Real estate agent’s defamation claim survives anti-SLAPP motion
The plaintiff, Niu, was a well-known Chinese-speaking real estate agent in Oakville, Ont., with a base of Chinese-speaking clientele. The defendant, Cao, had used Niu's services to find and purchase a home.
Unconditional offers to buy are binding, appeal court rules
An “unconditional” offer is one that is made without any conditions attached – such as the buyer first being able to obtain financing, obtain a satisfactory home inspection, sell their existing home and/or other stipulations.
Standard of care owed by agents
In Kazakevich v. Sychev, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice affirmed when an Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS) will be kept alive, preventing a buyer’s release from their contractual obligations.
Second homes and the principal residence tax exemption
From what I have read, the demand for cottage properties has soared during COVID-19. City folk are eager to get out of the city for a change of scenery, especially since many people are still working from home.
When a property is damaged prior to closing
What obligations do sellers and buyers have in a real estate transaction when the property has been accidentally damaged – such as by a fire – prior to closing?
Developer deals: Convey parkland to the city, or pay cash-in-lieu?
Can real estate developers demand they be given the option of paying cash-in-lieu rather than conveying away valuable land?
Did these buyers breach their pre-construction Agreement of Purchase and Sale?
At what point in time should a developer terminate a pre-construction Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS) when a buyer breaches the agreement? Well,...
Working with divorcing clients
With divorce rates expected to soar in the coming months, it is important to arm yourself with the knowledge you need to assist clients in working through the sale of their home under stressful circumstances.
CRA’s tax audit of U.S. real estate transactions
On June 25, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced that it would carry out a tax review of six years of U.S. real estate transactions in order to find any tax non-compliance from Canadian taxpayers.
Be cautious when representing corporate buyers
Real estate agents should be cautious when representing corporate buyers owned by multiple investors. If a sale does not close, the real estate agent might not be paid his or her commission.