Tips And Tricks

Once you have determined what you are looking for in a new home, it is important to understand the types of homes that are available to you. Statutory warranty coverage may vary depending on the type of home you buy. The most common forms of housing can be grouped into three types, and each...
Read More »

By Barry Lebow When I tell people that I specialize in litigation relating to real estate agency and to real estate stigma, even Realtors ask me to explain what I mean by stigma. Stigma is the effect that lingers after the cure. In real estate it can be something as simple as, “How clean...
Read More »

What is “Title”? The word “title” is a legal term that means you have legal ownership of property. You obtain title to property when the owner signs the deed (transfer document) over to you. Title is then registered in the government’s land registration system. What is Title Insurance? Title insurance is an insurance policy...
Read More »

A) IF PURCHASING FROM A BUILDER As soon as the purchase transaction has been completed (usually by registration in the LAND REGISTRY SYSTEM on the closing day) the keys are typically released at the applicable construction trailer or sales office, if the property is not a condominium. If the property is a new condominium,...
Read More »

It’s important for Realtors to remind home buyers that all homes-old or new-need ongoing maintenance. First, buyers should understand the 1% rule. This rule postulates that normal maintenance on a home is about 1% of the value of the home per year. For example, a $250,000 home would require $2,500 per year to maintain....
Read More »

Finding the perfect home doesn’t happen in one day. There are a number of things you can do to simplify the process, including defining financial parameters, potential neighbourhoods and the desired features in your next home. Do you need an extra bathroom, a garage, a fenced backyard, or lower utility bills? Do you want...
Read More »

1) Surprise Closing Costs A builder’s agreement to purchase a newly constructed condo (in contrast to the simplicity of a resale condo) contains pages of fine print which are NOT standard for each builder since each has it’s own pet clauses. The “adjustments” chargeable on closing (in addition to the upgrades ordered by a...
Read More »

There are certain basic facts that you should know in order to understand how to flip a house. However, you must keep in mind that it is not unethical to make a good profit from your client. After all you are turning an eyesore into a beauty and this way also upgrading the neighborhood....
Read More »

The purchase price of your home is only one of the costs you’ll encounter. Here are other possible costs you need to consider: Mortgage loan insurance: If you are putting less than 20 per cent of the house value down, you’re going to need mortgage loan insurance. Depending on the lender, the premium can...
Read More »

An Assignment of an agreement of purchase and sale is not the transfer or assignment of real property but rather an assignment or transfer of rights arising out of the agreement or contract relating to real property. Assignments have become increasingly more common in the condominium sector. However, in all builder contracts there is...
Read More »

If you are considering the purchase of a condominium in the Greater Toronto Area you are one of many residents who recognize the numerous benefits of this type of property ownership. Offering affordability, proximity to desirable areas and limited maintenance, it’s no wonder that condominiums now represent one in every three resale home transactions...
Read More »

Like all markets, real estate experiences fluctuations in activity. One constant in the Greater Toronto Area though, is the growing number of condominium transactions. Combining affordability with carefree living and the latest amenities, condominiums are attracting more buyers than ever before. In June 2010 for example, condominiums comprised nearly 33 per cent of all...
Read More »