Real Estate Q&A

“Caveat Emptor” – AKA: Buyer Beware – in Fine Print

real estate agreement with an "as is" caveat emptor being slid across a table.

What Does “Caveat Emptor” Mean in a Real Estate Agreement? A common question I receive from purchasers is regarding who is responsible for the repair costs if something is not working on the date of closing. For example, an appliance, the heating/air conditioning system, the electrical system, or the roof. Buyers ultimately want to know…


Know who you are dealing with – the perils of dealing with contractors

keys being handed to a contractor without using a real estate lawyer.

Before hiring a real estate lawyer or a building contractor, you must satisfy yourself as to his credentials and track record. This is an easy enough task when it comes to hiring a lawyer. One can contact The Law Society or their friends. Since lawyers are regulated, the Law Society has a discipline department which…


What a Real Estate Lawyer should do when their clients start disputing?

two real estate clients of a toronto lawyer that had a dispute and needed a joint retainer agreement.

As a real estate lawyer, mitigating disputes amongs clients comes with the job. Recently I was confronted with the following situation: I was retained by a parent and his child to purchase a new condominium unit from a builder. The day before the interim occupancy closing the parent and child had a falling out and…


How to Choose a Good Real Estate Lawyer in Toronto

Navigating the bustling Toronto real estate market can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to legal matters. A real estate lawyer is not just an optional part of your transaction team; they’re essential for ensuring a smooth, legally sound buying or selling process. But how do you choose the right one among so…