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    Common mortgage definitions every Canadian homebuyer should know - thumbnail

    Real estate law

    Common mortgage definitions every Canadian homebuyer should know

    Learn the key mortgage terms Canadian homebuyers need to know, including mortgage term vs amortization, fixed vs variable rates, open vs closed mortgages, penalties, and how your mortgage fits into the closing process. A clear, plain-language guide to understanding mortgage basics without the overwhelm.

    Author profile picture

    Joel Fox

    Co-founder and COO

    Ownright survey reveals 4 in 10 Ontarians hit with unexpected costs when closing on a home, despite being financially ready

    Home finance

    Ownright survey reveals 4 in 10 Ontarians hit with unexpected costs when closing on a home

    Ownright conducted a survey among 250 Ontarians who have closed a home since 2023. For being the biggest purchase of most people’s lives, the processes and costs surrounding homebuying remain unclear. We wanted to understand what surprised them, and what could be keeping would-be homeowners on the sidelines.

    Author profile picture

    Joel Fox

    Co-founder and COO

    A lawyer reviewing refinance instructions and preparing mortgage payout and registration documents.

    Home finance

    What does a real estate lawyer actually do in a refinance?

    Refinancing your home can be a smart financial move — whether it’s to lower your interest rate, access equity, or consolidate debt. But with so much money and paperwork involved, it’s not something you want to navigate alone. That’s where your real estate lawyer comes in. From reviewing your mortgage instructions and registering the new loan, to paying out the old mortgage and handling funds securely, your lawyer ensures the process is smooth, accurate, and stress-free.

    Author profile picture

    Benjamin Berry

    Co-founder & principal lawyer

    A real estate lawyer reviewing home purchase documents and preparing closing paperwork for a buyer.

    Buying real estate

    What does a real estate lawyer actually do in a purchase closing?

    Closing on a home can feel overwhelming, but that’s where a real estate lawyer comes in. From reviewing your agreement and checking the title, to coordinating with your lender, managing funds, and making sure every document is correct, your lawyer is there to guide you through each step. More than just paperwork, their role is about protecting your interests and giving you peace of mind so you can focus on the excitement of moving into your new home.

    Author profile picture

    Benjamin Berry

    Co-founder & principal lawyer

    A lawyer reviewing a condo status certificate and highlighting key financial and legal details for a buyer.

    Real estate law

    What does a real estate lawyer actually do in a status certificate review?

    If you’re buying a condo in Ontario, reviewing the status certificate is one of the most important steps in the process. A real estate lawyer helps you make sense of this complex set of documents, highlighting risks and protecting your investment. From reviewing the condo corporation’s finances and rules, to checking for hidden fees or legal issues, your lawyer ensures you understand exactly what you’re buying into — and helps you feel confident about your decision.

    Author profile picture

    Benjamin Berry

    Co-founder & principal lawyer

    A step-by-step timeline of the home purchase closing process with a homebuyer reviewing documents.

    Buying real estate

    Your purchase closing: a step-by-step guide

    Buying a home is exciting, but it’s natural to feel a little unsure about what happens between signing your offer and moving in. The good news is you don’t need to figure it all out alone. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps in the closing process, outlining what you’ll need to do — and what we’ll handle for you — so you know exactly what to expect. Our goal is to make the journey simple, clear, and stress-free, so you can focus on the joy of becoming a homeowner.

    Author profile picture

    Joel Fox

    Co-founder and COO

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