Category: Alberta
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Real Property Report vs Title Insurance in Alberta: Which Do You Actually Need?
By Lev Kramar, Integrity Legal Solutions · Calgary, Alberta A Real Property Report is a survey drawing prepared by an Alberta Land Surveyor showing where every structure sits on the lot. A Certificate of Compliance is the City of Calgary confirming those structures satisfy the Land Use Bylaw. Title insurance is a one-time policy covering…
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GST on a New Home in Alberta and the New Housing Rebate: How It Works at Closing
By Lev Kramar, Integrity Legal Solutions · Calgary, Alberta GST of 5 percent applies to newly built homes in Alberta. Resale homes are exempt. The long-standing GST New Housing Rebate returns 36 percent of the GST to a maximum of $6,300, phasing out between $350,000 and $450,000 and disappearing entirely above $450,000. The first-time home…
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Condo Document Review in Calgary: Estoppel Certificates, Reserve Funds, and What Kills a Deal
By Lev Kramar, Integrity Legal Solutions · Calgary, Alberta When you buy an Alberta condo you buy a share of the corporation along with the unit, including its debts, its deferred maintenance, and its litigation. The document package tells you what you are inheriting. The estoppel certificate confirms the financial position of your specific unit…
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Closing Costs in Alberta: What Buyers Actually Pay, and Why There Is No Land Transfer Tax
By Lev Kramar, Integrity Legal Solutions · Calgary, Alberta Alberta charges no land transfer tax. Instead, buyers pay Land Titles registration fees calculated at a $50 base plus $5 for every $5,000 of value, applied separately to the title transfer and to the mortgage. On a $600,000 home with a $480,000 mortgage, that totals roughly…
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Buying a House in Calgary: Every Legal Step from Offer to Possession
By Lev Kramar, Integrity Legal Solutions · Calgary, Alberta A typical Calgary purchase runs 30 to 60 days from accepted offer to possession. The legal work begins once conditions are removed: title search, Personal Property Registry search, tax certificate, review of the lender’s mortgage instructions, review of the Real Property Report and compliance certificate, preparation…
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How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost in Calgary?
How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost in Calgary? When buying or selling a home in Calgary, one of the most common questions we hear at Integrity Legal Solutions is: “How much does a real estate lawyer cost?” It’s a smart question to ask—real estate is a significant investment, and knowing what to expect…
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Buying a Home in Calgary? Here’s What You Must Know About Real Estate Contracts
Buying a home in Calgary is an exciting milestone, but it’s also one of the biggest legal transactions most people will ever make. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, understanding the real estate contract you’re signing is crucial. In Alberta, real estate contracts are binding legal agreements — and once you sign,…
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Navigating Real Estate Disputes in 2025: How a Lawyer Can Help
Navigating Real Estate Disputes in 2025: How a Lawyer Can Help Real estate transactions in Alberta can be complex, and disputes may arise even after the deal is done. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, landlord, or tenant, having a knowledgeable real estate lawyer familiar with Alberta’s laws on your side is crucial for protecting your…
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Navigating the Alberta Real Estate Purchase Contract
The Alberta Real Estate Purchase Contract is a crucial document in any property transaction, establishing terms and conditions that protect both buyers and sellers. Here’s a breakdown of its key components and areas where both parties might have questions: Parties Involved The contract should clearly identify the buyer(s) and seller(s) involved in the transaction. This…
