Toronto Star Columns

The following articles were first published in the Moneyville which is powered by Toronto Star and are reprinted here with their full permission.

Things to watch for when flipping a condo
May 11, 2012
Buyers of new GTA condos looking to flip their units before a building’s final closing face an unusual legal situation.

• Court rejects email sale of $155,000 condo
  May 04, 2012
  New Brunswick judges have overturned a ruling that allowed a man to buy a condo in Moncton, site unseen, by email.

• Why CRA wants $30,000 HST rebates back
  April 27, 2012
  Some investors who bought new homes or condos in past few years planning to flip them in a hot Toronto market are facing HST bills up to $30,000.

• Court denies realtor $11,000 commission
  April 20, 2012
  A recent trial makes it clear: You should understand what buyer agency means before you start working with an agent or visiting agents at open houses.

• Family heartache as estate battle ends up in court
  April 13, 2012
  As a recent court case shows, when it comes to estate planning, it's vital to put it all in writing to avoid costly disputes later.

• $99 report reveals home's full history
  April 06, 2012
  An Ottawa firm is offering homebuyers a detailed look at such things as fires, floods and break-ins at a property they might want to buy.

• How to win a real estate bidding war
  April 03, 2012
  GTA bidding wars are back as the spring market gets under way. Here's how to come out ahead if you get caught up in one

• Real estate bidding wars:Ways to improve your chances
  March 30, 2012
  GTA bidding wars are back as the spring market gets under way. Here's how to come out ahead if you get caught up in one...

• Why it’s still a good time to buy a home
  March 23, 2012
  Toronto homes may be expensive but that doesn't mean we're heading for a housing bust. Here's why.

• Buyer beware: Cracks in walls may be sign of repairs ahead
  March 16, 2012
  When buying a new home investigate if you see cracks, or call in a specialist to inspect before you make an offer.

• Mortgage fees: Understand the fine print
  March 9, 2012
  Many of the fees associated with a mortgage are poorly explained to homebuyers.

• B.C. realtor fined $258,000 for selling home twice
  March 3, 2012
  The case of a Surrey, B.C. real estate agent offers lessons for sellers who think they can get out of a deal, should a better offer arise.

• Who pays if a tree falls in your yard?
  February 24, 2012
  Tree ownership is among the most popular property questions from readers. Who is responsible for roots, branches, dead trees and damage?

• Never buy a house without a home inspection
  February 17, 2012
  In Ontario's hot housing market buyers are being advised by agents to make ‘clean' offers without any conditions. Here's why you shouldn't.

• The hidden value in heritage properties
  February 10, 2012
  Many people think that a heritage designation lowers a property's value because it limits what an owner can do with it. Here's why it's not true.

• Seller changes mind, agent still gets $9,446
  February 3, 2012
  When you put your house up for sale, expecting a real estate agent to spend time marketing your property, you have to take his effort seriously.

• Why it's a good time to buy a home
  January 27, 2012
  Rates at historic lows along with other positive signs may mean it's time to take the plunge or refinance.

• How Ontario residential and business leases differ
  January 20, 2012
  Residential leases are governed by Ontario laws that are different to a business lease, in which almost anything goes.

• Know your rights when you share a property
  January 7, 2012
  If you buy a home with your spouse or another person this year, you will have to decide how to take title together.

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