Real Estate

The backyard egg debate: are laying chickens legal in Kawartha Lakes?

If you’ve ever dreamed of collecting fresh eggs from your own backyard, you’re not alone. As spring approaches and the days grow longer, many homeowners start thinking about gardening, outdoor projects – and perhaps even keeping backyard chickens.

In the City of Kawartha Lakes, backyard chickens have been permitted for a few years now. However, while the idea of keeping a small flock may sound simple, there are several municipal rules and zoning requirements that residents must follow.

New mortgage rules – making it easier for 1st time buyers

It has been a difficult few years for aspiring homeowners with the increased mortgage interest rates, lower appraisals, and a more stringent mortgage stress test by financial institutions in reviewing mortgage applications. As a result of these changes, there has been a significant decline in the real estate market across Canada and especially, Ontario.

Navigating easements – Why are you on my property?

First, what is an easement, and what is the meaning of an easement?An easement is a legal right that allows someone (other than the property owner) to use a portion of the property for a specific purpose. This doesn’t give ownership of the land in any way, but it does grant them the right to access or use the piece of land in a certain way.

Tax sales – What’s the catch?

You may have been told by a friend or come across an advertisement for a property for sale significantly under market value by the municipality. You learn that the property is under a tax sale and you want to bid on it, but like a well-informed investor, you want to learn what you are getting yourself into exactly.

How to buy a shore road allowance in Ontario: Step-by-step guide for waterfront property owners

If you own waterfront property, you may eventually want to build a dock, a boathouse, or another structure to enjoy Ontario’s beautiful summers. However, you might discover that the land you need – the 66-foot shore road allowance – doesn’t actually belong to you. Don’t worry! This guide will walk you through how to buy your shore road allowance from your local municipality or township.

Buying a new home? Here’s what you need to know

Buying a newly built home is an exciting milestone. Many buyers assume that purchasing a brand-new house means avoiding common real estate headaches—no hidden defects, no previous owners, and no unexpected repairs. However, while a new build comes with benefits, it also presents unique challenges that buyers should be aware of.

Buyer beware: Consequences of breaching a purchase agreement in Ontario

The real estate market in Ontario is going through a big shift, the home values are fluctuating, and the interest rates have increased exponentially over the past 5 years. The banks are also becoming more stringent in their mortgage qualifications. Because of these factors, it is becoming more and more common where a buyer signs an Agreement of Purchase and Sale to purchase a home and realize they are unable to qualify for mortgage.

Power of Sale vs. Foreclosure in Ontario: Key differences explained

We are continuing our blog series about Ontario’s new construction rules with a goal to summarize, in simple language, the recent changes to the Construction Act.

Here’s what you need to know about the construction lien process, what a holdback is and how you handle on your project.

Joint ownership of property: The basics

The two most common ways for two or more parties to hold title (take ownership) of a property is by joint tenancy or tenancy in common.

In a joint tenancy, the co-owners hold the property as a whole, with each person holding their own equal interest.

The main benefit of joint tenancy is the right of survivorship which allows the surviving owner(s) on title to inherit the deceased’s interest in the property, often an objective for married or common-law spouses.

Agreements of purchase and sale – The gospel of real estate law

The Agreement of Purchase and Sale (the “APS”) is the most important document in any real estate transaction in Ontario. It is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions of the sale of a property between a buyer and a seller. The APS is typically prepared by the seller’s real estate agent or lawyer and is presented to the buyer for review and signature. Once it is signed by both parties, it is considered a binding contract.

Considering relocating? Consider this first

Are you considering relocating? There are many factors to consider when contemplating relocating, such as job availability, safety, the housing market, climate changes, culture, adaptability and much more. Do you have children, dependents or pets? These are also factors to consider due to schooling systems, a pet-friendly environment and medical resources.