Real Estate Closing Services
At NLCI, we offer a comprehensive range of real estate closing services tailored to meet your needs, whether you're purchasing, selling, or refinancing. Our experienced team ensures that every aspect of the transaction is handled professionally and efficiently. After having successfully closed thousands of real estate transactions, you can feel confident that you are working with knowledgeable professionals who have your best interest in mind.
Here is an overview of our closing services along with the associated costs.
1
Residential Property Closing
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Standard Purchase Transaction: Our legal fee for a residential purchase with mortgage financing is $1,295.00 + H.S.T. For purchases without mortgage financing, the fee is $995.00 + H.S.T. Disbursements typically amount to approximately $395.00 + H.S.T., covering title searches, wire transfer fees, and other administrative charges.
2
Sale of Residential Property
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Standard Sale Transaction: Our legal fee for acting on the sale of a residential property is $1,195.00 + H.S.T. This includes the discharge of one mortgage or line of credit. If no mortgage is involved, the fee is $995.00 + H.S.T.
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Disbursements: Disbursements include costs for title clearance, discharge registration fees ($83.11 per registration), execution searches ($14.00 per name), and other administrative fees such as fax, photocopy, courier, and wire transfer charges. These are separate from the legal fees.
3
New Build Condominium Units & Interim Closings
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For new build condominium purchases requiring interim closings, our legal fee is $595.00 + H.S.T. This covers the legal work required for interim occupancy before the final closing, excluding disbursements.
4
Commercial Property Closing
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Our legal fee for closing commercial real estate transactions, including mixed-use properties, is $2,495.00 + H.S.T. This includes title searches, on and off title reviews, and handling of liens or encumbrances. For mortgage registrations, an additional fee of $995.00 + H.S.T. applies.
5
Title Transfers
For title transfers due to sales, gifts, or estate planning, our legal fee is $995.00 + H.S.T. This service includes handling all legal documentation required for transferring ownership, plus disbursements.
6
Refinancing
Our legal fee for refinancing services, including the registration of a first mortgage, is $995.00 + H.S.T. Additional fees may apply for complex title issues or multiple mortgages.
7
Gratuitous Transfers of Title
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Transfer of Title: Our legal fee for preparing a new transfer/deed for residential property is $995.00 + H.S.T. This applies to transfers for nominal consideration (e.g., $1.00), gifts, or situations involving a transfer of title for love and affection.
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Mortgage Discharge: If there is a mortgage on the property, lender approval is required before transferring title. The fee for discharging a mortgage is $495.00 + H.S.T. plus disbursements.
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Land Transfer Tax: Depending on the nature of the transfer, land transfer tax may apply. We will assess whether the transfer qualifies for an exemption (e.g., spousal transfers, trustee-to-beneficiary transfers). For gratuitous transfers, our team will review the applicable land transfer tax based on the percentage of interest transferred or the value of the mortgage assumed.
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Required Information: To proceed with a transfer of title, we will need various documents, including the current deed, lender’s approval, proof of spousal status, tax bills, and other relevant documentation. Our team will guide you through this process to ensure all legal requirements are met.
8
Cottage and Recreational Property Closing
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Purchase of Recreational or Cottage Property: Our legal fee for acting on the purchase of recreational or cottage property is $1,495.00 + H.S.T. This includes title searches, on and off title reviews, reviewing any Environmental Site Assessments, and ensuring that the property is free of liens and encumbrances, except those specifically assumed.
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Additional Disbursements: Disbursements for cottage and recreational properties often include title searches, environmental inquiries, compliance with building and zoning by-laws, septic system permits, and water potability tests. The cost of a new survey (if required) ranges from $1,000.00 to $2,000.00 or more, depending on the property.
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Custom Fees: Each cottage or recreational property transaction is unique, and additional charges may apply depending on the specific requirements of the buyer.
Additional Costs
Real estate closings often involve extra costs referred to as disbursements. These include:
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Title Search and Registration Fees: Title searches and document registrations, typically $83.11 per document.
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Software Levy Charge: Due to recent third-party fee increases, a software levy charge of $249.00 + H.S.T. applies to all real estate transactions.
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Transaction Levy Fee: An additional levy of $65.00 + H.S.T. applies, as required by the Law Society for each transaction.
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Land Transfer Tax: This tax is based on property value, and first-time homebuyers may qualify for rebates. Processing first-time buyer rebate forms incurs a fee of $250.00 + H.S.T. You can contact us for a free estimate on your land transfer tax.
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Title Insurance: Title insurance is required to protect against title-related issues such as encroachments or zoning violations. Costs vary depending on the property value.
Specialized Closing Services
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Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST): If you're a non-resident, an additional 25% NRST may apply. We charge a $95.00 + H.S.T. fee for filing the necessary documents, plus an additional $450.00 + H.S.T. to process NRST applications.
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Vacant Land Tax ("Underused Housing Tax"): This tax applies to non-resident and some Canadian owners of vacant or underused housing. Our fee for securing a clearance in your favor is $99.00 + H.S.T.
Surcharges for High-Value Properties
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For properties valued over $1 million, a surcharge of $99.00 + H.S.T. applies for each additional $100,000.00 in property value. This applies to both purchase and sale transactions.
Why Choose NLCI for Your Real Estate Closing?
At NLCI, we offer a reliable, professional service designed to make your real estate transaction as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our team has the proficiency to handle a variety of transactions, from straightforward home purchases to more complex commercial deals. We also take pride in offering clear, transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and we are committed to ensuring that you have a clear understanding of your closing costs upfront.
For any questions or to get started on your real estate closing, contact us at YOURLAWYER@BELLNET.CA. Our team is here to provide you with skilled legal assistance every step of the way.