What happens when a home is damaged just before closing?
August 27, 2010
There is typically a two month period between the time that a buyer signs a contract with a seller to buy their home and the actual date of closing.
Promises matter in real estate deals
August 19, 2010
Buyers and sellers need to understand their legal rights and obligations when making or asking for promises in a real estate contract.
Homebuyers shouldn’t expect hot deals as housing market cools: experts
August 15, 2010
But experts say buyers shouldn’t expect to see a retreat from record-high home prices when July housing data is released Monday.
Limitations Act creates deadlines for law suits
August 13, 2010
I have received several emails from readers regarding how long someone has to bring a lawsuit once a claim has been discovered on their property.
Know the exclusion clauses in your insurance policy
August 8, 2010
There are many terms and conditions that are included with any insurance policy, which could result in no coverage.
Think before you sue, it could get complicated
July 30, 2010
I am often asked whether a buyer could sue the seller, the real estate salesperson or their own lawyer for not properly protecting them.
Competition Bureau, MLS hearing benefits everyone
July 23, 2010
A hearing has now been scheduled to commence next April to decide the issues between the Competition Bureau and the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) regarding the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Seven weeks have been set aside to...
Signing real estate deals requires careful attention
July 16, 2010
Buyers and sellers must be aware of many technical issues and requirements when signing real estate agreements.
How to protect against caveat emptor
July 9, 2010
What happens if a seller deliberately covers up damages to the floor by strategically placing rugs when a buyer conducts a home inspection?
Balanced market favours buyers
July 2, 2010
Buyers can now conduct the proper research necessary before making what may be the largest investment decision of their lives.
Do your research before renting out your space
June 25, 2010
It is very important to conduct the proper research in advance before renting any space to a residential tenant.
Negotiating agreements takes nerves of steel
June 18, 2010
Real estate agreements typically start with an offer being made by an interested buyer and then accepted by a seller.
Check that your title is absolute when buying property
June 4, 2010
If you own land in Ontario, more than 97 per cent of the land is now registered in the Land Titles System.
Making changes on your property is not easy
May 28, 2010
Before making changes to backyard, homeowners need to understand local zoning bylaws.
Condominium property managers – the unsung heroes
May 20, 2010
When researching condominium buildings, buyers should always ask whether the building is professionally managed and conduct research on the property manager.
Novel marketing approach not without risks
May 13, 2010
Home sellers in The Beach used a novel approach to selling their home to avoid multiple offers.
Competition Bureau misguided about MLS
April 23, 2010
Buying a home is a lot different than buying an airline ticket.
Criminal checks on potential directors a good idea
April 16, 2010
Since writing about condominium boards and privacy law and real estate, I have received some interesting questions from readers. They are as follows:
How private is your home's selling price?
April 2, 2010
What did they get for the house? At dinner parties, people always seem interested in what homes are selling for in your area.
Marriage and property rights can pose knotty problems
March 19, 2010
Most real estate sales in Canada deal with family homes. Yet it is interesting how misunderstood buyers and sellers are regarding what their rights are when buying or selling a family home.
Changing your mind can be costly
March 12, 2010
Real estate home or condominium agreements may be the largest contractual obligation that a buyer and seller may ever sign. It is a serious obligation and both buyers and sellers must understand the consequences of changing their minds once the contract has been signed and accepted.
Condo boards need more regulation
March 5, 2010
I have received a growing number of complaints since writing about how condominium boards operate.
Buyers should carefully research condo 'community'
February 26, 2010
Writing about the importance of the status certificate in every purchase of resale condominiums spurrred countless emails from industry experts, including condominium board directors, property management companies and service providers to the industry.
Is 'positive energy' a requisite for homebuyers?
February 19, 2010
Energy efficiency. Green energy. R-2000 and LEED homes. These are just some of the phrases used to describe the advantages of homes or condominiums that are environmentally friendly. How about "positive energy?"
Review your status certificate when purchasing resale unit
February 12, 2010
Once a buyer finds a condominium resale unit that satisfies his or her needs, there are many "hidden" questions about the building that need to be answered.
Important little details should be in agreements
February 5, 2010
One of the side issues in the recent bidding wars in cities across Canada is that buyers and sellers are not taking the necessary time to review and understand what is included in the fine print of most real estate agreements.
How to avoid `easy money' sales pitch
January 15, 2010
Since warning consumers about the dangers of no money down real estate seminars, I have received more emails than from any other article that I have written. The overwhelming majority are from readers who have been victimized by these schemes in the past.
Handing over the keys should be last resort
January 8, 2010
We have heard countless situations in the United States where homeowners are walking up to their bankers and just handing over their keys. I have been asked many times why this does not happen in Canada.
Beware 'free' real estate seminars
January 1, 2010
How many times have you seen late-night infomercials or advertisements inviting you to a seminar on how you can become a millionaire by buying real estate with no money down, even if you have a poor credit history? As with most get-rich-quick schemes, there is an old saying, "If it seems too good to be...
2009 Toronto Star Archive Articles
