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Newsletter

With over 25 years of Real Estate experience and over ten thousand deals closed, we have come across most of the issues that come up in closing a Real Estate deal. To help our clients we publish a newsletter “Blog / Title Tips” to answer questions and keep closings smooth. Below are the most common questions and issues we find.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is not intended and should not be relied on as legal advice. Feel free to call John Zinati to discuss your particular situation today.

What Role Do Law Clerks Play in Real Estate Deals?

Title Tips

If you are thinking of buying, selling, mortgaging, or title transferring a home, it is important to choose the right real estate law firm to work with. A real estate lawyer is a big help when navigating this often-confusing process, but so are the law clerks working in the office. You may have heard the term “law clerk” before, but what exactly does a law clerk do in Ontario and what is the difference between a law clerk and a lawyer? You may be surprised to learn that they play a very important role in each and every real estate transaction. Keep reading to find out how. ... What Role Do Law Clerks Play in Real Estate Deals?

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Pros and Cons of Buying a House Before Selling

Title Tips

Even though the housing market has slowed during the global COVID-19 pandemic, the industry has adapted to the challenges and is taking advantage of online tools to accommodate people who are still interested in buying or selling. Buyers who already own a home will need to decide whether to buy a new house before selling the old one, or vice versa. Here’s what you need to know about how to buy a house while selling your own in Canada. ... Pros and Cons of Buying a House Before Selling

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When Is the Best Time to Sell Your Property in 2024?

Selling Property

Believe it or not, there is actually an ideal time of year to enter into the real estate market. Although things seem to be in a constant state of flux given the current housing market, there is an end in sight. Prospective home buyers and sellers will be able to breathe a sigh of relief hopefully in the coming months. If you’re wondering when the right time is to sell your home, then hang tight. In this article, you’ll find expert advice from an experienced real estate lawyer in Toronto. 

... When Is the Best Time to Sell Your Property in 2024?

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Correcting Public Record Errors in Toronto

Real Estate Lawyer

At first glance, a misspelled name or street address in a publicly registered document (e.g., a title transfer or purchase agreement) may seem like a simple mistake. No big deal, right? But even the simplest mistake in public records can lead to increased costs and closing delays. In the worst-case scenario, with fraud a very real concern, it could cause you to lose ownership of your property.

Under Canadian law, proof of ownership legally entitles the named person or entity to a piece of property. This is established by document registration in the province or territory land registry system. In Ontario, this is referred to as a Certificate of land title.

... Correcting Public Record Errors in Toronto

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Pre-Construction Home Buying in Toronto

Buying Property

Looking for a new home? Take advantage of the fierce housing market by making a pre-construction home purchase. A pre-construction home can save you money with the incredible incentives builders offer early investors.

But before you jump at the opportunity, it is important to understand what you are agreeing to. A pre-construction home purchase is similar to that of an existing home sale in terms of legalities within the sales contract. To protect your investment, however, make sure to hire a home-buying lawyer in Toronto first.

... Pre-Construction Home Buying in Toronto

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Real Estate Transactions Guide for Toronto

Buying Property, Selling Property

Financial transactions between two parties can be complex, especially in the real estate world. Since buying or selling a property involves legally binding contracts, it’s always best to have a professional who will advocate for your best interests. This is why it’s crucial to work with a real estate lawyer when engaging in any type of real estate transaction.

... Real Estate Transactions Guide for Toronto

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How Lower Pre-Construction Appraisals Lead to More VTB Mortgages

Mortgage Refinancing, Real Estate Lawyer

The recent resurgence of vendor take-back (VTB) mortgages has grabbed the attention of those in the pre-construction industry. With the right financing terms, both the buyer and the developer may benefit from this mortgage option.

VTB mortgages first became popular in the late 80s as an incentive for buyers to purchase a home during a time when lenders proposed high-interest rates and severe conditions. From the 90s until 2018, VTB mortgages were put on the sideline.

... How Lower Pre-Construction Appraisals Lead to More VTB Mortgages

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Real Estate Lawyer Responsibilities in Toronto

Real Estate Lawyer

When it comes to successful real estate transactions, having a real estate lawyer to help you navigate the complexities of transactions can save you money and time.

A real estate agreement is a legally binding document between the potential buyer and the seller of a home and/or property. This transaction requires a proper understanding of the intricacies of several different documents which will be formally signed by both parties. A real estate lawyer has the knowledge, expertise, and experience to provide information for their client's best interests.

... Real Estate Lawyer Responsibilities in Toronto

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Home in a Buyer’s Market

Real Estate Lawyer

If you’re looking to buy or sell your home in the upcoming months, you’ve probably heard the phrase “buyer’s market”. But what exactly is a buyer’s market and how can it impact your home purchase or sale?

A buyer’s market occurs when there are more houses on the market for sale than there are potential buyers. This surplus gives buyers several advantages when looking for their dream home, including financial savings.

... Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Home in a Buyer’s Market

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John Zinati on Builder Delays in Toronto

Buying Property, Real Estate Lawyer

If your closing date has been delayed by a building corporation, you’re likely feeling frustration and anxiety. While there are many viable reasons for builders to push back closing dates, there are also several “unacceptable” reasons.

Regardless of the cause of the delay, this situation can have major impacts on the local housing market and on a homebuyer’s financial future.

... John Zinati on Builder Delays in Toronto

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Real Estate Agreement: The Do’s and Don’ts of Negotiating Terms

Real Estate Lawyer

When completing a real estate Agreement of Purchase and Sale, there are key areas where having the knowledge of a real estate lawyer can help save you money and time. A misspelled word, incorrect pricing, and vague details can delay or halt a real estate transaction, costing the buyer a significant amount of money.

... Real Estate Agreement: The Do’s and Don’ts of Negotiating Terms

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Handling Hidden Home Buying Costs

Buying Property, Real Estate Lawyer

Real estate lawyers are legal experts in the home-buying process. They can be your guide to protecting one of life’s biggest investments while ensuring your legal responsibilities are safeguarded.

The cost of buying a home is much more than just the asking price on the real estate sign. There are various municipal, provincial, and federal fees and hidden costs that can stretch your house budget to the sky.

... Handling Hidden Home Buying Costs

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How to Sell Your Condo for Top Dollar

Selling Property

Are you ready to sell your condo and move on to the next chapter in your life? It's an exciting but daunting prospect, especially in today's competitive housing market. Luckily, with a few smart steps you can make sure that your condo sells quickly and for top dollar. In this article, we'll walk through how to do just that! From preparing for sale, setting the right price, listing your property strategically and more…here is everything you need to know about selling a condo.

... How to Sell Your Condo for Top Dollar

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New Anti-Flipping Rules for Residential Real Estate in Toronto

Real Estate Lawyer

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

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How Real Estate Lawyers Can Help You with Real Estate Litigation

Real Estate Lawyer

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

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