
Step one for prudent homebuyers: consult with a lawyer
First-time homebuyers are poised to make costly mistakes if they jump into the market without having deals vetted by a lawyer, Mississauga real estate and immigration lawyer Jia Junaid tells AdvocateDaily.com. Read more
Be on the lookout for Kitec plumbing
When selling a home built between 1997 and 2005, lawyers should include a statutory declaration that the vendor has no knowledge that Kitec plumbing is present, says Toronto real estate lawyer Sarita Samaroo-Tsaktsiris . Read more
Agent shares blame for missed mould, must pay buyers $35,000
A recent decision highlights the duty of care owed by real estate agents to homebuyers, says Toronto real estate lawyer Daniel Bernstein. Read more.jpg)
New legislation proposes to increase protection for new homebuyers
Although the Ontario new home warranties plan has been in effect for more than 40 years, it has given rise to persistent complaints of an appearance of conflict of interest — and the government now plans to split its two functions, Toronto real estate lawyer Lisa Laredo writes in The Lawyer’s Daily. Read more
Reforms to condo regulations now a reality
After months of review and comment, the licensing of condominium managers and a number of other reforms to the Condominium Act, 1998 came into effect on Nov. 1, Toronto condominium lawyer Armand Conant writes in the Fall 2017 issue of Condo Voice. Read more
New powers coming for condo corporations
Imminent changes to Ontario’s condo laws will give unit owners new information and powers to control their corporations, says Toronto condominium lawyer John De Vellis. Read more
Tips on closing up your cottage for the winter
By Matthias Duensing . With the sights and sounds of fall fairs overwhelming our senses and cool frosty mornings bringing a chill to the air, it can only mean that our beautiful Ontario cottage days are coming to an end. With a backdrop of brightly coloured autumn leaves, I have put together a few handy reminders on how to safely close up your summer cottage properties before winter is upon us: Read more
Who gets the money when condo land is expropriated?
The expropriation of a condominium's common property has raised the question of who gets the money — those who owned a unit when the land was officially taken or those who live there at the time of payment for the expropriation, says Toronto condominium lawyer Joel Berkovitz. Read more.jpg)
Responsibility for condo repair a complex issue
Condo owners may wonder who is responsible for restoration after their unit sustains water or other damage, but issues relating to repair and insurance are some of the most complex in this area of law, Toronto condominium lawyer Deborah Howden writes in The Lawyer’s Daily. Read more
Co-buying a house not as rosy as the dream
Turning to property co-ownership in an expensive housing market can make a dream home affordable, but there can be risks that need to be addressed up front, Toronto real estate lawyer Patrick J. Aulis tells AdvocateDaily.com. Read more
Increasing role of private lenders presents risks for lawyers
Recent rule changes have made it more challenging to obtain a mortgage in Canada, with private lenders now often playing a role in helping to finance short-term loans, Toronto real estate lawyer Sarita Samaroo-Tsaktsiris tells Canadian Lawyer magazine. Read more
Nothing is anonymous when it comes to email
By John De Vellis . It's a common scenario in condominium corporations: during a dispute, anonymous email accounts or Facebook pages begin spreading rumours and making false accusations against board members, management or staff. Read more
Spooked Toronto buyers risking deposits by failing to close deals
Toronto real estate lawyer Daniel Bernstein says buyers spooked by the city’s suddenly stuttering real estate market are putting their deposits at risk if they try to back out of closing a deal. Read more
Landlords risk fines under stricter eviction rules
Tenants’ rights got a boost from recent legislative changes, Toronto landlord and tenant lawyer Andrew Carvajal tells AdvocateDaily.com. Read more.jpg)