Property title search service for law firms

Small real estate law firms, notaries, mortgage brokers and sometimes lenders or property investors who need searches done quickly.

A fee per search or per file, plus charges for document copies or rush jobs. Repeat work from a few steady law firms usually matters most.

• Careful, detail-focused reading of legal documents
• Organized with deadlines and file tracking
• Comfortable with online registry systems
• Discreet with client information

• Check your provincial rules on who can search and register documents, as some work is limited to lawyers, notaries or authorized users
• Check that you are not giving legal advice, which is regulated by your provincial law society
• Errors and omissions insurance, since a missed lien or error could be costly
• Privacy and data security rules for client and property information
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Work is seasonal and tied to the housing market, so volume can swing

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your home office setup, registry access, software and insurance. Working from home keeps costs down, though errors and omissions cover is worth pricing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,200 to $5,000, depending on how many law firms or notaries you work for and how many searches you complete. The idea assumes at least about 15 hours a week, and volume can swing with the housing market.

Check your provincial rules on who can search and register documents, as some work may be limited to lawyers, notaries or authorized users. Make sure you are not giving legal advice, which your provincial law society regulates, and check insurance and privacy obligations.