John Zinati is a veteran experienced real estate lawyer and partner at Zinati Kay Barristers & Solicitors. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School.
If you have been dreaming of buying your first house, there are a few significant factors that can determine if now is the right time to buy.
With the fluctuating housing market in Toronto and surrounding areas, many people may be wondering whether to buy now or wait. Before taking the next step and meeting with a real estate lawyer, take stock of these factors.
Closing costs, escrow, purchase agreement, and listing agent—there are a lot of real estate terms to understand when it comes to buying or selling a home. While all these terms are important to know, understanding what determines a buyer’s market vs. seller’s market, however, is probably one of the best ways to ensure you are making the best decision in the current housing market.
... Understanding Real Estate Trends: How to Identify a Buyer’s or Seller’s Market
Whether you are searching for your dream home or planning to sell your own home, it is important to understand the conditions of a buyer’s market vs. a seller’s market.
The housing market is an interesting world once you have an understanding of the terms and conditions that are associated with buying and selling properties. Knowing when to sell or buy is only half the battle in the competitive world of real estate.
... Buyer’s Market vs. Seller’s Market: How It Affects You When Buying/Selling a Home in Toronto
If you are planning to start or are in the middle of searching for a home in Toronto, there are invaluable mortgage application tips you should be aware of. For one, your past and current spending habits could undermine your mortgage approval. The local housing market is consistently fluctuating wherein prospective buyers see their dream home sold before they collect enough capital.
... 9 Mortgage Application Tips to Help with Mortgage Approval
What happens to my property if my spouse dies? Unfortunately, this is a common question property lawyers in Scarborough receive. The answer depends largely on whether a legal Will exists.
A temporary ban on selling residential property to foreign buyers was recently introduced into legislation. The Foreign Buyers Ban in Canada came into effect on January 1, 2023, and will remain in force until at least December 31, 2025.
Before making the decision to add your adult child(ren) to the title for your primary home, talk to a real estate deed lawyer in Toronto. While the idea to add their name to the deed may come with good intentions, the cons can outweigh the pros.
Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t add you child(ren) to the title of your deed.
... 6 Reasons to Avoid Putting Your Child’s Name on the Deed to Your House
A property dispute whether with a neighbor, friend, family member, or a complete stranger can be complex, and it might get drawn out for a long time if the right legal representation is not hired.
Reputable real estate lawyers in Toronto keep abreast of any changes and details of the rights of property owners and tenants. These rights include but are not limited to, the right to contest nearby zoning bylaws, the right to access an easement, the right to establish adverse possession, and the right to have peaceful enjoyment of property.
... Things to Consider when Hiring a Property Dispute Lawyer in Toronto
Life can throw us many challenges including a life-threatening illness or a sudden death. We may not be able to prevent these catastrophes from occurring, but we can ensure our loved ones are taken care of, giving us the peace of mind to enjoy every day to its fullest.
With estate planning, you do not have to have great wealth and fortune or own large pieces of land. Planning your estate involves having your financial obligations, end-of-life care, and last wishes documented. It can help reduce the burden on your family while protecting your monetary worth from probate and taxes.
As a reputable real estate and mortgage lawyer in Toronto, John Zinati has more than 25 years of experience in the housing market. In that time, he has seen various financing options that buyers and sellers have used to facilitate a successful sale.
In a recent Globe and Mail article, Zinati discussed the renewed interest in using vendor take-back mortgages to accommodate the rising interest rates by the Bank of Canada. This type of financing is used to benefit both the buyer and the seller if both parties agree to the terms and conditions.
The vendor take-back mortgage was seen widely in the late 1980s and in the first few years of the 1990s. It was offered as an incentive to buyers in a world of harsh financing terms by world lenders. Once interest rates began to drop, the vendor take-back mortgage option was quiet until rates rose again in 2018. It has also been seen in times where the housing market has slowed to the point where sellers want a quick sale.
... John Zinati Talks Renewed Interest in Vendor Take-Back Mortgages Due to Rising Rates
Thinking or buying or selling a house? Before you dive in, you should consult a real estate lawyer in Scarborough to draft up a real estate agreement such as the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. Of all legal documents and contracts that come with the sale of a property, this agreement outlines the physical and financial aspects of the sale.
