McMurter & Associates

Buying a House with Your Common-Law Partner in Ontario: Legal Risks

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Buying a home with a common-law partner in Ontario isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a legal one. Unlike married couples, common-law partners don’t have automatic rights to property division, and ownership is typically determine

Living Together in Ontario: What Co-Habitating Couples Need to Know About Real Estate

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Living together in Ontario doesn’t guarantee the same legal protections as marriage — especially when it comes to real estate. If only one partner is on title and there’s no will in place, the surviving partner may have no automatic righ

Administration Tax and Capital Gains in Ontario: How Transferring Wealth Before Death Can Reduce Probate Fees

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 01:00:00 +0000

Estate Administration Tax and Capital Gains in Ontario

A Globe and Mail article from October 2025 illustrates how proactive estate planning can reduce probate fees and tax exposure. By transferring assets during their mother’s lifetime, t

What to Do When a Loved One Passes Away?

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Unsure what to do when a loved one passes away in Ontario? This practical guide outlines key estate administration steps, including probate, legal duties, and next actions for families.

How Wills and Estate Planning Impact Your Homeownership

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 17:00:00 +0000

A well-prepared will can ensure that your home transfers to your intended heirs, while the absence of a legal will can leave important decisions up to provincial intestacy laws, which may not align with your wishes.

What should you know about Property Liens and Encumbrances in Ontario?

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 22:00:00 +0000

A lien represents a financial claim against a property, and an encumbrance represents a legal limitation. In both cases, they can each cause complications in a real estate transaction – whether you are buying or selling.

Virtual Closings or In-Person Meetings? Why a Local Lawyer in Durham Region Makes the Difference

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 17:00:00 +0000

Picture this: It’s closing day. You’re excited, nervous, and eager to get your keys. With today’s technology, you can work with a lawyer entirely online, but does that stack up against the benefits of having a local Whitby real estate la

Digital Assets and Estate Planning: Don't Forget Your Online Life

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 18:00:00 +0000

When people think and talk about their estate or estate planning, they often first consider family heirlooms and items of sentimental value, bank accounts and tangible property. In 2025, however, your assets and belongings don’t just include your ph

During your lifetime, you should not transfer ownership of real estate to your child(ren). Here’s why.

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000

When it comes to real estate, there’s no way to sidestep the rules. If you’re considering gifting property to your child during your lifetime, it’s important to know that land transfer tax and
capital gains tax are unavoidable part

What you need to know when financially helping your child(ren) buy a home

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 20:00:00 +0000

In 2025, skyrocketing home prices and strict mortgage qualification rules have made it increasingly difficult for young adults to buy their first home on their own. This growing trend reflects both the financial realities facing younger generations and the evolving role of the so-called “Bank of Mom and Dad” in helping them achieve homeownership.How can parents to help their child(ren) buy a home?According to CTVnews.ca, “Approximately 40 per cent of the parents of younger homeowners in...

Closing Costs Breakdown for Ontario Real Estate Transactions

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Buying your first home is a major milestone — and while saving for your down payment is likely top of mind, it’s important to plan for additional expenses known as closing costs. These costs can add up quickly and often catch first-time buyers off guard, but being prepared can help you avoid surprises on closing day.In this post, we’ll walk you through the typical closing costs involved in an Ontario real estate transaction, including legal fees, title insurance, and out-of-po...

The Role of a Real Estate Lawyer in Refinancing Your Home

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Interest rates, debt consolidation, and accessing home equity are common reasons homeowners choose to refinance their mortgages. A real estate lawyer plays

What happens when… the importance of understanding zoning laws in Ontario

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 03:04:00 +0000

As a real estate investor or agent, you know how complex zoning laws can be and how they impact what your clients can and cannot do with a property.

The Biggest Estate Planning Mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Estate planning is one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones.

If you’ve already taken the time to create an estate plan, congratulations on prioritizing yourself and your family.

Here are some of the most

McMurter & Associates is thrilled to announce the addition of Nick Whelan as the newest Partner of our firm

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 15:00:00 +0000

McMurter & Associates is thrilled to announce the addition of Nick Whelan as the newest Partner of our firm.

