Court rules real estate agent isn’t responsible for home inspection

by admin | Nov 24, 2012 | 2012 Toronto Star Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca An Ontario real estate agent has escaped responsibility for failing to review the results of a professional home inspection with his purchaser client, according to a decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal earlier this year. In a 2011 case,...

Condo boards cannot ignore democratic process

by admin | Nov 10, 2012 | 2012 Toronto Star Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca A recent decision of the Superior Court of Justice in London, Ont., carries a powerful message about the consequences that can result when a condominium board refuses to comply with the democratic process set out in the legislation. Middlesex...

When your house belongs to your neighbour

by admin | Oct 27, 2012 | 2012 Toronto Star Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Imagine waking up one morning to find out that the house you are living in and have listed for sale belongs to your next-door neighbours, and their house belongs to you. That’s what happened earlier this month after clients of mine asked me to...

Seasoned real estate lawyers best help for home contracts

by admin | Oct 13, 2012 | 2012 Toronto Star Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca A decision of the Ontario Divisional Court this summer underscores the importance of having an experienced real estate lawyer review a builder purchase agreement before it is signed. Patrick Ha and Rosanna Chiu purchased a new home in Markham...

Higher property assessment doesn’t necessarily mean higher taxes

by admin | Sep 29, 2012 | 2012 Toronto Star Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Ontario property owners may soon be in for a shock when they receive their new property assessment notice, but it doesn’t necessarily mean their taxes are going up. Sometime this fall, all Ontario property owners are scheduled to receive notice...

Beware of the ‘rogue builders’

by admin | Sep 15, 2012 | 2012 Toronto Star Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca A decision of the Ontario Court of Justice last week highlights the importance of buying a new home only from a registered builder, and the risks to the buyer if the home is not enrolled with the Tarion Warranty Corp. Back in September 2005,...