estate agent should do the following for you when buying a home:
- Book showings
- Provide you with search tools or search for properties on your behalf
- Represent you well in possible multiple offer scenarios
- Keep a calm head during negotiations
- Diligently navigate contracts and closing
Once you’re ready to sell your home, schedule a consultation with a Calgary Realtor® and establish a price.
A good Realtor® will represent you during the home buying process. A real estate agent should do the following for you when buying a home:
- Book showings
- Provide you with search tools or search for properties on your behalf
- Represent you well in possible multiple offer scenarios
- Keep a calm head during negotiations
- Diligently navigate contracts and closing
A Star Team Working For You

The Mel Star team combines experience, insight, influence, connections, and access to the most cutting-edge marketing technologies to deliver results to buyers and sellers in Calgary’s Real Estates market. Our award-winning team will guide you through the process of buying or selling with smart strategies, skilled negotiations, and a customer-focused approach. Connect with us today to begin your journey to a successful Real Estate close. Call us at 1-403-861-9944.
CONTACT US
We are here to help and we'd love to hear from you. Call us at 1-403-861-9944 and we will be in touch shortly!