Notary Services Can Simplify Your Life

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 15:00:00 +0000

In Ontario, notary services can streamline many of your legal and official document needs. Under Ontario law, only notary publics are authorized to perform affirmations, witness signatures, and certify that a document is a true copy.

A notary p

What happens when… property title changes and the implications

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 02:51:00 +0000

There are a few common reasons why you want to have someone removed from the title of your property; a divorce, a change of personal financial circumstances, or a death.

Pitfalls to Avoid in Joint Property Ownership

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Real estate with an investment partner is a popular choice among real estate investors, but this strategy comes with its own set of challenges. While there are many advantages to sharing ownership of properties with a partner, clear communication in agree

Ontario Land Transfer Tax: How Much Do You Have To Pay?

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Land transfer tax is a fee you pay to the provincial government when you acquire real estate. It’s calculated as a percentage of the property’s purchase price and is due upon closing. Your real estate lawyer will handle the land transfer tax p

Death binders. A morbid thought, but very beneficial

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Everyone should have a death binder. Collecting and keeping all of the family’s most important pieces of legal and financial information together and in a secure location can be a tremendous resource in the event of an unexpected or eventual death.

What’s trending: Power of Sale properties are popping up.

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Every sector in the Canadian economy has been impacted by the rise in interest rates, but few quite as drastically as the real estate market.The dramatic rise in the prime interest rate is having a devastating impact on household budgets, and as a result we are seeing more and more power of sales in the real estate market in the Durham Region, something that has been relatively uncommon up until now.
What is a Power of Sale?A power of sale is a forced sale by the lender who has been gr
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Estate Administration Tax… not fun, but necessary. Here’s how to handle it.

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +0000

According to The Globe and Mail, “61 percent [of Canadians] don’t feel knowledgeable about things such as probate – the legal process of validating a will in court and distributing assets…”We are firm believers that knowledge is power. The more you understand, the more prepared you will be for the future and the simpler the process will be for your loved ones after you are gone.Here’s what you need to know about Estate Administration Tax.
What is Estate Admin
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What happens when… Are foreclosure properties in Ontario a thing?

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 01:41:00 +0000

You may have clients who are looking for a ‘deal’ when it comes to real estate, but these deals are few and far between. Dare we say there is no such thing as a deal in real estate? Foreclosure properties are rare in Ontario.

Foregoing a home inspection? Proceed with caution.

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 15:00:00 +0000

As a buyer, it can be tempting to forego all conditions. Financing, home sale, and home inspection conditions are the most common conditions. If you are considering excluding conditions, we urge you to reconsider.It is no secret that our team at McMurter & Associates are strong believers in conditions when you are purchasing a property. A 100% firm offer means the purchase is final, and the buyer can’t back out of the deal.We don’t like to operate with finality, especially if the...

What is a chattel and what is a fixture in a home sale?

Mon, 27 May 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Picture this: A client selling their home has removed workbenches from their garage to get ready for their big move. When the buyers did their final walk-through one month before their closing date, they noticed that the workbenches they originally saw when they purchased the house had been removed.Who is right? The sellers who removed the benches or the buyers who thought the benches were a part of the house they have not yet taken possession of?Let’s get to the definitions of a chattel an...

Tips for selling a property that is a part of an estate

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 19:00:00 +0000

When settling the estate of an individual there are often hurdles and hiccups that must be navigated. If you are an Executor of an estate that has property to sell, we expect that you may have some serious questions. Read more about what to expect when you are appointed as an Executor in Ontario here.In this most recent in our series of posts about executors and estates, we hope to clear up some of the common questions and concerns when it comes to selling a property that is part o...

What happens when… red flags to watch for in your client’s title search – PART 2

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Not all title searches are created equal.

Did you know that a real estate lawyer’s title search just before closing can sometimes find red flags that could have been rectified with a title search prior to listing?

Pets are considered property and nothing more in the eyes of the law. Plan accordingly.

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 19:00:00 +0000

In Ontario, pets are considered property so the same rules of guardianship of your children do not apply. In fact, when it comes to your estate your beloved cat is considered as no more valuable than your couch, or your sweet dog is only as important as your dining room table.A recent article in the news has highlighted how the courts see pets. From cbc.ca, “A legal tussle over a dog has cost both sides thousands in legal fees — and plenty of heartache&n...

