Cesia

Cutting ties

What happens when you own a property jointly with someone, and don’t want to share any more? Your kindergarten teacher probably wouldn’t be happy, but technically, you can sever a joint tenancy without any notice to the other parties. Basically, you do a transfer from yourself to yourself, with a statement that it is being… Continue reading Cutting ties

When is a house a matrimonial home?

If you are married and living together with your spouse in a house that you own, you have just limited your ability to deal with the property at your own whim. A matrimonial home, even if it is just in one spouse’s name, is beneficially owned by both spouses, and the non-titled spouse will have… Continue reading When is a house a matrimonial home?

HST rebates

Here’s a post for near tax time: HST rebates on a new home. If you are buying a brand-new home, you are entitled to a rebate, but only in specific circumstances: You must intend to live in it as your primary home. It can’t be a cottage or other seasonal residence. If you are not… Continue reading HST rebates

Specific performance

You put in an offer and it was accepted, but some time before the closing date, the seller decided not to complete the deal. Can you sue to make them sell you the property? In Ontario, there is a concept called “specific performance” which, essentially, means that you are looking to have the contract fulfilled… Continue reading Specific performance

Working in Harmony

Here’s a neat story out of my hometown: Harmony Village, which will be going up in downtown Barrie next year. Harmony Village will be a mix of condo towers, townhomes, and commercial space, right on the water of Kempenfelt Bay. Check out their website for more information. CesiaCesia is a real estate lawyer at Wall-Armstrong… Continue reading Working in Harmony