buying and selling your home

---

Buying your first home can be a daunting experience, we get it! The key to a good closing is communication - we communicate the steps involved all along what we call the "arc" of the purchase - from the day you sign the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, through the title searching, inspections, putting your financing in place, identifying your closing costs and the extras you may be responsible before on or before closing and setting out the important dates and deadlines that need to be met all along the way, all at a flat rate fee that is discussed right from the start. A first-time home purchase is a special event in your life, and we do our utmost to make you feel like an  informed partner in the purchase process. 

Depending on how long you have owned your current home, you may find the world of real estate has changed since you last dipped your toe in the market. Some call it a meaner, leaner world and the real estate market is no exception. From the moment you choose to work with us, we team with you to insure you understand the sale process, your role in it and all the steps we take for you along the way. We strive to provide clear and efficient communication, with you, your agent if you wish us to work with him or her, and of course, the purchasers' counsel on the other side. We want you to know what is going to happen, when, how, and how much it will cost. Our fees are clearly communicated with you from the start, as a flat rate. We enjoy helping you so much, many of our clients become repeat customers! 

Mortgage renewals, re-financing, second mortgages. We offer experienced assistance to help you work with your mortgage broker, institutional or private lender. If you have questions about re-financing your home, please don't hesitate to call us to discuss. 

When a loved one dies, it can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming to those left behind to sort out what needs to be done. Real estate that passes after death can give rise to a host of issues: who is to receive the property, or is it to be sold. Who has the authority to conduct a sale? Are there joint owners who may be affected by the passing of the other joint owner. Are there property taxes outstanding, or a mortgage that needs to serviced while steps can be taken to deal with the property. Does the nature of the property give rise to capital gains taxation on death? How long will probate take? Did the deceased leave a will giving clear and valid instructions? Are their minor children involved? Is the home properly insured and how will it remain properly insured pending probate and pending transfer of ownership. When you work with us, we'll guide you through the process, and advise you every step of the way. Please don't hesitate to reach out and get informed, we are here to help. 

In a breakdown of a relationship, often the largest asset owned by the parties that needs to be divided is the matrimonial home. Common law spouses may also own residential property that was used as their primary residence, and there are separate laws for the way that property may be divided at the end of a relationship. Sale of property, refinancing for a buy-out by one spouse of the other's interest, and, under certain circumstances, a vendor take back mortgage, or reverse mortgage, all may need to be explored, to assist you achieve your goals. We work with you (and your family law lawyers, as the case may be) to help you move forward through challenging times. 

Are you two couples or a group of friends planning to buy a house together? You need an agreement! Are you a multigenerational family planning to buy a duplex, house or something with a "granny suite"? You need an agreement! Are you a couple, married or common law, where one person is contributing a larger portion of the down-payment on the home, or is bringing a home into the marriage that the married spouses will live in together after marriage? You need an agreement! In these uncertain economic times, more and more people are finding creative ways to achieve home ownership that makes sense to them. Congratulations for thinking outside the box! Before you sign on the dotted line, it is a smart idea to sit down with us and discuss your goals, and expectations, short-term and long-term, in respect of any "unconventional" home ownership arrangement. What if one owner wants or needs out? What if an owner dies? What if one couple divorces? While we can never predict what will happen in our lives, we can certainly discuss with you some of the more reasonably anticipated challenges that can crop up in creative homeownership, and fashion an agreement that works for all. Please remember that our firm can only act for one party, and will refer other members of the agreement out for independent legal advice, so everyone feels they have the best advice given exclusively, and confidentially to them.