Red flags that can arise in your title search

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 20:00:00 +0000

In a real estate lawyer’s perfect world, sellers would have a title search done for their property before the listing goes live. But life isn’t perfect, and this isn’t usually the case. A title search is usually conducted just before the close of the property.Simply put, “title” refers to the legal ownership of a property.When you are selling, the deal will not close without a current title search on your property. A title search ensures there are no hindrances for a new owner takin...

Estate Planning for New Parents

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 20:00:00 +0000

Is 2024 the year your family is expanding?If you are expecting a baby or plan to start your family, first we want to give you a big congratulations! We know you have a to-do list a mile long when it comes to preparing for your new family member, but we are here to add another very important thing to your list.Planning for your new family should include making changes to your will or creating a will if you have not already done so.Many new parents often overlook the process of planning for the...

What happens when… red flags to watch for in your client’s title search

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 19:00:00 +0000

This content was originally posted in our real estate agents Newsletter. If you are interested in receiving relevant information for real estate agents as soon as it drops, you can sign up here.
As a real estate agent, you have a ton of insight and knowledge into the properties your clients are listing or are interested in buying. One of your tools is a title search which can show you red flags before you list a property, or (ideally!) before your client puts in an offer on
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What Assets Should Be Included in Your Will?

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 19:00:00 +0000

One of the biggest challenges of estate planning is ensuring that your assets end up in the hands of the people you choose. In your will, you will appoint an Executor who is responsible for your estate after you pass away, which includes distributing your assets. (We have more about what you can expect in your role as an Executor here.)Every will is going to be unique based on your assets and your beneficiaries, but when you work with an estate planning lawyer the process doesn’t have ...

Buying a New Build Home in the Durham Region – Your Real Estate Lawyer Can Help!

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 20:00:00 +0000

At McMurter & Associates, we are seeing more distressed buyers than in recent years with increased interest rates and the stress test that buyers must go through with their lender. This also applies to buyers purchasing a home or condo that is not yet built or in the planning phase of development.
Can a real estate lawyer help with the purchase of a new build?Although it is not a legal requirement, many people consult with a real estate lawyer to review the lengthy and complex cont
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What to expect when you are appointed as an Executor in Ontario

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 19:00:00 +0000

There is no simple answer when it comes to wills, the process of probate and estate administration. Each situation is unique and varies on numerous factors. In a time of grief after the loss of a loved one, the process of being an Executor is tricky to say the least. In the simplest terms, an Executor carries out the wishes of the deceased as outlined in their will.What are the responsibilities of an Executor?Take care of all the affairs of the deceased as outlined in their will.Pay all taxes...

What does a real estate lawyer actually do during a real estate transaction?

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 19:00:00 +0000

Real estate lawyers are the ones who work behind the scenes to make sure your real estate transaction goes as smoothly as possible.A real estate lawyer protects their client’s rights as laid out in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. Your lawyer will ensure that all parties in the transaction have fulfilled their duties as outlined in the contract. They ensure the property taxes are up to date, ensure there aren’t any liens on the property, handle the funds to the appropriate parties, and...

What happens when… the buyer doesn’t produce their deposit

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 19:00:00 +0000

This content was originally posted in our real estate agents Newsletter. If you are interested in receiving relevant information for real estate agents as soon as it drops, you can sign up here.
Your clients have sold their house. Hooray.The Agreement of Purchase and Sale has been signed and the deal is firm. Congratulations to you, the agent, and your buyer. It feels like time to celebrate, but then…The date scheduled for the buyer to pay their deposit passes without the funds
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Protecting your loved ones living with a disability through estate planning

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 19:00:00 +0000

When estate planning, you might be wondering how you can leave assets to someone who does not have the capacity to care for themselves due to living with a disability. We understand that there is a constant worry about trying to protect them even after you are gone.
What is a Henson Trust?A Henson trust is an estate planning tool often used to support people living with a disability to provide them with ongoing financial support. Because the trust is under the absolute discretion of th
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Why does appointing a Power of Attorney matter?

