Lisette Amalfi
Greater Golden Horseshoe
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What Does a Lawyer Do When Your Refinancing Your Mortgage?
February 10, 2025
Refinancing your home in Ontario can be a great way to lower your interest rate, consolidate debt, or access your home equity—but did you know that a real estate lawyer is required to complete the process?
Whether you’re switching lenders or borrowing more against your home, a lawyer ensures everything is legally sound and financially secure. Here’s what they do behind the scenes to make your refinancing smooth and stress-free.
1. Title Search: Ensuring a Clean Slate
🔍 What It Is: Your lawyer conducts a title search to confirm that you are the legal owner of the property and to check for any liens, unpaid taxes, or legal issues.
✅ Why It Matters: This step protects both you and your lender by ensuring there are no unexpected claims on the property that could delay or derail the refinance.
2. Discharging Your Existing Mortgage
🏦 What They Do: Your lawyer works with your current lender to remove (or “discharge”) your existing mortgage from the property title.
💡 Why It’s Important: Your old mortgage needs to be cleared before your new mortgage can be registered. This step ensures a smooth transition from one lender to another.
3. Registering Your New Mortgage
📜 What It Is: Once your old mortgage is discharged, your lawyer registers the new mortgage with the Ontario Land Registry Office.
🏡 Why It Matters: This legally records your lender’s claim on the property, securing your refinancing agreement and ensuring everything is compliant with Ontario law.
4. Handling the Financial Transactions
Your lawyer acts as the middleman for all the funds involved in your refinancing. Here’s how:
💰 Receiving Funds: Your new lender sends the mortgage funds to your lawyer’s trust account.
🏦 Paying Off Your Old Mortgage: The lawyer ensures your previous lender is paid in full.
📑 Clearing Other Debts (If Needed): If you’re consolidating debts, your lawyer distributes the funds accordingly.
🏠 Releasing Remaining Equity: If you’re pulling out home equity for renovations, investments, or personal expenses, your lawyer ensures you receive the remaining funds.
5. Title Insurance: Extra Protection for You
🔹 What They Do: Your lawyer may arrange title insurance, which protects you and your lender from title fraud, survey errors, or undisclosed claims on your property.
🔹 Why It’s Important: Many lenders require title insurance before approving your refinance, and it also adds an extra layer of security for you as a homeowner.
6. Reviewing & Signing the Legal Documents
Before finalizing your refinance, your lawyer ensures you fully understand the legal aspects of your new mortgage.
📑 Mortgage Agreement: They’ll explain key terms like interest rates, penalties, and payment schedules so you know exactly what you’re signing.
📜 Other Legal Paperwork: Any additional documents (such as tax adjustments) are reviewed and confirmed.
7. Providing Legal Advice (If Needed)
🏡 When It’s Needed: If title disputes, legal claims, or financial complications arise, your lawyer will provide guidance and solutions to resolve them.
🔎 Why It’s Important: Having an expert in your corner ensures your refinancing stays on track without costly surprises.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for Refinancing in Ontario?
Refinancing legal fees are typically lower than home purchase fees. In Ontario, expect to pay between $800 to $1,500, depending on the complexity of the transaction.
Why You Need a Lawyer for Refinancing
🏡 Ontario law requires a real estate lawyer to complete your refinancing to ensure your mortgage is properly registered and all financial transactions are secure.
A lawyer makes sure:
✅ Your old mortgage is discharged correctly
✅ Your new mortgage is registered without issues
✅ All financial transactions are handled safely
✅ You’re legally protected throughout the process
If you’re thinking about refinancing, I can help you find the best mortgage rates and terms—and connect you with a trusted real estate lawyer to make the process hassle-free.
📞 Have questions about refinancing? Let’s chat!
📧 Email: lamalfi@tmacc.com 📞 Call: 905-929-1199 📍 Serving: Ancaster, Hamilton & All of Ontario
Let’s make refinancing work for you!

What Does a Lawyer Do in the Home Buying Process in Ontario?
February 07, 2025
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make, and having the right professionals on your side is essential. While I help homebuyers secure the best mortgage options, a real estate lawyer ensures your home purchase is legally sound and hassle-free.
So, what exactly does a real estate lawyer do during the home buying process in Ontario? Let’s break it down step by step.
Why You Need a Real Estate Lawyer
In Ontario, you must work with a real estate lawyer to finalize your home purchase. Their job is to protect your interests by reviewing contracts, conducting legal checks, managing financial transactions, and ensuring your new home is registered in your name.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner, here’s how a real estate lawyer plays a crucial role in your home-buying journey:
1. Title Search & Due Diligence
🔍 What It Is: Your lawyer conducts a title search to verify the seller’s legal ownership and ensure there are no issues with the property.
✅ Why It Matters: A clean title means no unexpected surprises, such as liens, unpaid property taxes, outstanding mortgages, or legal disputes. Any hidden problems could delay or even derail your purchase.
