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About: John Zinati


John ZinatiJohn 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.

6 Things You Need to Know about Refinancing Your Mortgage

Finding your dream home is pretty exciting. The same cannot be said about qualifying for a mortgage. Many homeowners find refinancing their mortgage to be stressful, and for good reason—from different interest rates to amortization periods and penalties, there is a lot to consider.

But it can be worth it. Refinancing a mortgage with more favourable terms and conditions can save you thousands of dollars in interest charges. Refinancing a mortgage with a lower interest rate is also a great way consolidate and pay off debt and access some of the equity you’ve built up in your home.

If you’re thinking about refinancing your mortgage in Toronto, here are six things you need to consider.

... 6 Things You Need to Know about Refinancing Your Mortgage

Mortgage Questions for Your Lawyer

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, make sure you talk to a skilled real estate lawyer. It doesn’t matter which side of the deal you’re on, an experienced mortgage lawyer in Toronto is invaluable.

A real estate lawyer can help you with all of the legal details associated with the transaction, including a title search, easements, zoning issues, the closing process, etc. But an experienced real estate lawyers can also go over other issues or concerns you might have.

Keep in mind, this is probably going to be the biggest transaction of your life, and you need to make sure you’re as informed and educated as possible. That’s why it’s imperative that you ask a closing lawyer any questions you might have.

Here are some questions you should ask your real estate lawyer when getting a mortgage in the Greater Toronto Area.

... Mortgage Questions for Your Lawyer

Title Tips: Setting Up Your PREC

Personal Real Estate Corporations (PREC)

Lawyers, doctors and dentists have long had the ability to incorporate for tax purposes. Finally, Tax Fairness for Ontario agents has come about with the passing of Bill 145, Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2019, bringing long overdue Tax Fairness for Ontario real estate agents by allowing them to incorporate a Personal Real Estate Corporation (PREC) and enjoy the benefits of low corporate income tax rates.

ADVANTAGES  OF INCORPORATION: 1. Lower corporate income tax rates. 2. Wealth creation through tax deferral. 3. Lower effective personal tax. 4. Income splitting opportunities

... Title Tips: Setting Up Your PREC

What Are the Characteristics of a Good Real Estate Lawyer?

Thanks to the Internet, it’s easier than ever to find a real estate lawyer in Toronto. Unfortunately, quantity does not translate into quality. That can make finding a good real estate lawyer in Toronto very difficult. Which can be disconcerting for those looking to close on the biggest financial transaction of their life. Many homebuyers looking for a real estate lawyer focus exclusively on price. And while the cost of a real estate lawyer is definitely something to take into consideration, it shouldn’t be the only thing you focus on. Below are some of the top qualities and traits that the most successful real estate lawyers in Toronto share. ... What Are the Characteristics of a Good Real Estate Lawyer?

Most Common Real Estate Title Transfer Problems

Finding your dream home is a milestone. But that doesn’t mean the home buying process is over. A common question we field is whether or not a property buyer should purchase title insurance. Title insurance is a form of insurance used to insure the buyer and their lender against loss or damage as a result of title defects. ... Most Common Real Estate Title Transfer Problems

Important Questions to Ask Before Closing on a Home

Searching for your dream home is exciting; finding the right neighbourhood, imagining where your furniture would go, having friends over, deciding if you’ll plant a garden. Actually, closing on the sale of the home, though—that can be stressful. This is the final decision in the home buying process, when money changes hands, you get the keys to your property, and take on all that extra responsibility.

Most of us don’t go through the home buying process very often, so it’s tough to rely on any past experience. That’s why it’s important to ask a lot of questions and understand what you’re signing and taking on. In fact, it’s essential. After all, you can never be too well-informed.

Here are some important questions your should ask before closing in Toronto.

