Urban Vancouver

Real Estate Lawyer

By mikeandruff on April 14, 2007 - 11:49am

Blog Interview:
Richard Bell,
Bell Alliance
REMAX Crest Realty Westside office meetings have often been sponsored by Bell Alliance who are real estate lawyers. In the process, I have had the opportunity to meet with Richard Bell. Richard took some time to share with me in this blog interview:Q. How did you get into real estate law?
A. I started the practice of law with a fairly broad solicitors practice including real estate, corporate and wills and estates. Over time I focused more and more on real estate as I really enjoyed working with people who were excited about buying their new home. I’m a “people person” and working with realtors, mortgage brokers and lenders to assist someone in acquiring what is for most people the largest single investment is just a great way to spend your working day.

Q. When a first time buyer looks for real estate lawyer, what should she/he look for?
A. First and foremost look for a lawyer with significant experience in the closing of residential real estate transactions. This is your biggest investment so it’s important to be working with someone who knows how to protect your interests. Ask your realtor, mortgage broker, lender, friends and family for a referral. Call and speak to the lawyer to make sure you are comfortable with him or her.

Q. There are lots of firms around, how does your firm set itself apart from the competition?
A. Perhaps the number one thing that differentiates us from most firms is the involvement of the lawyer. From the clients first contact with the firm through to the closing the client is dealing primarily with the lawyer. We also lead the legal profession in the use of technology to improve the closing process for a buyer as well a buyer’s other professional advisors. Finally, we are committed to utilizing technology to reduce significantly the amount of paper consumed in the closing of real estate.

Q. How do you see technology impacting the legal process in the closing of real estate transactions?
A. I believe we are very close to the “paperless closing” process. The provincial legislation is in place to allow for electronic signatures. Land Title registrations can now be done electronically. More and more lenders are moving to electronic communication. Acrobat technology is becoming an industry standard. I believe the technology is now available to eliminate paper from the closing process – it is now up to the legal, lending and real estate industries and government to work together to implement. The state of technology today combined with a heighten awareness of environmental issues should see the “paperless closing” become a reality over the next 24 months – fingers crossed!

Thanks for sharing Richard.

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