Real Estate

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

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

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