Homeowners should seek legal advice when estate planning

by admin | May 10, 2019 | 2019 Toronto Star Property Law Column, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Buried in last month’s provincial budget is a measure designed to reduce the cost of obtaining probate — “to provide tax relief for families when they need it most, as the death of a loved one is a difficult time.” Effective Jan. 1, 2020, the...

If you’re eyeing a cottage property, don’t just look for water, look for road access

by admin | Apr 26, 2019 | 2019 Toronto Star Property Law Column, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Next month marks the start of cottage season — a good time for a reminder that buying rural property is much different than buying in the city. Buyers and agents must consider, among other things, issues like land surveys, shore road allowances,...

Appeal court agrees: Condo developers need to disclose all features to buyers

by admin | Apr 12, 2019 | 2019 Toronto Star Property Law Column, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca The Ontario Court of Appeal has affirmed the obligations of condominium developers to provide buyers with complete and transparent disclosure of a proposed project’s features. This includes a budget statement which fairly and accurately reveals...

Dangers of using a Seller Property Information Statement. It can cost you big.

by admin | Mar 29, 2019 | 2019 Toronto Star Property Law Column, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca A court case decided in Bracebridge last month emphasizes the risks of using a Seller Property Information Statement. It also illuminates the risks of having the same agent act for both the buyer and seller. In July 2014, Aden and Shirley Bowman...

A co-housing agreement can make living arrangements easier for homeowners

by admin | Mar 15, 2019 | 2019 Toronto Star Property Law Column, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca With Toronto’s high housing prices, more attention is being focused on the concept of co-housing with buyers sharing occupancy and ownership costs of buying a home. Last month, Star real estate reporter Tess Kalinowski wrote about a new...

Expert witness’s knowledge of typography proves trust papers forged

by admin | Feb 15, 2019 | 2019 Toronto Star Property Law Column, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca When Canadians file for bankruptcy, most of their assets — including houses and cottages — become the property of the trustee in bankruptcy and are sold to pay creditors. One of the few exceptions to this rule occurs when the bankrupt person...