Real Estate Posts


 

Why Do you Need Title Insurance?

Written by on August 28, 2018

Title insurance became commonplace for real estate transactions in Ontario in the late 1990s. It replaces some expensive and time-consuming searches like building permit and work order searches. For a one-time fee, title insurance offers coverage for a variety of title issues, and is often cheaper and always faster to obtain than searches. Title insurance […]
 

 

Changes to Mortgage Rules and How It Could Affect You

Written by on April 10, 2018

  January 1, 2018 ushered in new mortgage rules for those looking to purchase homes or refinance their mortgage in Canada. These rules could affect the size of the mortgage a person or couple may qualify for, or even if they can secure a mortgage at all. The rules include a new “stress test” that […]
 

 

Why is there a Notice of Security Interest on My Home?

Written by on November 6, 2017

Renting water heaters in residential properties is quite common in Ontario. Companies are now beginning to offer rentals of furnaces and air conditioners as well, sometimes with rent-to-own options. Often these companies will send door-to-door salespeople around to pitch the rental contracts at potential customers. Like any legal contract, it is important to consider an […]
 

 

Buying and Selling a House: Should I Complete Both Transactions on the Same Day?

Written by on August 3, 2017

Often when a homeowner is selling their current home, they are purchasing a new one. It may seem ideal to complete both transactions on the same day, so that the homeowner is not a temporary owner of two properties. While this arrangement is satisfactory for a lot of clients, caution should be taken in this […]
 

 

Receiving Independent Legal Advice on a Mortgage Transaction

Written by on June 20, 2017

Often during a refinance transaction, the homeowners and borrowers of the funds, or a guarantor of funds, will be asked by the lender (a bank, trust company, or private lender) to seek independent legal advice or “ILA” from a lawyer. It may seem like an unnecessary extra expense to borrowers (or guarantors) who may already be paying […]
 

 

Can I avoid Estate Tax by putting my child on title to my home with me?

Written by on November 25, 2016

Can I avoid Estate Tax by putting my child on title to my home with me? We all like to avoid paying taxes and the idea of being taxed because you died seems even more distasteful. So what can you do to get the bad taste out of your mouth? Conceptually, the answer is fairly […]