Posted in First-Time Home Buyer Legal Guides | McMurter & Associates

Virtual or In-Person Closing? Why a Local Real Estate Lawyer in Durham Region Matters

Posted by Brian McMurter on 29 September 2025
The short answer: Yes, you can sign your real estate documents remotely in Ontario with an online connection that includes video and a compatible program. At McMurter & Associates in Whitby, clients choose remote or in-person appointments, but a local lawyer adds Durham Region expertise and a...
Posted in:First-Time Home Buyer Legal Guides | McMurter & AssociatesReal Estate Law Guides | McMurter & Associates, WhitbySelling a Home in Ontario | McMurter & Associates  

Helping Your Child Buy a Home in Ontario: Co-Signing, Joint Tenancy, and Bare Trusts

Posted by McMurter & Associates on 3 July 2025
The short answer: Parents in Ontario can help a child buy a home by gifting a down payment, co-signing or guaranteeing the mortgage, or going on title with them as joint tenants or tenants-in-common. Each option carries different legal, tax, and borrowing risks, so parents should understand how i...
Posted in:First-Time Home Buyer Legal Guides | McMurter & Associates  

Closing Costs Breakdown for Ontario Real Estate Transactions

Posted by McMurter & Associates on 23 April 2025
Buying your first home is a major milestone — and while saving for your down payment is likely top of mind, it’s important to plan for additional expenses known as closing costs. These costs can add up quickly and often catch first-time buyers off guard, but being prepared can help ...
Posted in:First-Time Home Buyer Legal Guides | McMurter & AssociatesReal Estate Law Guides | McMurter & Associates, Whitby  

Ontario Land Transfer Tax: How Much Do You Have To Pay?

Posted by allisonmcmurter on 22 October 2024
When purchasing property in Ontario, buyers need to be aware of the land transfer tax, a significant cost that can add thousands to your purchase price.What is land transfer tax?In Ontario, the land transfer tax is a fee you pay to the provincial government when you acquire real estate. It’s ca...
Posted in:First-Time Home Buyer Legal Guides | McMurter & AssociatesReal Estate Law Guides | McMurter & Associates, Whitby  

Foregoing a home inspection? Proceed with caution.

Posted by Allison McMurter-Hughes on 23 June 2024
As a buyer, it can be tempting to forego all conditions. Financing, home sale, and home inspection conditions are the most common conditions. If you are considering excluding conditions, we urge you to reconsider.It is no secret that our team at McMurter & Associates are strong believers in c...
Posted in:First-Time Home Buyer Legal Guides | McMurter & Associates  

McMurter & Associates is located in Whitby, Ontario, and serves the communities of Oshawa, Ajax, Pickering, Clarington, Newcastle, Bowmanville, Courtice, Whitchurch-Stouffville and municipalities throughout Durham Region.