Categories for Transaction Risk & Due Diligence

Marijuana Grow Houses: What are the Signs?

Most home buyers tend to focus on what they can see: bright, open spaces, attractive finishes and a nicely landscaped yard. But a home’s striking appearance could be concealing the damage of a former marijuana grow op. The signs can be tough to spot. With so much at stake, take ...

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Why Documentation Matters in Real Estate Transactions

Real estate transactions involve significant: financial commitments, legal obligations, negotiations, timelines, and risk exposure. However, many buyers and sellers underestimate the importance of proper documentation throughout the transaction process. In Ontario real estate, documentation is not simply administrative paperwork — it plays a critical role in: transparency, informed consent, compliance, ...

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When it Comes to Offers, it’s Not Always about Price

When considering which of two or more competing offers to accept for your property, there is no doubt price will play a huge role. After all, if Offer #1 is $10,000 higher than Offer #2, that’s an enticing difference that puts thousands of extra dollars in your pocket. However, price ...

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Does Your Home Insurance Cover Everything?

When you suffer damage to your property or its contents, you expect your insurance company to help you out. And, most do a good job of doing just that. Still, it’s a good idea to review your policy with your insurance advisor and find out what’s covered and what isn’t. ...

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What Commercial Tenants Should Review Before Signing a Lease

Signing a commercial lease is one of the most important financial and operational commitments many businesses make. However, commercial tenants sometimes focus heavily on: monthly rent, location, or square footage while overlooking important legal, operational, and financial provisions hidden within the lease structure. Unlike many residential leases, commercial leases in ...

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Escape Clauses : Taking New Offers After Selling Conditionally

Can a home seller consider other bids after accepting a conditional offer? The short answer is yes, but you have to be cautious. A seller can consider additional offers even after signing a conditional offer. This is because the sale is not final and binding on both parties until all ...

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What Do I Need to Know About Putting in an Offer on an Estate Sale?

While buying a home through an estate sale can be like purchasing any other resale property in many ways, there are a few key differences that are important to know. When you come across a property listed for sale, the homeowner is usually the seller. However, if the homeowner has ...

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Sole Discretion Clauses are NOT “get out of jail free cards”

  We are hearing that during this period of interest rate hikes more than one buyer has put an offer in on a property, conditional on financing and/or inspection, and when it came time to waive it they failed to do so. This is even though there was no legitimate ...

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Why Clear Communication Reduces Real Estate Disputes in Ontario

Real estate transactions often involve: large financial commitments, legal obligations, emotional decision-making, negotiations, deadlines, and rapidly changing circumstances. In this environment, misunderstandings can easily occur if communication is: unclear, incomplete, inconsistent, or poorly documented. Many real estate disputes are not caused solely by intentional misconduct. In many cases, disputes arise ...

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The Rights Of Sellers And Buyers Of Commercial Buildings In Ontario

For most individuals, investing in commercial properties in Ontario can be lucrative. After all, the province boasts a thriving economy, diverse industries, and a vibrant community. This makes investing there a great opportunity for those who wish to diversify their investment portfolio and grow their business operations. That being said, ...

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