Buying and Selling a Home

Buying and selling a home often takes a lot of time and effort. When you finally have a firm deal in place, you certainly have reason to celebrate, but it’s not time to completely relax just yet! We will now work with you during the final stages of your transaction.

Tax Planning

Assist you in structuring your transaction to minimize your exposure to:

• Property Transfer Tax (PTT)
• Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)

What does my real estate lawyer do?

Reviews your contract of purchase and sale bringing any inconsistencies to your attention:

• Makes sure any financial clauses are incorporated into the transaction as agreed
• Ensures you become the legal registered owner of your new property at the BC Land Title Office
• Makes sure you receive clear title to your new property, meaning all outstanding financial charges from the previous owners are removed (ie: mortgages, and liens)
• Ensures all fees associated with the property are paid, up to date and divided proportionally between buyer and seller (ie: property taxes, utilities and strata fees)
• Communicates with you and and your bank or credit union to receive mortgage proceeds on your behalf, register your mortgage, comply with all the documentation requirements
• Communicates with you and your home insurance provider to obtain the proof of insurance required by your bank or credit union as a condition of your mortgage
• Ensures the seller receives his or her sale proceeds, and the realtors receive their commissions
• Provides guidance and support through the process
• Reports to you at the end to confirm that everything is done and you are the proud owner of your new home!

What if I am not using an agent?

There are a variety of factors to keep in mind in protecting your interests throughout a real estate transaction. Please contact my office for a complimentary 30 minute consultation to discuss how I can assist you with the necessary document preparation, due diligence and negotiation.

Leasing a Space for your Business

After investing time, money, and potentially agreeing to a long-term situation, the last thing you need are unexpected “surprises” arising from your lease. Landlords and experienced business owners know how costly this is, both financially and emotionally. Unfortunately there is often little recourse available once an agreement is already in place.

Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, your lease agreement will be reviewed line by line along with a written opinion on clauses and wording. We will:

• Help ensure you truly understand what you are agreeing to before the paperwork is signed
• Keep the unique needs of your business in mind
• Make proactive suggestions you may never have thought of
• Help you protect your business interests
• Suggest workable negotiation strategies to help keep your deal on track