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Buying Your First Home in Ontario? Make Sure a Skilled Real Estate Lawyer Is on Your Side
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Jonathan A. Hacohen
November 21, 2025
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Having practiced real estate law for over 20 years, I often see the same questions come across my desk. One of the most popular ones (especially for first-time home buyers) is when should I contact and retain a lawyer for my real estate purchase? The answer I give? Yesterday. If not yesterday, then today. And if not today, then asap. You get my point: it is NEVER too soon to contact a lawyer when you are preparing to purchase a home. It is the biggest purchase of your life and having the right professional in your corner from day one is key!
Specifically, to first-time home buyers: you have questions. Many of them. That is great! Getting to know and understand the legal steps in your upcoming purchase will give you more clarity and certainty. I have seen way too many stressed out first-time home buyers during the last few days before their closing date and for the simple reason that they waited until the last possible moment to retain a real estate lawyer and ask their questions. Had these same buyers retained a professional real estate lawyer earlier and received guidance throughout their transactions, these same home buyers would have been calmer, happier and seen a smoother transition in closing their home purchase.
Depending on the type of property that you are purchasing, you may want to have your purchase agreement reviewed ahead of time by a real estate lawyer. A condition on lawyer review can be inserted by your realtor as part of the purchase agreement. Asking the right questions before your purchase agreement firms up will allow the first-time home buyer to assess with their lawyer whether to proceed with their purchase. The home buyer will be entering the purchase with clearer information and details on the transaction and property itself, which will greatly assist in making an informed purchase decision.
There are many professionals that a first-time home buyer will work with as part of their real estate transaction, including, but not limited to a mortgage broker, realtor, home inspector, property insurance broker etc. A key professional to include in this group is the real estate lawyer, who helps guide the first-time home buyer through the purchase process from a legal perspective and completing the transaction where title to the property gets registered in the buyers’ name(s). With such a key role in the home buying process: make sure to choose a real estate lawyer with real estate law experience and knowledge and one that you speak with and feel comfortable working with. Happy home hunting and the Chosen Lawyers are here to help you when you are ready!
Jonathan A. Hacohen is a Partner with Kormans LLP law firm. Please reach out to Jonathan directly with questions and assistance with your legal closings/matters: jhacohen@kormans.ca
When you are ready to complete a real estate transaction, incorporate a company, buy/sell a business, complete a will, please reach out to Kormans LLP anytime by contacting us at info@kormans.ca We would be pleased to connect you with one of our lawyers to go over your transaction and work with you to get started!
Jonathan (aka “The Chosen Lawyer”) was called to the Ontario Bar in 2002, graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2001 and completed his Bachelor of Business Administration at The Schulich School of Business (York University) in 1998. In addition to being a Partner at Kormans LLP, Jonathan’s journey in law started as an Associate with a large Bay Street law firm, as well as enjoying a secondment working in-house at Tim Hortons (TDL Group) for almost a year!
Jonathan was an Instructor with OREA, teaching the Real Property Law course to future realtors in Ontario. The Chosen Lawyer is a sought-after lecturer at seminars, team meetings and conferences—often speaking to groups including realtors and mortgage brokers on a variety of legal topics including real estate, corporate/commercial and wills/estates law. He also speaks on non-legal topics including Organization, Productivity, Motivation, Work/Life Balance and Mindfulness. Jonathan adopts a zen-like approach to the practice of law and shares his real-life experience with others in order to help them achieve success and happiness! In order to book The Chosen Lawyer for your next session, please email Jonathan at info@kormans.ca
Before entering the legal field, Jonathan chose to study business as he envisioned having a background in all aspects of business (including accounting, economics, finance, marketing and HR) would prove to be very useful as a lawyer—in understanding and communicating with business clients on their respective businesses and industries. Jonathan has a diverse client base, including many first-time home purchasers, residential clients (purchases, sales, refinances, assignment transactions), corporate/commercial clients (real estate transactions, leases, incorporations, shareholder agreements), as well as assisting clients with preparing wills and powers of attorney.
When he is not in the office or in front of a computer, Jonathan can either be found in the gym, boxing ring, learning a new recipe in the kitchen or on a yoga mat. Jonathan has competed with UFE (Ultimate Fitness Events) and is a double medal winner in the physique category! Jonathan is also an avid animal lover and can usually be found with his trusted pal Ollie (Shih-tzu dog) by his side.
Don’t forget to watch episodes of Podcasts/Docuseries hosted by Jonathan “The Chosen Lawyer”TM on the Kormans LLP YouTube channel or listen to it across all podcast players, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify!
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