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 02:00:00 +0000

Most of us are familiar with the term “Power of Attorney” when it comes to managing the affairs of our loved ones. We often hear of a Power of Attorney who is responsible for making healthcare decisions after a loved one becomes ill. In a best-case scenario, the appointer will make it clear whom they wish to be their Power of Attorney prior to them becoming ill.According to Ontario.ca, “Making a power of attorney or other arrangements as part of your life planning allows you to cho...

I want to purchase a home that has existing tenants. What are my next steps as the purchaser?

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 02:00:00 +0000

If you intend to reside in the house yourself, you must negotiate a clause in the contract calling for “Vacant Possession”. This now puts the onus on the seller to ensure the house is empty at the date of closing.According to Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario, 30% of Ontario’s population rent. Renting has become increasingly popular due to the increasing cost of home ownership.In the news recently, tenants refusing to leave because their landlord is selling the property is ...

My financing fell through two weeks until closing. What are my options?

Thu, 11 May 2023 02:00:00 +0000

You’re buying a home and the excitement, mixed with some nerves, starts to creep in a few weeks before closing. Even if this isn’t your first home, there are always issues that may arise in your real estate deal. The best course of action is to be aware of potential problems and have a plan if they come to light.It is a worst-case scenario if your real estate deal does not close on the agreed-upon date. The buyer failing to secure financing is one reason that a real estate deal could go s...

Can total title fraud really happen to me?

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 02:00:00 +0000

Recent cases of title fraud in B.C. and Ontario has made this a top-of-mind issue for property owners across the country. Awareness is your best defence against these criminals and there are a few things we want you to know so that you can make yourself, and your property, less of a target.How are fraudsters fooling the system?These criminals are very well prepared, they are experts in the real estate world, and they can seem like the perfect client to a mortgage lender.Daniela DeTommaso, the...

What happens to your digital assets after your pass away?

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 03:00:00 +0000

What happens to your Facebook profile after you become incapacitated or pass away? What about your email account? The rest of your digital assets?After you pass away or are unable to access these digital accounts, it is going to be difficult for anyone else to access them.According to Ottawa Business Journal, “There is an overwhelming gap in the law, which has not kept up with technology, regarding one’s ability to access information about another person’s digital assets.”In Onta...

The sellers left the house a mess! What can I do?

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 03:00:00 +0000

“The seller didn’t sweep the hallway like they said they would!”
“The seller left a bunch of garbage!”
“There are so many holes in the walls!”You do your final walkthrough of the home 2 weeks before closing. You realize that the home is in disarray, but the seller still has 2 weeks to clean the home and you hope that they commit to keeping their end of the contract. Upon closing, you realize that the home has clear issues that were not there when you first purchased the home.A

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The changing real estate market in Durham Region

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 02:00:00 +0000

Over the past few months, there has been a significant correction in housing prices in Durham Region. Prices have been changing from month-to-month, and even from week-to-week.As a buyer, what does this mean to you?If you are a buyer in this market, it’s possible that there will be a discrepancy between the agreed-upon purchase price and the value of the property on closing. In today’s market, this may be a focal point for your mortgage lender.If you intend to put down more than 20% towar...

When Good Deals Go Bad

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 14:00:00 +0000

You are selling your home and the deal is set to close in 2 weeks. You get a dreaded call from your lawyer that the buyer will no longer buy your house. You have moving trucks arranged, and you’ve already entered into an Agreement of Purchase and Sale of your new house. What is going to happen next?You are buying a new house and the deal is set to close in 3 days. You get a call from your lawyer who explains that the sellers have had major damage to the basement of your soon-to-be house. Wh...

Conditional or firm offer?

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Real estate deal conditions are a good thing.We are strong believers in real estate deal conditions. Now that we are in a more balanced market, and houses are not selling in multiple offer scenarios, as a real estate buyer you have more power to make a thoughtful deal with conditions.In a competitive market brought on by the pandemic and low inventory of houses for sale, it was common for us to see real estate deals without any conditions and firm offers. A 100% firm offer means that the...

Do I really need title insurance?

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Title insurance is not the most exciting thing to spend your money on, but it is an integral part of buying a house and most real estate lawyers (and virtually all mortgage companies) want it as part of every deal. Although title insurance is optional in Ontario, your lender will require it for you to receive your mortgage.You obtain title to property when the owner signs the deed (transfer document) over to you. Title is then registered in the government’s land registration system. Wh...

