Real Estate
Notice to the Real Estate Bar re iPro Realty Ltd. transactions
What are lawyers to do when closing a transaction that involves iPro Realty Ltd? The regulator, Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), closed the brokerage, iPro Realty Ltd. (iPro), effective August 19, 2025. iPro had 17 offices and 2,400 agents. There was a regulator approved sale of iPro’s assets to a new brokerage, iCloud Realty… Read More »
Categories: Online Only, Real EstateA real estate cautionary tale – Tribulations of tax check boxes
The client was buying a multi-million-dollar property, located geographically outside of the lawyer’s usual jurisdiction. Fully doable with province-wide Teraview access and today’s technology. The law office prepared the transfer and land transfer affidavit. The box indicating the transaction was subject to other taxes was checked. However, the lawyer practices in a jurisdiction where there… Read More »
Categories: Online Only, Real EstateNavigating NOSIs and PPSA: A practical approach for real estate lawyers
An expired or deemed expired Notice of Security Interest (NOSI) does not affect title; however, the underlying contractual and financial obligations remain outstanding and must be addressed by payout or assumption. Read below for tips on avoiding unsatisfied clients and finding information about claims a secured party may have against goods and fixtures registered against… Read More »
Categories: 2025 Feb - Emotional Contagion, Articles, Real EstateSix ways to protect your client’s property title
Identifying title risks, advising clients, and diligently documenting steps can save clients and lawyers from costly claims. Despite best efforts, issues may arise, and title insurance offers some protection for both clients and lawyers. Understanding the nuances of title insurance policies, including their coverage, exclusions, and how they interact with legal due diligence, is vital…. Read More »
Categories: 2025 Feb - Emotional Contagion, Articles, Real Estate, Title insurance, TitlePLUSNavigating NOSIs and PPSA: A practical approach for lawyers
Real estate lawyers’ due diligence requirements have changed since the Ontario ban on filing a notice of security interest (NOSI) on financed or leased consumer goods/fixtures in Ontario. This article by LAWPRO’s Ray Leclair provides guidance on avoiding unsatisfied clients and understanding secured party claims against a seller’s goods and fixtures registered under the PPSA.
Categories: Online Only, Real EstateResidential Real Estate Tax Considerations Checklist
Download this Real Estate Tax Considerations Checklist to help navigate the complex landscape of tax-related issues you need to consider when representing buyers and sellers. While it is not an exhaustive list, this checklist covers some tax-related matters that you should consider turning your attention to
Categories: Checklist, Real EstateNotice of Security Interest (NOSI) ban effective June 6, 2024
The Ontario Government has passed Bill 200, the Homeowner Protection Act, 2024, in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, which received Royal Assent on June 6, 2024. The Personal Property Security Act was amended to specify that a notice of security interest (NOSI) may not be registered in a land registry office with respect to collateral… Read More »
Categories: Online Only, Real EstateTitlePLUS: If you have a claim reporting it quickly makes a real difference
The key reason for prompt reporting of a claim is to keep options open to look for ways to resolve the claim, and not have our position prejudiced by delay or actions taken by the policyholder before the claims examiner has had a chance to complete their investigation. This is especially important in claims that… Read More »
Categories: 2024 June - Time for Tomorrow, Articles, Real Estate, TitlePLUSVacant Home Tax: Is your client buying or selling?
Several regions in Ontario have introduced or are contemplating the introduction of a vacant home/unit tax (VHT). The failure to file a declaration of occupancy status (“VHT declaration”) has led to complications for both sellers and buyers. If homeowners fail to submit the VHT declaration by the stipulated deadline, the property is presumed vacant. This… Read More »
Categories: Online Only, Real EstateTitle insurance matters: ‘One of these things is not like the other’
You may recall the title as a lyric from a song in a popular kids show many years ago, reinforcing the benefits of being aware and noticing differences. This same lesson applies when comparing the legal protection coverages offered by other title insurers that compete with the Legal Service Coverage that’s included in TitlePLUS policies…. Read More »
Categories: 2024 March - The Confidence Client, Articles, Real Estate, Title insurance, TitlePLUS