Real Estate Law
EXPERIENCE
Our lawyers have maintained a real estate law practice for many years, having closed in excess of one thousand transactions in the process. We employ experienced, knowledgeable and capable staff but your file will also be overseen by a lawyer on each and every step to ensure the transaction goes as smoothly as possible
OUR PROCESS
We have implemented a process which focuses on communication and education to the client. It is our goal for each and every client to be kept apprised but to also understand what is happening on your file at all stages. We believe that the real estate process should be uncomplicated while still working hard to ensure that you are legally protected along the way.
SERVICE
You are going to have questions throughout the process and we believe in that you should have access to your lawyer at all stages of your transaction. This means that although a member of our staff may be doing some of the day-to-day management of your file, you will always have access to a lawyer to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Residential
Sale of Property: House, Condominium or bare land
Getting ready to sell your home? From the initial stages of thinking about selling to when you accept an offer, we offer our expertise in guiding you through that process. We work very closely with realtors (if utilized) to make sure that your sale will go smoothly and without too many issues. No realtor… no problem! With respect to sales we often assist our clients in:
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Preparation of agreements for sale of property if no realtor is utilized
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Reviewing the sale agreement drafted with your realtor for any foreseeable issues that could come up on closing
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reviewing the Real Property Report and providing our knowledge in relation to obtaining city compliance or any potential issues that may arise
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Receiving cash to close from the purchaser’s lawyer prior to releasing keys to the purchaser
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Attending to the payout of the mortgage(s) on title (if any)
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Depositing sale proceeds into your account in a timely fashion (for most transactions this will be the same day the transaction closes)
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Following up and communicating with the purchaser’s solicitor to ensure that all documents are complete and ready for submission to the Land Titles Office
Purchasing Property: House, Condominium or bare land
When you are purchasing a residential property, either as a first-time home buyer or a sophisticated investor or anywhere in between, we are here to facilitate all aspects of your transaction. Whether it is dealing with banks/lenders, mortgage brokers or realtors, we are here to keep you informed and guide you through each step of the process. Our highly-experienced staff and practitioners will attend to:
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Preparation of purchase contracts (where required) and reviewing each and every contract in depth
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Communicating with your realtor (if utilized) and lender to ensure our office receives the required documents
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Preparing all required legal documentation including but not limited to statements of adjustments, mortgage documentation, transfer of land, and required statutory declarations
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Conveyancing (transferring the property from the seller into your name)
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Meeting with clients to sign and explain the various documentation required to close the purchase and review of the process
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Closing adjustments and transferring your cash to close to the seller's lawyers once received to ensure keys are released in a timely manner
Also upon request, our office is also able to:
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Reviewing condominium by-laws and documents
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Review new home construction documents
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Review existing leases on the property
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Prepare leases if you plan to rent the property
refinancing
With respect to any existing property you may own, refinancing your current mortgage might be a viable option to either lower your mortgage rate or consolidate some debt or withdraw some equity from your property. We work closely with banks and lenders to facilitate these transactions, which can be done fairly quickly if time is of the essence. Through our strong relationships with the local banks in Chestermere, we can ensure the smooth transition of your refinance, without any issues. Please call us today if you are thinking of refinancing your home!
Commercial Real estate
At Choice Law LLP we are here to provide you with the best advice when it comes to selling, purchasing, financing or leasing commercial properties. We are also experienced in dealing with franchises.
purchase
When you are purchasing a commercial property we will ensure that your are provided with advice on the structure of the transaction. Our office will prepare and complete all necessary documents including all financing documentation and work with you all the way through the closing of the transaction.
Sale
We will find practical and creative solutions and at all times will keep in mind any legal and/or other challenges that may arise. We will ensure that you receive the proceeds of your sale as quick as physically possible after the closing of the transaction.
Leasing
When you decide to lease a commercial property be sure to obtain the proper legal advice prior to signing any obligation documents. Ex: letter of intent or lease. Here at Choice Law LLP, we are well versed with providing advice regarding leases and their obligations on tenants. We will review your documents, advise accordingly and negotiating with landlords on your behalf. We want to ensure that your interests are protected. It is a cost-effective exercise to obtain the legal advice and know what you are getting into prior to signing. It is our mission to ensure you are protected.
franchises
Decided to purchase a franchise but do not know where to start with those lengthy documents? Let us sift through the documents on your behalf and advise you of the obligations that come along with becoming a Franchisee.
Corporate Law
You need to use the services of a lawyer to ensure it gets done properly and avoid potential liability in the future.
incorporations
Are you looking to incorporate your own business? Our team can assist you in providing you with sound legal advice on corporate structure, shareholdings, corporate liability and any other related matters to incorporating a new company. We offer preparation of articles of incorporation for filing at corporate registries, minute book creation and re-creation including bylaws and share certificates and ensuring all of you proper corporate documents are in order. In addition Choice Law is able to act as the corporate registered office to deal with all correspondence and filings as required and be the formal records office to house your minute book and ensure it is up to date. While we know starting a new business venture is not without it’s challenges, we are motivated to help you meet those challenges and grow your business into a successful opportunity.
shareholder's agreements
If you are currently a shareholder or looking into becoming a shareholder in a corporation with another party, we offer legal advice and direction on navigating shareholder agreements. Often overlooked at the initial stages of incorporation, shareholder agreements offer protection, certainty and accountability for all shareholders. Existing corporations can benefit from having their shareholder relationships more accurately defined in the event of corporate growth or restructuring. Our goal is to see our corporate clients reach their optimal potential, please call us today for a free consultation!
share purchase/sale & asset purchase/sale agreements
Are you looking to buy into a corporation or sell your shares/assets in a corporation? Our office is here to help you each and every step of the way. We can prepare agreements, work directly with your accountant to ensure all tax implications are reviewed and complete the transaction is a smooth fashion ensuring your interests are protected
wills & estates
We endeavour to make the creation of these documents a prompt and efficient process.
wills
We offer advice and direction with respect to estate planning and in particular how your estate will be handled in the event of death. In preparing a will, you are able to provide more certainty and clarity to your loved ones as to your final wishes. You able to set out clearly who will administer your estate and who will receive portions of your estate as beneficiaries. We also offer advice in regards to more complex situations (ie. blended families, dependents with disabilities, trust provisions) and how effective and detailed estate planning can help avoid situations of conflict, unnecessary tax consequences or financial hardships for any affected beneficiaries.
living will documents - enduring power of attorney & personal directive
Too often there is a misconception that having a will in place is all you need. What happens if you become mentally incapacitated and unable to make financial and health care decisions for yourself? Living will documents – the Enduring Power of Attorney and Personal Directive allow you to appoint representatives to deal with your financial affairs and health care matters in the event that you are unable to do so. Without these documents in place, your loved ones are potentially looking at months to submit applications to the courts with high legal fees. Don’t make that mistake – call us today to get these documents in place!
probate applications
When you pass away, your Executor or loved ones may be required to apply to the Court for a Grant of Probate if there is/are asset(s) held in your name alone and cannot otherwise be transferred. What is Probate? This is the number one question our office receives almost daily. Probate is a grant that is issued by the Alberta Surrogate Court stating that a person has the authority to deal with an estate. This allows the Court to confirm the validity of your Will and officially appoint your Executor or Personal Representative to facilitate the transfer of your real and personal property on behalf of your estate. We help you navigate the complicated forms and court process to obtain the Grant for Probate at a reasonable cost. Not sure if the Will you are administering requires probate? Call us today and we can provide you with some direction and advice.