Private Lending and Mortgage Lawyer in Burlington

Private mortgages move fast, and the documents usually protect the person who drafted them. Estofa Law reviews, registers, funds, and discharges private mortgages for borrowers and lenders across Burlington. You get plain answers on your terms, your position on title, and what happens if the loan is not repaid on time.

Last Updated: September 12, 2026

Trusted Support for Private Mortgages in Burlington

Private money comes from individual investors, mortgage investment corporations, and small lending groups. The rates are higher, the terms are shorter, and the enforcement steps start sooner than they do with a bank. That mix works well when it is documented properly. It becomes expensive when it is not.

Estofa Law acts for both sides of these deals. Borrowers come to us for a private lending lawyer Burlington homeowners can reach quickly when a commitment letter lands with a tight deadline. Lenders come to us to make sure their money is secured on title before it leaves the trust account. The same team that handles real estate closings in Burlington runs the title search, the registration, and the funding, so nothing falls between the cracks.

How Our Private Mortgage Lawyer Burlington Helps You

Every private mortgage file follows the same core steps. We adjust the detail to match the deal.

Commitment Letter and Mortgage Terms Review

We read the commitment letter line by line before you sign. Interest rate, term, lender fees, broker fees, prepayment rules, renewal terms, and default clauses all get explained in simple language. If a term is unusual or one sided, you hear about it while you can still negotiate.

Title Search and Priority Position Check

A title search tells us who else has a claim on the property. We confirm the existing charges, liens, and executions, then confirm the exact priority your mortgage will hold. Lenders learn what sits ahead of them. Borrowers learn how much room is left on the property.

Independent Legal Advice (ILA) for Borrowers and Guarantors

One lawyer cannot advise both sides of a private loan. Spouses on title, guarantors, and co-signers often need independent legal advice before they sign. We provide the ILA meeting, explain the risk in private, and issue the certificate the lender needs to close.

Charge Registration on Title

The loan is only secure once the charge is registered. We prepare the charge, set the correct terms, and complete the Teraview registration on closing day. Where the loan sits behind an existing mortgage, we register it as a subordinate charge and confirm the second position is properly recorded.

Trust Funding and Closing

Money stays in trust until the security is in place. Our private mortgage closing lawyer team confirms registration, releases funds under the lender’s written direction, and delivers a clean reporting package. Lenders receive the registered charge, the title summary, and the insurance confirmation. Borrowers receive a clear statement of what was advanced and what was deducted.

Discharge and Payout Coordination

Private loans end faster than bank loans, so payout and discharge work comes up often. We request the payout statement, confirm the per diem, pay the lender, and register the discharge on title. Clearing an old charge on time keeps your next refinance or sale on schedule.

Private Lending Matters We Handle

Private loans in Burlington usually fall into one of five categories. We handle all of them, along with private borrowing files across Ontario, from the first commitment letter through to enforcement.

Second Mortgage Lawyer

A second mortgage sits behind your existing lender. Payments, default rights, and payout order all change once that second charge is on title. We handle the review, registration, and closing, and we tell borrowers plainly how a second charge affects their monthly cash flow and their equity.

Bridge Financing Lawyer

Bridge financing covers the gap when your purchase closes before your sale. These loans are short, the security is often registered against two properties, and the timing is tight. We register the charge, coordinate with both closings, and arrange the payout as soon as your sale funds arrive.

Mortgage Refinancing Lawyer

Many private loans exist to refinance, consolidate debt, or replace a lender who will not renew. We pay out the old charge, register the new one, and complete the lender reporting. Once your credit or income recovers, we can refinance the mortgage back to bank rates and discharge the private charge.

MIC and Syndicated Mortgage Lending

Funding from a MIC or a mortgage syndicate involves more parties and more documentation. We confirm how each investor is named, register the charge correctly, and prepare the trust and reporting documents the group needs. Clear paperwork now prevents a dispute later about who is owed what.

Power of Sale Lawyer

When a borrower defaults, the lender’s remedies come from the Mortgages Act. We review the default, prepare and serve the notice of sale, track the redemption period, and guide the sale process once the timeline allows it. Borrowers who receive a notice should call early, because options shrink as the deadlines pass.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Private Mortgage?

Yes. In Ontario, a mortgage charge has to be registered electronically through Teraview, and only a lawyer can complete that registration. So every private mortgage needs legal work on the file.

The bigger reason is protection. Private lenders write their own terms, and those terms are enforced as written. A lawyer for private mortgage work confirms what you are signing, confirms who ranks ahead of you on title, and confirms the funds are only released once the security is registered. Lenders also need a lawyer to satisfy their own file requirements, since most will not advance money without a solicitor’s report.

Private Mortgage Lawyer Cost in Burlington

Legal fees on a private mortgage depend on the work the file actually needs. The main factors are:

  • Whether you are the borrower or the lender.
  • The number of charges being registered or discharged.
  • Whether independent legal advice is required for a spouse or guarantor.
  • Whether a payout of an existing mortgage is part of the closing.
  • How many parties are funding the loan.

On top of the fee, every file carries disbursements. These normally include the title search, the Teraview registration charge, software fees, and any lender or broker deductions taken at closing. We quote the private mortgage lawyer cost in Burlington in writing before the file opens, so the number you hear at the start is the number you see on the statement of adjustments.

