7 questions to ask when choosing a lawyer in Nova Scotia for your Real Estate Purchase or Sale

The Purchase and Sale Agreement is signed. Your Realtor says you need a lawyer for the next step  but of course you don’t ‘have a lawyer’. How do you figure out which lawyer to hire?

Buying or Selling a home is a huge financial transaction

Buying or selling a home in Nova Scotia is likely to be one of the largest financial transactions of your life. Having a team of professionals you can trust to safely guide you through the process is key to a successful and stress-free closing.

Here are 7 important questions you can ask when deciding which lawyer to trust with your transaction:

1.Experience

How many years has the lawyer been doing real estate transactions?

Unfortunately, there are a million ways what should be a simple real estate transaction can go off the rails if a tiny detail is missed. Choosing a lawyer with lots of experience can help you avoid falling victim to a beginner’s oversight.

2. Litigation support

Does the law firm have a litigation lawyer on staff to consult with in case there are issues with the closing? Or to work with after the closing if an issue arises?

The reality is, sometimes issues do arise. It is critical that you know your rights and options. A quick consultation with a litigation lawyer will arm you with the information you need to ensure you are making the best decision based on the facts at hand.

3.Lawyer vs Paralegal

Will you get to meet with the actual lawyer or will you only meet with/communicate with an admin support person like a paralegal?

Some firms have more support staff than lawyers so it’s important to understand who will actually be running point – particularly around closing day if there’s an issue.

4.Total Cost including disbursements and other fees

What is the total cost of the transaction?

Be sure that you are getting a quote on ALL of the associated costs. Some firms have a very low ‘legal fee’, but end up costing more because they have inflated other fees (eg. file opening fees, bank fees, couriers, cheque fees).

5.Payment Options

How can you pay?

Some firms still require payment by cheque or direct deposit into their accounts via money order, while some more modern firms are set up to accept credit card, debit or etransfer.

6.Location & Parking

Is the firm you choose is located somewhere convenient for you? Do they offer convenient, free parking?

You will have to go to the law firm to sign original paperwork. Double check that the location works for you.

7.Communication – Email vs Phone

How does this firm generally communicate?

Some firms still call every time they need something. If a quick email that you can respond to when its convenient to you is more your speed, be sure to confirm that will be an option. On the flip side, some lawyers are impossible to reach on the phone. You also want to confirm whether you will be able to speak to a real human if a time sensitive issue arises or if there is just a question that is easier to deal with on the phone.

Realtor’s Referral?

One place to start, is to ask your Realtor for a lawyer referral. In Nova Scotia, if a Realtor provides you with a referral, they are required to give you at least three names. Don’t be shy to ask your Realtor the questions above and why, specifically they are referring the lawyers they provided. The fact that the lawyer invites the Realtor to go golfing with them is not a great reason for you to choose that lawyer.

Resources to Learn More about Buying or Selling a house in Nova Scotia

Buying and selling a home in Nova Scotia is a big deal, and not something most people do often.  We get that.  When you work with us, our team will guide you through the entire process step by step. When you have questions along the way, we’ll take the time to fully explain the answer.  And if something unexpected comes up, we’ll be your voice.  We’ll make sure things are resolved quickly and in a way that you find acceptable. 

Check out this video series with helpful tips to ensure a smooth closing.

By: Briana O’Grady – Lawyer

Have Questions For Us?:

If you have any questions about Family Matters you can call us at (902) 826-3070 or email us at info@highlanderlaw.ca to set up a meeting with one of our lawyers at our Tantallon law firm. You can also schedule a no commitment Family Matter Consult for $500+HST where you have the opportunity to explain your situation to a lawyer and get basic advice, including a written summary of your options, before deciding whether or not you'd like to retain us.

The information and materials on this blog are provided for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. Nothing contained on this blog is legal advice or constitutes a legal opinion. While it is our goal to provide information which is current, legislative changes and court decisions, among other matters, may result in some information no longer being current or accurate. You should consult a lawyer before relying on any information. The views expressed herein by individual contributing lawyers posting entries to the blog are solely those of the authors and should not necessarily be attributed to or considered representative of the firm of Highlander Law Group Lawyers