... Important Questions to Ask Before Closing on a Home

Real Estate Closings During COVID-19

While it was thought that selling houses during the COVID-19 pandemic would have been a big challenge, and it was at the beginning, statistics have shown that the market is actually busier than it has ever been in certain circumstances. This is because demand for real estate is strong, interest rates are low, and many people have managed to keep their jobs during the pandemic. As such many transactions are being closed regularly and we are happy to advise that our procedures and systems, such as many of those across the industry, have been changed to allow the market to continue in its strength. ... Real Estate Closings During COVID-19

Home Selling Myths Debunked

If you’re a homeowner wondering whether it is worth selling your home, there are probably quite a few misconceptions about selling your house that you’ve heard. So, to keep you on track with the truths and myths about selling your house, here are the top home selling myths debunked. ... Home Selling Myths Debunked

Role of Condo Lawyer When Buying a Condominium in Toronto

Does a buyer need a lawyer? If you’re considering buying a house or condo in Toronto, you will need a real estate lawyer to help you through the process. What does a lawyer do when you’re buying a condo? Their primary responsibility is to protect your rights and make sure all the terms of the purchase and sale are met by the seller, so that you can obtain the title to the property. Here’s a more in-depth breakdown of what a condo lawyer does while buying a condominium in Toronto. ... Role of Condo Lawyer When Buying a Condominium in Toronto

9 Hidden Costs of Selling a House

So, you’ve decided to sell your home—congratulations! Whether you’ve chosen to upgrade to a larger home or downsize to a smaller, cozier property, selling your home is a big deal. Working with the right real estate agent and real estate lawyer can help make this exciting process as stress-free and smooth as possible; they can also help you prepare for all the necessary fees, especially the hidden costs of selling a house. How much does it actually cost to sell your home and what fees should you prepare for? Keep reading as we break down some of the hidden costs of selling a house. ... 9 Hidden Costs of Selling a House

Everything You Need to Know about Status Certificates

If you’re currently looking to purchase a new condo, it’s important to do your research as well as to work with an experienced real estate lawyer. The last thing you want to do is purchase a condo on a whim and later find out that there are maintenance fees or regulations you weren’t aware of. So, how do you ensure that you have all the important information you need about your prospective new home before you sign on the dotted line? That’s where a condo status certificate can help. You’ve likely heard the term “status certificate” before, but what exactly is a status certificate and why is a status certificate important? Here’s what you need to know about this invaluable document and the purpose of getting a status certificate. ... Everything You Need to Know about Status Certificates

Things to Consider Before Opting for a Mortgage Deferral

Over the last few months, there has been a lot of uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy. Millions of people lost their jobs, businesses were forced to shut down, and Canadians coast to coast were required to isolate and social-distance. While the pandemic has certainly taken a toll on our social lives and on the economy as a whole, it’s also forced many homeowners to question whether they will be able to pay their mortgage. Luckily, the five largest banks in Canada—Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD), Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank), Bank of Montreal (BMO), and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)—have stepped up to offer mortgage deferrals in Toronto and across Canada. What is a mortgage deferral? And does a mortgage deferral hurt your credit? Here’s what you need to know about this new form of financial assistance from lenders and whether it’s the right move for you and your family. ... Things to Consider Before Opting for a Mortgage Deferral

Should You Refinance Your Mortgage in the Wake of COVID-19?

The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t just affected millions of Canadians financially, but it has also sent the global economy spiraling. Many Canadians have already lost their jobs and the housing market has taken a major hit, which has led to concerns that the mortgage process will be affected, too. Now more than ever, people are rushing to refinance their mortgages and provide themselves with a bit of a safety net. But is mortgage refinancing during COVID-19 really the right move? The answer is that it strongly depends on each individual’s circumstances. Here’s a breakdown of whether you should refinance your mortgage now and a few of the benefits of mortgage refinancing during COVID-19. ... Should You Refinance Your Mortgage in the Wake of COVID-19?