2. Reviewing & Drafting Legal Documents
Your lawyer carefully reviews and prepares all the paperwork to make sure your interests are protected, including:
📜 Purchase Agreement – Ensures the Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS) is fair, legally sound, and protects you from hidden risks.
📜 Mortgage Documents – Reviews the mortgage agreement to confirm loan terms, interest rates, and penalties are exactly as agreed.
📜 Closing Documents – Prepares legal documents like the deed, transfer of ownership, tax adjustments, and land transfer tax statements.
3. Registering Ownership
🏡 What They Do: Your lawyer registers the property in your name through Ontario’s Land Registry system.
✅ Why It Matters: This ensures you are the legal owner and that no one else has any claims to your home.
4. Managing Financial Transactions
Your lawyer acts as a financial middleman to ensure all payments are handled correctly.
🏦 Trust Account Management – Holds your down payment and lender’s mortgage funds in a trust account.
💰 Paying the Seller – Transfers funds to the seller’s lawyer on closing day.
📑 Adjustments & Fees – Ensures both buyer and seller pay their fair share of prepaid property taxes, condo fees, or utilities.
5. Closing the Deal
🎉 What Happens on Closing Day?
✔️ All legal documents are signed and finalized.
✔️ Funds are transferred to the seller.
✔️ The property is officially registered in your name.
✔️ You get the keys to your new home!
✅ Why It Matters: Closing day is when everything becomes official. Your lawyer ensures there are no last-minute legal or financial issues that could hold up your move-in date.
6. Additional Legal Services
🔹 Legal Advice – If any disputes, zoning concerns, or contract issues come up, your lawyer provides expert guidance.
🔹 Title Insurance – Protects you from risks like title fraud, survey errors, or undisclosed claims. Your lawyer can arrange this for you.
How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost in Ontario?
💰 Expect to pay between $1,000 – $2,500, depending on the complexity of your home purchase. This covers legal fees, registration costs, and title insurance.
Final Thoughts: Why Having the Right Team Matters
Buying a home involves many moving parts, and having the right professionals makes all the difference. While a real estate lawyer ensures your purchase is legally sound, working with an experienced mortgage broker ensures you get the best financing options.
Need a trusted real estate lawyer? I can connect you with a reliable legal professional to guide you through the process.
Ready to Buy a Home? Let’s Chat!
📞 Call: 905-929-1199 📧 Email: lamalfi@tmacc.com 📍 Serving: Ancaster, Hamilton & All of Ontario
Let’s make your home-buying journey smooth, stress-free, and successful!

What Happens on Closing Day?
February 06, 2025
Closing day is the final—and most exciting—step in buying a home! It’s when ownership officially transfers to you, and all the legal and financial pieces come together. As your mortgage broker, I make sure everything is in place so your big day goes smoothly. Here’s what to expect:
1. Your Lawyer Finalizes the Legal Work
Your real estate lawyer plays a key role in making sure the transaction is legally sound:
✅ Title Transfer – The property title is officially transferred to your name.
✅ Title Search & Insurance – The lawyer confirms there are no outstanding liens or disputes and ensures title insurance is in place to protect you and your lender.
✅ Property Registration – Your home is registered in your name with the Ontario Land Registry Office.
2. The Financial Transactions Are Completed
🏦 Funds Transfer
- Your lawyer transfers the purchase price to the seller’s lawyer using funds from your down payment and mortgage.
- As your mortgage broker, I ensure your mortgage is finalized in advance, so the funds are ready for closing day without delays.
📑 Adjustments
- Any prepaid property taxes, condo fees, or utilities are adjusted between you and the seller to make sure both parties pay their fair share.
3. You Get the Keys! 🔑
Once all funds are transferred and legal work is completed, your lawyer receives the keys from the seller’s lawyer—and then, they’re yours! It’s time to step into your new home.
4. My Role as Your Mortgage Broker
My job isn’t just about securing your mortgage—I stay involved to ensure a stress-free closing:
✔ Pre-Closing Support – I make sure your mortgage is approved, all conditions (like proof of insurance) are met, and funds are ready for closing.
✔ Working with Your Lawyer – I coordinate directly with your lawyer to provide necessary documents and avoid last-minute surprises.
✔ Guidance & Problem-Solving – If any unexpected issues pop up, I’m here to help resolve them quickly.
5. What You Need to Do Before Closing
To keep things on track, you’ll need to:
📌 Provide Remaining Funds – Your down payment (minus deposits already paid) and closing costs (like legal fees and land transfer tax) must be sent to your lawyer’s trust account.
📌 Sign Final Documents – Before closing day, you’ll meet with your lawyer to sign your mortgage agreement and property transfer paperwork.
6. After Closing
🏡 Move In & Celebrate – Once you have the keys, it’s time to settle into your new home!
📊 Ongoing Mortgage Support – My support doesn’t end at closing. Whether you have questions about payments, refinancing, or future financial goals, I’m always here to help.
