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.
Selling or buying a home? Protect yourself from any liabilities or obstacles during the closing process by ensuring the property has a clear title. Addressing any title defects early can help pave the way for a smooth real estate transaction.
... Why a Clear Title Is Important in Real Estate TransactionsRising interest rates are a point of concern for all Canadians, especially for homebuyers. As the real estate market continues to surge across the country thanks to high demand and low supply, interest rates continue to increase as well. Below, we explore the impact rising interest rates have on homeowners.
Real estate title defects costs Canadians millions of dollars every year. A reputable real estate lawyer can help protect a seller’s and buyer’s interests by performing several tasks, including the common title search.
In January, a new by-law under residential real estate laws was implemented by the Canadian Federal Government to reduce the number of homes that are flipped in the country. Canadians who purchased residential property with the intentions of “flipping” the house may want to take note of the new law.
Flipping a property entails a purchase of a house, completing renovations or improvements, and increasing the purchase price to make a profit as a resale. In some cases, the property is “resold” before an official available sell date.
... New Anti-Flipping Rules for Residential Real Estate in Toronto
Real estate litigation is a multifaceted legal practice that encompasses several different areas of the law. Typically, it involves disputes between property buyers, sellers, or investors. While the process of real estate litigation may seem complicated and intimidating, it offers an essential means for resolving disputes and upholding legal rights in real estate matters.
... How Real Estate Lawyers Can Help You with Real Estate Litigation
Real estate lawyers are the gurus of the home buying and selling process. With their knowledge, training, and experience, these lawyers focus on protecting their client’s financial futures. Buying or selling property takes a massive amount of time, research, and negotiations. Plus, it’s likely one of the biggest transactions you’ll ever make in your life! You want to make sure you are in good hands.
In the process of managing all the steps in the buying and selling process, a real estate lawyer helps to maximize your investment in the deal. They will review all documentation including the Agreement of Purchase and Sale and the mortgage documents that may be needed. They can even help you draft if necessary.
... How a Real Estate Lawyer Can Help Safeguard Your Interests and Maximize Your Investment
Are you planning to buy or sell real estate in Toronto but aren't sure where to start? Don't fret! Choosing the right real estate lawyer is a critical step that can make all the difference. Our comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about selecting the right real estate lawyer in Toronto for your situation and ensuring your transaction moves ahead smoothly. From what questions to ask prospective lawyers, understanding their fees, and knowing when it's time to move forward, we'll cover it all!
Navigating the Toronto real estate market might seem like it takes several science degrees and a law degree to ensure all your investments are protected. Buying a home is an exciting time but it can quickly become overwhelming and uncover challenges such as bidding wars, hidden defects, title issues, and expensive closing costs.
This is why it is imperative to enlist the help of a reputable lawyer to act as a Toronto real estate guide. To understand the potential pitfalls that can be seen in Toronto’s 2023 real estate market, this article looks at the foundation of the local landscape.
Condo disputes of any form may require the assistance of a knowledgeable and expert real estate lawyer. In this article, we discuss the common condo disputes you might find yourself in and how you can resolve them.
... How a Condo Lawyer Can Help in Navigating Condo Disputes
Potential home buyers excited about the future may be facing challenges during the closing process thanks to recent economic changes.
John Zinati of Zinati Kay – Real Estate Lawyers has been helping home buyers and sellers navigate the closing process across the GTA for 25 years. As a leading real estate contributor to CTV and CFRB, Zinati has been offering sound legal advice through his Toronto real estate office and his newsletter Title Tips.
Recently, he spoke to the Toronto Star about the challenges buyers may be facing with the closing process in the current housing market.
Buying a house in a buyer’s market offers a wide range of benefits for buyers. In Toronto, while we might not be there quite yet because of tight supply, now may be the perfect time to begin the search for your dream home in a prime location that suits your unique needs.
A buyer’s market occurs when there are more homes on the market compared to the number of buyers, thus giving a variety of advantages to buyers who are looking for a place to call home. We now mostly have a shortage of inventory but spring is often at times when people start to list. If this occurs things will get better for buyers. Maybe then we’ll have a Buyer’s Market. Below we list some of the top benefits of buying a house in a buyer’s market.
... 8 Advantages of Buying a House in a Buyer’s Market of Toronto
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.