Homebuyers do not see most of the work their lawyer does on their behalf. Your lawyer serves as the quarterback of the real estate transaction and is ultimately responsible to ensure that it closes on time and without any problems. This column will provide you with some insight regarding how your lawyer closes the transaction, and will describe some of the tasks your lawyer completes on your behalf, many of which you may not be aware of.

Your lawyer begins her work once you hire her and instruct her to begin processing your file. Your lawyer, or her staff, will take down routine information such as your name, date of birth, the name of your mortgage company (if applicable) and the address of the property being purchased. You will need to provide your lawyer with a copy of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale so she can determine if it contains any unusual clauses.

Your lawyer will ask you how you plan to take title (i.e., ownership) to the property. She will also explain to you the benefits of purchasing a title insurance policy. For a one-time premium, your lawyer can obtain a title insurance policy on your behalf that provides enhanced protection for your ownership right. Title insurance can also provide you with significant cost savings.

Your lawyer will then conduct various title and off-title searches (or searches of matters not registered in the land registry office). The purpose of these searches is to ensure that title to the property is free and clear, (i.e., that there are no impediments to your right of ownership) the taxes are paid and the property complies with various zoning and other municipal requirements. Your lawyer will review the results of these searches and draft a letter of requisitions and send it to the lawyer acting for the vendor. This letter will essentially require the vendor to provide you with what was contracted for in the Agreement.

In preparing your mortgage, your lawyer also acts on behalf of your mortgage lender. She is responsible to ensure that your lender provides her with the mortgage money needed to close the transaction. She will also prepare the mortgage document for you to “execute” (i.e., sign) prior to closing.

Once your lawyer has prepared all the documents required for closing, you will be asked to visit your lawyer’s office to sign the closing documents. You will also likely to be asked to provide your lawyer with photo identification. This meeting will give you the opportunity to ask your lawyer to explain both the meaning of these documents and how the financial aspects of the transaction break down. Once you leave your lawyer’s office, her job is not done.

Your lawyer is then required to close the transaction. First, she must be provided with the funds necessary to do so. These funds will come from you and your lender. Your lawyer will then arrange to meet with the lawyer for the vendor. At this meeting, keys, money and documents will be exchanged. This is usually done at the Land Registry Office closest to the property being purchased. It is here that the relevant documents will be registered to confirm your ownership. In some cases, the closing documents will be registered electronically. Once registration is complete, you will arrange to pick up the keys to your home from your lawyer’s office or at the Land Registry Office.

These are just some of the many things your lawyer does behind the scenes. An experienced real estate lawyer carries out a great number of tasks to ensure your real estate transaction closes smoothly and professionally.