Why Borrowers and Lenders Choose Estofa Law

Private deals usually arrive with a deadline attached. Our team answers quickly, reviews documents the same week, and tells you clearly when a term is worth pushing back on. We explain the risk before the signing rather than after it.

Estofa Law works with individual investors, brokers, MIC lenders, and homeowners in Burlington and across Halton. Whether the file is a straightforward second charge or a default heading toward enforcement, you deal with a lawyer who has handled the same situation before and who keeps you updated at every step.

Reviews From Individuals and Businesses Who Trusted Our Team

Our clients’ feedback show you the professionalism by real estate lawyers at our Hamilton office in all property decisions.

5.0
Based on 112 reviews
Graham Coomber profile picture
Graham Coomber
6 days ago
Estofa Law helped us out with our mortgage. Between Hassan and Hafiz they were always very prompt with communication, helpful and easy going. We had several phone calls and an online meeting with Hassan who explained everything to us clearly and answered all of our questions. This was our first house purchase so everything had a steep learning curve and overall, it's a very nerve wracking process. Fortunately the lawyer portion of it wasn't too bad thanks to Estofa Law!
Suegin Buckle profile picture
Suegin Buckle
1 month ago
Working with Hassan Tahir at Estofa Law Professional Corporation is an amazing experience .Hassan is very patient and knowledgeable he makes sure you are understanding everything ,he is helpful and responsive to all our questions and concerns. Thank you once again on doing a great job. I would highly recommend.
ralph singh profile picture
ralph singh
1 month ago
Mr. Hassan Tahir and his law firm are amazing and so wonderful to deal with. He's very detail oriented and makes sure that all your needs are met. I would highly recommend him and his team for all your real estate needs.
Sunil George profile picture
Sunil George
1 month ago
In just two months, I had the pleasure of visiting Estofa Law twice, and both times they truly exceeded my expectations! Thank you Hassan for your incredible professionalism. Hassan, explained things clearly and the turn around of any query that I had it was impressive. In any line of business communication and after care is the key, Hassan has gone above and beyond in taking care-off every detail in both the occasions. Gr8 job!!
For real profile picture
For real
1 month ago
Estofa Law made the entire process smooth and stress free. The team was consistently professional, responsive, and patient, always taking the time to answer my questions clearly. Their attention to detail and excellent communication truly stood out. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of a reliable real estate lawyer.
Aman Muthreja profile picture
Aman Muthreja
2 months ago
Hassan did an amazing job for us. He communicated quickly, was proactive on helping us have a smooth closing, and was able to get a same day sell + buy to close with time to spare. I would recommend him to others.
Laura Davis profile picture
Laura Davis
2 months ago
Hassan and Hafiz were wonderful to work with in refinancing our mortgage. They were extremely communicative and Hassan explained all parts of the process to us with clarity and honesty. We had a snag at one point unrelated to the firm, and Hassan was patient and guided us through the hiccup. I would definitely recommend Estofa Law!
Khalida Nasrin profile picture
Khalida Nasrin
2 months ago
Best real estate lawyer in Burlington. Hassan and his team helped us closing our last minute complexed real estate deal. He was professional, responsive and well informed. Highly recommended real estate lawyer.
Darcy Sergius profile picture
Darcy Sergius
2 months ago
Hassan is a very professional and efficient lawyer! I would not hesitate to recommend his services to anyone. Overall a great guy to work with.
I don't usually leave reviews, but Hassan made the whole process a lot easier than I expected. He was quick to respond, explained things clearly, and made sure everything was taken care of before closing.

There were no surprises, and I always knew what was happening. It was a really smooth experience from start to finish.

If you need a real estate lawyer in Burlington, Estofa Law is definitely worth calling. I'm happy I chose them and would use them again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Only a lawyer can register the charge on title through Teraview, and most private lenders will not release funds without a solicitor’s report confirming the security is in place.

Usually not. The two sides have different interests, so the borrower, a guarantor, or a spouse on title often needs independent legal advice before signing.

It means another lender already holds a charge that ranks ahead of yours. If the property is sold or enforced, the first lender is paid in full before the second lender receives anything.

Many private files close within a few days once the commitment letter is signed, the title search is clear, and the lender confirms funding. Delays usually come from missing payout statements or unresolved liens.

The lender can begin the process set out in the Mortgages Act, which includes serving a notice of sale and allowing the redemption period to run before the property can be sold. Both sides should get advice as soon as a default occurs.

The lawyer handling the payout obtains the discharge statement, pays the lender, and registers the discharge on title so the charge no longer appears against the property.

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Estofa Law is an Award Winning law firm in Burlington. Contact for all your real estate transactions.

Office Locations

Burlington

107 – 5500 N Service Rd, Burlington, ON, L7L 6W6, Canada

+1 (289) 678-1744

+1 (289) 678-1744

info@estofa.ca

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Hamilton

173 Grace Ave, Hamilton, ON, L8H 3X1, Canada

+1 (289) 678-1744

+1 (289) 678-1744

info@estofa.ca

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Toronto

3489 Kingston Rd, Scarborough, ON, M1M 1R4, Canada

+1 (289) 678-1744

+1 (289) 678-1744

info@estofa.ca

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