About: John Zinati

For many people, their homes will be the single biggest investment of their lives and their largest source of equity. As such, no decision regarding ownership of said equity should ever be taken lightly. As any experienced real estate lawyer in Toronto will tell you, you should consider the risks carefully before adding another name to your property title.

Remember that by adding a person to your property title, you are legally granting them a bundle of rights including control, enjoyment, possession, exclusion, and disposition of the property that were formerly exclusive to you. This is a major decision and requires careful thought and planning.

The best real estate lawyer in Toronto will advise you of all the risks that adding someone to your property title entails. These risks are no small matters either, and if ignored, can lead to significant consequences.

Here are some risks to consider.

... What Are the Risks of Adding Someone to Your Property Title?

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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