Welcome to Philer — Real Estate Lawyer

Buying or Selling Without a Realtor in Ontario: Is It Legal?

In Ontario, it is entirely legal to buy or sell real estate without using a realtor. These are known as private real estate transactions. While this route may seem appealing due to potential savings on commission fees, it’s not as straightforward as it might seem. Whether you’re purchasing a home from a family member, selling … Read more

What Are “Disbursements” in Real Estate?

A Simple Guide on Disbursements for Home Buyers, Sellers, and Refinancers in Ontario When you’re closing on a home in Ontario, your lawyer will likely give you a quote that includes two main parts: the legal fee and something called disbursements. That second word—disbursements—often makes people pause. It sounds complicated and might make you think … Read more

Does a Real Estate Lawyer Handle Utilities in Ontario?

Closing with a real estate lawyer

What You Need to Know about Closing with a Real Estate Lawyer If you’re buying or selling a home in Ontario, you’re likely juggling a dozen moving parts, mortgage approvals, home inspections, legal paperwork, and move-in plans. One common question that comes up is: “Will my real estate lawyer take care of the utilities for … Read more

Title Insurance vs. Title Search in Ontario: What’s the Difference and Why You Need Both

What’s the difference between a title search and title insurance in Ontario? Learn from Philer.ai, why both are essential when buying a home, what they protect you from, and how they safeguard your property investment, explained in simple terms for first-time buyers.

Can You Sell a House with a Lien on It in Ontario? What Homeowners Need to Know

If you’re preparing to sell your house in Ontario and find out there’s a lien on the property, don’t panic. A lien doesn’t mean the sale is impossible—it just means there’s one extra step to take. In this beginner-friendly guide, Philer explain what a lien is, how it affects your sale, and the simplest way to resolve it with help from a real estate lawyer. Whether it’s your first time selling or you just want to avoid legal hiccups, we’ve got you covered.

A First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide to Conveyancing in Ontario: And When You Can Move Into Your New Home

Buying your first home is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—milestones in life. Among all the paperwork, legal jargon, and checklists, one word you’re bound to encounter is conveyancing. But what does it mean? And when, exactly, can you move into your new home? In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need … Read more

Real Estate Fraud in Ontario: Red Flags and How a Lawyer Protects You

Buying or selling a home in Ontario is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. But with big transactions come big risks — and real estate fraud is more common than you might think. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or preparing to sell your property, understanding how fraud works and … Read more

Buying a Condo in Ontario: What Legal Steps You Shouldn’t Skip

Thinking about buying a condo in Toronto? With sky-high home prices and growing demand for urban living, condominiums have become a popular choice for first-time buyers, investors, and downsizers alike. But beyond the trendy amenities and stunning city views, there are critical legal steps that you shouldn’t skip—especially in Ontario. In this article, we’ll walk … Read more

Conditional vs. Firm Offers in Ontario: What’s the Legal Risk?

If you’re a real estate investor in Ontario, the difference between a conditional offer and a firm offer can mean the difference between a successful deal and a legal disaster. Whether you’re buying your first rental property or flipping your fifth house, understanding the legal implications of conditional vs. firm offers is non-negotiable.  In this … Read more

Foreign Buyer Ban, NRST & Tax Rebates: Legal Essentials for Non-Resident Buyers 

Buying real estate in Ontario as a non-resident isn’t as simple as booking a showing and signing the paperwork. Between the Foreign Buyer Ban, Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST), and available tax rebates, the legal landscape can feel like a maze — especially if you’re new to Canadian property law.  This guide breaks down the legal … Read more