May 25, 2020 | Condo & Appt
A while ago I ran across an interesting problem with a condominium title. A four story, 16 Unit condominium building was constructed some time ago in the SW. The four Units on each floor of the building, while similar in characteristics, are of different sizes. When...
May 1, 2020 | Estate Planning
When a Seller of a home, which was the matrimonial home prior to a separation, is in the Seller’s name, problem can arise. If the Seller is not yet divorced certain steps need to be made to ensure the sale goes smoothly. The Dower Act requires that the...
Feb 12, 2020 | Real Estate
One issue that arises frequently when you are purchasing and mortgaging a new home is a failure for your mortgage company to provide mortgage instructions to your lawyer. The lawyer wants to have the mortgage instructions in their office a week prior to the purchase...
Jan 27, 2020 | Real Estate
You’re looking for a different home, one with a big back yard you can envision yourself relaxing in on a warm summer evening. Perhaps a yard that the kids can play in? Then you find it. The perfect home with the perfect yard–or so you think. Many homes...
Jan 17, 2020 | Real Estate
While a large proportion of my real estate practice comes to me via my connection with realtors, I don’t want to point fingers, but I am increasingly finding that both Buyers and Sellers are not being served well by their realtors. My issue to discuss in this...
Jan 6, 2020 | Real Estate
Generally, a purchaser will be unable negotiate a hold back for a portion of the purchase price on the closing date. For example, suppose that you, as purchaser, are taking possession of your new house today and you find that the dishwasher does not work, the front...
Dec 13, 2019 | Real Estate
There is no substitute for actually spending the time to review your contemplated house purchase prior to entering into a Purchase Agreement. Many purchasers will not look beyond the well maintained lawn, the flowers and the paint colour to consider the other...
Nov 6, 2019 | Estate Planning
In a previous post we discussed the role of the Executor/Executrix of a will. Someone asked a question pertaining to debts of the estate and whether those responsibilities fall to the executor. Does the Executor become liable for the debts incurred, even if debts...
Oct 7, 2019 | Estate Planning
Transferring land by way of a Power of Attorney should be done by all parties together to prevent disaster. Perhaps I have overstated my concern a touch but here’s a scenario that happened at our office. I once had a client who wanted to purchase a house from a...
