EasyFund could have difficulty getting off the ground

by admin | Jul 2, 2016 | 2016 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Web-based money transfer system’s goal is to streamline real-estate closings. But is it needed? Will home buyers willingly pay an extra $148 to help lawyers close their purchase transactions? The question arises in the wake of the launch by...

Builder bankruptcy reveals warranty shortcomings

by admin | Jun 18, 2016 | 2016 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Tarion warranties need to be improved, and a forthcoming report on improving consumer protections should address delayed occupancy compensation The recent insolvency of the Urbancorp builder group, and its impact on hundreds of would-be home...

Tips to reduce, postpone or avoid probate taxes

by admin | Jun 4, 2016 | 2016 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Some simple solutions to help keep the taxman’s fingers out of your pockets. The soaring values of GTA-area homes has made it an increasingly expensive proposition to die while owning real estate. Huge probate taxes, officially known as estate...

Get a survey even if your agent says no

by admin | May 21, 2016 | 2016 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Only a survey prepared by an Ontario land surveyor can confirm that the cottage is situated inside the appropriate land boundaries. With cottage-buying season now underway, it’s important to remember that a land survey is the single most...

No need for third-party hand in closing funds

by admin | May 7, 2016 | 2016 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Proposed scheme full of unanswered questions on money safeguards, timing of transfers and discharging prior mortgages. A new business to transfer funds in real estate purchases and sales is being proposed in Ontario. The plan is to take control...

Regulating Ontario’s home inspectors is taking too long

by admin | Apr 23, 2016 | 2016 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca In this province, anyone with a business card and a flashlight can be a home inspector. But after more than three years of study, the Liberals are still not ready to proceed with legislation. There’s good news and bad news for homebuyers who...