Privacy at home focus of much court debate

by admin | Oct 10, 2009 | 2009 Toronto Star Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Just how much privacy can a person expect in the comfort of his or her own home, free from any government intrusion? That was the question considered in August by a three-judge panel of the Alberta Court of Appeal. The case involved the home of...

Devil is in the details

by admin | Oct 3, 2009 | 2009 Toronto Star Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Terry is a 23-year-old public servant, having recently graduated with a bachelor of commerce degree. He is ready to buy his first home, and came to my office last month to review a 33-page offer prepared by the builder of the condominium tower...

Real estate agents are divided over disclosure form

by admin | Sep 26, 2009 | 2009 Toronto Star Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca One of the most controversial issues facing the real estate community is the use of the Seller Property Information Statement (SPIS), which is often provided by sellers to buyers to disclose various issues about a house being offered for sale....

New right-of-entry bylaw is overkill

by admin | Sep 19, 2009 | 2009 Toronto Star Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Power of entry is subject to a number of conditions and permit fees are costly A Star reader recently emailed me to say he was thinking of purchasing a property which is under construction but the seller told him that the neighbour is refusing access to his driveway...

Disclosure document is an invitation to litigation

by admin | Sep 12, 2009 | 2009 Toronto Star Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

The vast majority of residential real estate transactions close as scheduled, without problems or disputes. The chances of any given real estate deal resulting in litigation involving the buyers, sellers and real estate agents increase dramatically when the agents...