Electronic signature decision will look to Judge Sydney Robins

by admin | Jan 25, 2014 | 2014 Toronto Star Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Court of Appeal Judge Sydney Robins wrote landmark fax decision Judge Sydney Robins’ many decisions included one in the real estate field which epitomizes his brilliant grasp of the law and its evolution in our modern society. Robins, a judge of...

Court finds agent must be paid for doing job

by admin | Jan 11, 2014 | 2014 Toronto Star Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Real estate commission due when seller is made a full listing price offer A seller must pay commission to the real estate agent if a full-price offer is presented, whether or not the offer is accepted, according to a ruling of the Ontario...

Land survey trumps all documents in a house purchase

by admin | Dec 21, 2013 | 2013 Toronto Star Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Title insurance will help cover costs if alterations needed Encroachment issues are easier to work out before a property sale, and a land survey is needed for that True or false? A land survey is unnecessary if the house purchaser buys title...

HST rebate rules don’t include all your relatives

by admin | Dec 7, 2013 | 2013 Toronto Star Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Third parties named on title could disqualify your tax break Many buyers of new homes and condominiums may be surprised to receive a demand from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to repay as much as $24,000 in HST new-home rebates that they received...

Tarion: Buyers may not be able to sue for claims exceeding warranty limits

by admin | Nov 23, 2013 | 2013 Toronto Star Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Buyers should check their purchase agreements to see whether the liability limitation clause is included A recent court decision raises the thorny issue of whether it should be legal for builders to restrict the ability of new home and condo...

Condo Act review promises major change in Ontario

by admin | Nov 9, 2013 | 2013 Toronto Star Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Establishing a quasi-judicial Condo Office should be done with care A sea change is coming for the management and operation of the province’s 600,000 condominium units if recommendations in Stage 2 of the Condominium Act review, released last...