Pet Guardianship

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Your pets are a big part of your family. So, what happens to them after you are gone? If you are suddenly incapacitated or pass away, do you have a plan for your beloved pet?Like a guardian for your children, a pet guardian is someone who will take care of your pet after you are gone.Many people have informal arrangements for their pets if they suddenly pass away, but this is something that can also be outlined in your will. Pets come with big responsibility, so it is best to establish a plan...

Wills and Blended Families

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Wills and blended families can be a complicated topic. If you have any questions about this, please connect with us and we will be happy to help!For the purpose of this blog post, a blended family is defined as a family that has two partners, where either one or both partners have children with a different partner.Statistics Canada defines a stepfamily as one in which at least one child was the biological offspring or adopted child of only one of the spouses prior to the relati...

Should I add my child to the title of my home?

Tue, 17 May 2022 13:00:00 +0000

We always answer this with “no”. We understand why you might think this is a good idea, though. Joint tenancies with your child can be a simplistic way to transfer ownership of your property directly to your child after you die without having to go through probate.Can you avoid estate administration tax (EAT) by adding my child to the title of my home?The simple answer is “yes” but there are situations where avoiding EAT will cost you more in the long run.When your child is ...

Do I need a Secondary Will if I have my regular Will?

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 13:00:00 +0000

In Ontario, probate fees are among the highest in the country. There are some ways that you can help your loved ones avoid paying some estate administration tax (EAT) after you are gone.A Secondary Will can help reduce the amount of tax that your loved ones will have to pay in EAT. A Secondary Will is not applicable to everyone, though. Your Secondary Will only covers assets that are not required to go through probate.First, let’s break down what your regular Will, or Primary Will in this c...

How will your guardian financially care for your child?

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000

On the blog, we’ve spoken about the kinds of things you should consider when choosing a guardian for your minor child. You can read about that here.When thinking about guardianship for your minor child, finances can be a concern for your guardian. Here are some questions that you need to put some thought towards when thinking about the future for a potential guardian and your child:How will your chosen guardian financially provide for your child?Do you have life insurance?What assets a...

The Hardest Conversation to Have

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Estate planning is a topic that a lot of people avoid.Allison McMurter-Hughes sat down with Gary Hibbert and talked about the first steps to estate planning and what you need to do today to prepare for the future.This is a hard conversation to have, but a necessary one.Have a listen and let us know if you have any questions:
iTunes https://apple.co/2UvRI3s
Spotify https://spoti.fi/3715QZp

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Guardian FAQ sheet

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 01:00:00 +0000

What does it mean to be a guardian?As a guardian, you are legally responsible for the minor child(ren). A guardian will put the needs of the child first.What factors should families be considering when choosing a guardian?Religion – does the guardian’s morals and values align with you?Education – what type of education do you hope your child will have?Health – what are your wishes for your child’s healthcare? What sort of lifestyle do you want for your child?Financial fitness of you...

Perks of Having a Will for Your Real Estate Investment

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Investing in real estate could be one of the best investments anyone could make in their lifetime. With assured returns and tax advantages, real estate investments are lucrative in all ways to the investors. Just like any investment, real estate investment has its risks. One of the main risks involved in it is asset management. Have you ever thought about what happens to your real estate investments if you don’t have a Will? And do we need a Will for investing in real estate?“Absolutely y...

How Do You Legally Choose A Guardian For Your Child?

Sat, 05 Feb 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Have you put off creating your Will because you can’t choose a guardian for your child? If you answered “yes”, you are not alone! This is a BIG decision and one with many factors to consider. In a worst-case-scenario, that no one likes to think about, this could be the biggest decision of your life.If you die without naming a guardian for your minor child, three things can happen:In most cases, a friend or family member, will come forward and ask the court to be named the guardian of yo...

COVID-19 update

Sat, 09 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Our office is open to the public. We are taking every precaution necessary as outlined by health officials to keep you and our staff safe.Here is what you can expect when you arrive for your appointment:You will be required to wear your face mask at all times while in the office.Staff will be wearing a mask and the office set-up will be arranged to preserve social distancing.Our office and high-touch points will be sanitized frequently.Our priority remains the safety of you and our team. Thin...

