Joel DyckReal Broker SK Ltd.
Saskatoon · From the topic map

Who pays for a Saskatoon buyer's lawyer, and when do I need to hire one?

The buyer pays for their own lawyer, typically $800 to $1,500 for a residential file, and the right time to hire one is before you write an offer, since your lawyer should review the purchase agreement's conditions before you are bound to them.

A lawyer's core job on a purchase is the title search, confirming the property is free of undisclosed liens or encumbrances, and closing the transaction through Information Services Corporation on possession day.

Waiting until after your offer is accepted to call a lawyer is common but risky, since financing and inspection conditions have short deadlines, and a lawyer reviewing the contract only once those clocks are already running has less room to flag a problem.

If your down payment is under 20 percent, your lawyer also confirms the CMHC, Sagen or Canada Guaranty mortgage insurance is in place and that Saskatchewan's PST on that premium is accounted for at closing.

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