Ready to Make Homeownership a Reality?
Buying a home is a big step, but you don’t have to go through it alone. I’ll be with you every step of the way, making sure your mortgage is the least stressful part of the process!
📞 Call: 905-929-1199 📧 Email: lamalfi@tmacc.com 📍 Serving: Ancaster, Hamilton & All of Ontario
Let’s make your closing day smooth and exciting—just like it should be! 🎉
What Are Condo Fees?
February 03, 2025
What Are Condo Fees and How Lisette Amalfi Can Help You Navigate Them?
When you're considering buying a condo in Ontario, one of the most important factors to understand is condo fees (also known as maintenance fees). These monthly payments cover the cost of maintaining and operating the common areas of the building or property, and they can significantly impact your overall budget and long-term affordability. With over 23 years of experience, I, Lisette Amalfi, specialize in helping my clients navigate the complexities of condo buying, ensuring they fully understand the financial implications—especially condo fees.
What Are Condo Fees?
Condo fees cover the maintenance and management of shared spaces and services within a condominium building or community. The amount can vary based on factors like the size of the condo, the amenities offered, and its location. Here’s what these fees typically include:
1. Building Maintenance and Repairs Condo fees contribute to the upkeep and repairs of common areas, such as hallways, elevators, lobbies, and the building’s exterior. Major repairs (like roofing or HVAC system replacements) are typically funded through these fees.
2. Utilities Many condos include utilities like water, heat, and electricity for common areas in the fees. However, utilities such as electricity, internet, and cable for your own unit are usually separate costs, paid by the homeowner.
3. Security and Concierge Services Larger or luxury buildings often offer services like security, concierge staff, and on-site maintenance personnel, all funded through condo fees. These services contribute to the convenience and safety of the building.
4. Shared Amenities Fees also cover the maintenance of shared amenities like fitness centers, swimming pools, party rooms, and parks. The more amenities a building offers, the higher the condo fees tend to be.
5. Insurance for Common Areas Condo fees typically cover insurance for common areas and the building’s structure. However, you'll need to arrange for your own insurance to cover personal belongings within your unit.
6. Reserve Fund Contributions A portion of your condo fees goes into a reserve fund, which is a savings account for future major repairs or replacements (e.g., replacing the roof or elevator). A well-funded reserve helps ensure the long-term financial health of the building.
7. Property Management Fees Many condos are managed by professional property management companies. A portion of your condo fees covers these operational costs.
How Condo Fees Affect Your Home Buying Budget
Understanding condo fees is key when purchasing a condo, as they can significantly impact your overall budget. Condo fees are in addition to your mortgage payment, property taxes, and other utilities. Here’s how these fees might affect your condo-buying process:
• Affordability: Condo fees can range from $100 to over $1,000 per month depending on the location, size, and amenities. It’s important to consider these costs as part of your overall housing budget. With my help, I can help you assess how these fees align with your financial situation and adjust your mortgage application if necessary.
• Building’s Financial Health: High condo fees could indicate the building needs major repairs or lacks a well-funded reserve. On the flip side, low fees could mean the building isn’t saving enough for future repairs, which could lead to sudden increases or special assessments. I’ll help you evaluate the financial health of the condo building so you can make an informed decision.
• Potential for Fee Increases: Condo fees can rise over time due to inflation or the need for repairs. By reviewing the condo’s financial statements and reserve fund, I can help you anticipate potential fee increases and understand how they’ll impact your long-term budget.
How I Can Help You Navigate Condo Fees
As a mortgage broker with over two decades of experience, I help my clients fully understand condo fees and how they’ll impact their financial situation. Here’s how I can support you:
• Mortgage Guidance: I’ll ensure you fully understand how condo fees factor into your overall mortgage application and budget. I can also advise you on the best mortgage options based on your financial situation and the condo fees associated with the property.
• Financing Options: Condo fees can influence your mortgage approval and borrowing capacity. I’ll help you assess their impact to ensure the condo you choose fits within your financial means.
• Evaluating Condo-Specific Factors: I’ll guide you in reviewing the condo’s financial documents, like financial statements and reserve fund studies, to help identify any risks associated with the condo fees, such as special assessments or potential fee hikes.
• Long-Term Affordability: My experience allows me to provide a comprehensive analysis of how condo fees, mortgage payments, and other costs will affect your long-term financial goals, ensuring your purchase remains financially sustainable.
Conclusion
Condo fees play a vital role in condo ownership and can significantly impact your financial stability. When buying a condo in Ontario, it’s crucial to understand what these fees cover and how they’ll affect your budget. With my expertise, I can guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you fully understand the financial aspects and make a decision that aligns with your goals.
Ready to navigate condo fees and find the perfect mortgage for your new home? Contact me today!
📞 Call: 905-929-1199
📧 Email: lamalfi@tmacc.com
Let’s make your condo-buying experience stress-free and financially sound.

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