Support for private mortgage transactions and lending arrangements with clear documentation and closing steps.
Private mortgage transactions can move quickly, and the details matter. Whether you are borrowing through a private lender, bank, credit union or mortgage investment corporation, or lending money secured against real estate, we help make the legal side of the transaction clear, organized, and properly documented.
With years of experience handling mortgage and private mortgage transactions, we understand the practical realities of real estate financing, lender requirements, borrower concerns, tight timelines, and the importance of getting the documents right. Clients often see us as a trusted legal partner in the transaction — helping them structure the legal side of the deal, identify key issues, document the agreed terms clearly, and move toward closing with confidence.
Our role is to provide legal guidance, prepare or review the required mortgage documents, coordinate the closing steps, and register the mortgage where appropriate.
What we do for you
Mortgage files require clear terms, careful documents, and steady coordination. We help by:
Reviewing the proposed mortgage terms and explaining the legal risks and obligations.
Bringing deep experience with mortgages, private lending, and real estate financing to help clients structure the legal side of the transaction, confirm key terms, prepare proper documentation, and complete the closing steps with confidence.
Preparing or reviewing mortgage documents and supporting closing materials.
Confirming that the paperwork reflects the terms agreed to by the parties.
Coordinating with the borrower, lender, broker, other lawyer, and title insurer where appropriate.
Completing title searches and related due diligence within the agreed scope.
Registering the mortgage and completing the required closing steps.
Providing final reporting so you have a clear record of what was completed.
What to expect: the process
01
Initial review
We confirm the basic details, timeline, and what documents are needed.
02
Document preparation and coordination
We prepare or review the mortgage documents, coordinate signatures, and ensure all requirements are met.
03
Closing and registration
We complete the closing, register the mortgage, and confirm the final paperwork.
Our Services
FAQ
Do you represent the lender or the borrower?
In some cases we are permitted to act for and represent both borrowers and lenders with private mortgage transactions. However, most of the time due to government compliance rules, separate legal representation may be required depending on the parties, the structure of the transaction, and the amount of the loan.
Is a private mortgage different from a bank mortgage?
Yes. A private mortgage can be more complex than a standard bank mortgage because the terms are often more customized, the timelines may be tighter, and the documentation may require more careful review. In many cases, the private lender has their own lawyer, and that lawyer will instruct us to complete specific due diligence items before the mortgage funds can be advanced. Interest rates, lender fees, repayment terms, maturity dates, default rights, payout obligations, and security requirements can also vary significantly. That is why clear legal advice, careful documentation, and proper closing steps are especially important.
How fast can a mortgage close?
It depends on the property, title search, documentation, lender requirements, and how quickly instructions and funds are available. If timing is tight, contact us as early as possible. We will assess what is realistic, explain what needs to happen, and help move the file forward efficiently.
Do I need title insurance for a mortgage?
In most mortgage transactions, whether the lender is a bank, credit union, private lender, or other financing source, the lender will usually require a lender title insurance policy. The borrower is typically responsible for obtaining and paying for that policy as part of the closing costs.
When we act for a lender, including a private lender, we will generally require a lender title insurance policy to help protect our client’s security interest and investment. Title insurance helps reduce risk by providing protection against certain title defects, fraud, registration issues, and other covered risks that could affect the mortgage security.
What are the legal fees for acting on a mortgage transaction?
Legal fees for mortgage transactions vary case by case. The cost depends on the type of lender, the amount of the loan, the structure of the transaction, the number of parties involved, the property, the timeline, lender requirements, title issues, and the amount of legal work required to complete the mortgage properly.
Private mortgages and non-standard lender transactions are often more involved than standard bank mortgages because they may require additional due diligence, customized documents, lender’s lawyer instructions, or more detailed closing steps.
During your consultation, we will explain what needs to be done, identify any timing or complexity issues, and provide a clear estimate of legal fees and anticipated disbursements so you know what to expect before moving forward.