Ownright, an Ontario-based legal service for real estate transactions, has launched its fully digital Status Certificate Review, a new solution designed to enhance transparency and accessibility in the condominium buying process. This offering is a first for the industry, addressing a complex yet critical component of condo purchases in markets where condominiums represent a significant portion of occupied dwellings.
In urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver, over 50% of residences are condominiums. Despite this prevalence, status certificate reviews—a mandatory legal step in all Ontario condo transactions—have traditionally been opaque, often involving dense documents or brief verbal summaries that leave buyers unclear on details. Ownright’s new digital review aims to modernize this process, providing buyers with clear information to support informed decision-making.
Robert Saunders, CEO of Ownright, commented on the initiative, stating, “Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions people make, and status certificates can feel like a black box. Too often, buyers are simply told, ‘you’re good to go’ without knowing why. We’ve opened that box and built something digital, readable, and designed for real people.”
The digital review system organizes the status certificate information into six core areas: general property and building details, building rules and bylaws, common expenses (including monthly condo fees and potential special assessments), the financial health of the condo corporation, insurance coverage, and the legal status of the corporation, such as any ongoing lawsuits or compliance issues. Each section is presented in plain language, incorporating contextual information and advice, and is accessible through Ownright’s secure client portal. This allows buyers to directly review the facts, understanding the commitments involved.
Beyond benefiting individual buyers, this new feature streamlines communication for real estate professionals, mortgage advisors, and legal teams by reducing confusion. With a clearer understanding of risks and obligations, buyers are reported to be more confident, efficient, and prepared for closing. The Status Certificate Review completes Ownright’s end-to-end digital platform, which now supports every step from legal quotes and intake to document signing and status review online, all backed by legal expertise. This aligns with Ownright’s broader objective to digitize all aspects of the real estate legal process.
Ownright, formerly known as Doormat before its rebranding in 2025, positions itself as a legal partner for homebuyers, sellers, and real estate professionals across Ontario. The company has completed thousands of transactions, representing over $1 billion in total transaction value, and aims to simplify home transactions through automation, expert legal guidance, and a client-focused approach.