Both the buyer and the seller need to understand and acknowledge the details of the document as it is a legally binding contract. A real estate lawyer can help the party they are representing better understand what they are agreeing to.
... What Is an Agreement of Purchase and Sale in Real Estate?
Property dispute lawyers in Toronto specialize in a variety of real estate issues. Whether the property at hand is a vacant lot, a driveway, or a home structure, it is important to protect one’s investment.
A dispute can arise before, during, or after the sale of a property. Property disputes are usually amicably resolved but there are a number of times when a real estate property dispute lawyer may be required to assist.
The mortgage closing process can be complex, which is why it may be in your best interest to hire a mortgage closing lawyer in Toronto. While your lender or mortgage broker should be able to offer you sound advice, a real estate lawyer can advise you on all the legalities involved in the closing process.
... The Importance of Hiring a Lawyer for Mortgage Closing in Toronto
Buying a home is a momentous occasion, especially for first-time homebuyers! Before you get caught up in the excitement, hire a home-buying lawyer in Scarborough to help you navigate through the legal documentation.
Through no fault of their own, many homebuyers have lost thousands of dollars due to discrepancies in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale or through fraudulent means. To prevent buyer’s remorse or legal actions, consider hiring a real estate lawyer with experience in protecting the buyer during real estate transactions.
... Why Is It Important for a Home Buyer to Hire a Real Estate Lawyer?
Hiring a title search lawyer in Toronto when you purchase a property can protect your biggest investment and may also prevent legalities. Aside from ensuring the seller has a legal claim to the property, a title search can provide a wealth of knowledge for the buyer before closing on the sale.
A title search may be ordered by a real estate agency, financial lending institutions, insurance companies, land surveyors, appraisers, municipalities, private investigators, and paralegals. Reviewing all documentation of a property provides the buyer peace of mind knowing that there will not be any issue from a third party.
... Why Is It Important to Conduct a Proper Title Search on a Property?
As a leading real estate lawyer in Toronto, John Zinati has been closely watching the housing market. The latest numbers across the country show that home sales dropped 32% in September in comparison to last year.
Why the huge difference? Low mortgage rates, a drop in new construction, a surge in first-time homeowners, and a desire for relocation saw the housing market at an all-time high a couple of years ago. Today, there are several factors that have caused a sudden shift in all of these market influencers.
... John Zinati Highlights Issues Related to the Current Real Estate Market Slowdown
Buying or selling a home or property can be a complex transaction between two parties with legalities requiring proper documentation. In that case, should you hire a real estate agent or a real estate lawyer? Which one is better?
You actually need both. The roles of the real estate lawyer vs. a real estate agent are very different when it comes to their responsibilities. Buyers and sellers require someone familiar with the local properties as well as someone who can help protect their investment.
That’s why understanding the difference between a real estate lawyer and a real estate agent can help make your real estate transaction as seamless as possible.
... Why Hire Both a Real Estate Lawyer and a Real Estate Agent?
Whether you are buying or selling your home, it’s important to ensure you have a reputable real estate lawyer in Scarborough to assist you in the sale. Real estate transactions can be overwhelming and complex with legal documentation, checklists, communications, and most importantly, exchanges of monies. Ensuring the right person is in control of the legal responsibilities can help the buying or selling process be less stressful.
Before choosing a real estate lawyer to facilitate one of the largest investments you will make, consider the following tips.
... 9 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Real Estate Lawyer in Scarborough
Buying a home is considered one of the largest investments you can make in your lifetime. That’s why hiring the best real estate lawyer in Toronto is the first step in realizing your dreams of owning a house.
A real estate lawyer specializes in reviewing legal documentation pertaining to the buying and closing processes of property.
The Agreement of Purchase and Sale is a complex document that protects both the buyer and the seller. Having a real estate lawyer assist in drafting the legal documentation can save you potential heartache and thousands of dollars down the line.
Real estate lawyers also investigate if there are any unknown claims against the property.
Below, we have compiled a list of some of the must-have traits to look for when hiring the best real estate lawyer in Toronto.
... What Are the Traits of the Best Real Estate Lawyers in Toronto?
If you are considering investing in real estate, talk to a home buying lawyer in Toronto first. Don’t let this exciting time become overwhelming. Instead, keep these tips in mind.