Virtual Closings or In-Person Meetings? Why a Local Lawyer in Durham Region Makes the Difference

Picture this: It’s closing day. You’re excited, nervous, and eager to get your keys. With today’s technology, you can work with a lawyer entirely online, but does that stack up against the benefits of having a local Whitby real estate lawyer by your side?

First, let’s start with the Law Society of Ontario’s legal requirements for real estate lawyers and whether online appointments are possible.

Legal requirements in Ontario

To sign remotely, you will need an online connection with a visual component, usually a camera. You will need an appropriate program to connect with our office. This can be done at a mutually convenient time and you can be in your home or office as you like.

At McMurter & Associates, we let our clients determine whether to use the remote signing option or the personal connection that face-to-face appointments create. Meeting in person allows us to welcome you into our office, walk you through your documents, and take the time to truly understand you and your goals. Meeting remotely can be more convenient for you when considering all the demands on your time and
your other commitments.

Advantages of choosing a local lawyer for your real estate deal

• Local Expertise: A Whitby-based lawyer brings knowledge of Durham Region real estate trends, local bylaws, and common issues that out-of-area or purely online providers may not understand as deeply.
• Personal Connection and Trust: An in-person meeting in your Whitby office can help build rapport, especially for first-time buyers/sellers who may feel overwhelmed. In-person appointments are easier for people who prefer face-to-face interaction and hands-on explanation of documents.

You can do almost anything online these days, from grocery shopping to signing important documents. We also know that convenience matters, and that’s why our office offers a hybrid approach to your legal needs. Online appointments allow us to connect with you wherever you are, share documents securely, and answer your questions in real time. It’s a flexible option that still gives you the same level of care and attention as meeting in person.

Whether you prefer the ease of a virtual closing or the reassurance of sitting down with a local Whitby real estate lawyer, we’re here to make the process smooth, secure, and stress-free.

We are here to help

The information provided in this article is meant to inform and to educate. We strongly recommend that if you have legal questions relating to real estate, please reach out to a trusted lawyer for advice.

If you are in the GTA or Durham Region and are looking for an experienced real estate lawyer, McMurter & Associates has the experience to help you succeed.

To connect with a member of our firm, send us an email at info@mcmurter.com or call us at 1-800-756-7138 or 905-666-9200 to schedule a consultation.