Things First-Time Home Buyers Need to Know in Canada

If you are wondering what to do when buying a house for the first time, there is a lot of information available. Thanks to the Internet, there is no limit to the advice and resources you can find to help you make one of the biggest purchases of your life. But sometimes, the information can seem overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together a first-time home buyer 101, so you’ll know what to look for when buying a house and can get plenty of valuable first-time home buyers tips. Keep reading for things first-time home buyers should keep in mind when buying property in Canada. ... Things First-Time Home Buyers Need to Know in Canada

Selling to an Investor: Lawyer’s Role

Selling your home can be a stressful process but you can avoid it by selling directly to a real estate investor. These sales often allow sellers to skip steps like inspection contingencies and avoid appraisal concerns or issues with financing from the buyer. In some cases, even if you choose to sell to a traditional buyer, you may get a better offer from an investor, perhaps someone with limited contingencies and assurance of a quick close. Should you sell your house or property to an investor? The answer really depends on the situation you want. However, it is important to understand the pros and cons of selling your house to an investor compared to a traditional buyer. Here's what you need to know, so you make the best decision. ... Selling to an Investor: Lawyer’s Role

Selling Your House: Considering Cash Offers

Are you wondering if you should sell your house for an all-cash deal? Chances are you want to sell it quickly and may need the money to pay off a debt or make another big purchase. Or, you may be wanting to avoid the contingencies of going through with a traditional mortgage. Whatever your reasons may be, it is important to fully understand what an all-cash house offer is, and how it may benefit or hinder you as you sell. Here’s all you need to know, plus some helpful advice. ... Selling Your House: Considering Cash Offers

How to Determine if a House Buyer/Seller Is Fake

It’s no secret that people have been scammed by fake house buyers and/or sellers in the past. Even if you are desperately searching for a new place to live or really want to sell your house quickly, you need to keep your eyes our for scammers and protect yourself from making a grave mistake. Here are some important warning signs to determine if a house buyer or seller is fake. Keep these in mind as you house hunt or list your house for sale and be sure to hire a real estate lawyer to protect you and your assets through this process. ... How to Determine if a House Buyer/Seller Is Fake

What to Do if a Seller Is Stalling

Most real estate transactions tend to fall apart because of the buyer, but there are cases where sellers influence these failures. Some sellers may request additional time to move out before the buyer physically assumes the property, but there are also those who change their mind about selling at the eleventh hour. This may be because they want to sell to someone else after being offered a better price, or simply because they got cold feet. Although they may attempt this, it’s important to know that there are laws that protect buyers. These laws enable buyers to sue the seller and force them to follow through with the deal. If you’re wondering what happens if a seller delays or notice that the seller is stalling, here are your options and how you can get help from a real estate lawyer. ... What to Do if a Seller Is Stalling

What Can Go Wrong at Closing

After a lengthy search for the right home for you, endless mortgage application forms, and tiring negotiations with the seller, you have purchased your dream home and are excited to move in! You signed your part of the purchase agreement, prepared your down payment, and are ready to celebrate your big purchase. However, you’re not out of the woods…yet. Until the deal has gone through, there is still the potential that this arrangement could fall through. Various closing problems could still arise, some which you can control, so you need to do your due diligence to prevent them from happening. Meanwhile, other closing problems could be out of your control. Here are some of the most common closing problems when buying a home, so you can prepare for anything. ... What Can Go Wrong at Closing

6 Important Questions to Ask a Motivated Seller

A motivated seller is someone who desperately wants to sell their home. Whether they have big plans to move far away or are stressed with the workload it takes to maintain the property, a motivated seller is looking to get out of the mortgage and move on. As a buyer, this could be good news for you. For one, it might mean the seller is willing to negotiate the price and offer a quick closing. On the other hand, it could signal red flags. Before you get excited and sign the papers at this new opportunity, have your agent talk to the selling agent. Here are some important questions you should ask a motivated seller. ... 6 Important Questions to Ask a Motivated Seller