What Happens to my Real Estate Investments if I don’t Have a Will?

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The answer to this question lies in the answer to another question. How did you take title to the property at the time of the purchase?If you took it in your own name, then it is simply an asset to be dealt with in the administration of the Estate. In the absence of a Will, the Province of Ontario has passed legislation that says what will happen to the assets of a deceased. If he/she was married, the spouse gets the first $350,000.00 of the estate and 1/3 of the balance. Any ...

Why Do I Need a Will for my Real Estate Investments?

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 01:00:00 +0000

According to a 2018 Angus Reid Institute survey, just over half of Canadians (51%) do not have a Will. In other words, half of Canadians will not have a say in who handles their estate or what happens to their property when they die.There are some reasons that Canadians cite for not having a Will. These include:Too young to worry about itNot enough assets to create a WillCostDying is not something they want to think aboutTime restraintsA Will can determine:Who will be responsible for adm...

Do I really NEED a Real Estate Lawyer?

Fri, 09 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Diane and Rick are first-time homebuyers, and are excited to finally be buying a home of their own. Their real estate agent referred them to a local real estate lawyer, but the couple wonders if they really need a lawyer to help with what feels like a simple transaction. Diane and Rick would really much rather spend money on new furniture, or upgrades to the house, rather than on legal bills. But do they have have a choice?Lawyers are the LawAfter doing a bit of research, Diane and Rick quick...

Why Do I Need Homeowners Insurance?

Thu, 06 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0000

I have car insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, critical illness insurance and health insurance. You mean I need more? Homeowners insurance covers fire, theft, liability along with other potential losses.Diane and Rick have purchased their first home and have been informed by their real estate lawyer that their next step is to connect with an insurance broker to get home insurance coverage.When Diane and Rick were told they needed home insurance, on top of all of the other costs a...

Things a Buyer Should Know about Home Inspections

Thu, 09 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0000

You’ve found your dream home and you’re ready to put in an offer, but there are multiple offers and you have been advised that your clean offer will seem more attractive to the seller; clean meaning no conditions. A common condition buyers include in an offer is a home inspection, and rightfully so. In today’s hot real estate market there is pressure to skip the home inspection.Steven Spencer of All Systems Home Inspections suggests that as a purchaser,&nbs...

Title Insurance – I Thought That’s What the Real Estate Lawyer Did?

Fri, 22 May 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Diane and Rick’s lawyer sent them a letter advising them that he was going to buy a Title Insurance policy to cover their new house. Diane decided to do her own research to find out if this was necessary or just another expense. This is what she found.Diane learned that title is really just legal ownership, and one of her lawyer’s main jobs was to make sure she and Rick got good title to their new house. One way lawyers in Ontario do this is through Title Insurance.Before Title Insurance,...

“I Hate This Apartment” – Buying a Home in the Durham Region

Fri, 01 May 2015 23:00:00 +0000

Diane and Rick have been living in their first apartmet, located in the Durham Region, for the last three years. In the midst of the concrete, the underground parking, and the long waits for the elevator, there are memories. But the noise from the neighbouring apartments and the smells in the hallways from all the dinners cooking has made them think about moving and buying their first home in the Durham Region.Diane and Rick are even discussing starting a family. Their first home needs a back...

What is a Mortgage Broker and why do I need one in the Durham Region?

Wed, 01 Apr 2015 23:00:00 +0000

A Mortgage Broker is like a matchmaker but instead of finding a partner for you, they find you a mortgage. They have both the training and the experience to search the mortgage market for the best mortgage to suit your specific needs.A lot of people don’t know that there are a myriad of lenders out there besides the big 5 banks. These lenders, who may be insurance companies; pension funds; large institutional investment companies and so on, don’t have offices that are open to the public. ...

I’ve got a computer, why do I need a Durham Region Real Estate Agent?

Tue, 24 Mar 2015 23:00:00 +0000

Being the tech savvy person that you are, why would you hire someone to search the internet for a house for you? There are numerous reasons why having a real estate agent is one of the smartest things to do when buying a home.1. Although it’s true that a Durham Region real estate agent will search for homes online, an agent does it much more efficiently than you have the resources to do. They often have access to listings BEFORE they are made available on popular sites like MLS. They a...