Toronto Star Columns
2007 Toronto Star Columns
- 2007-04-14 - No protection for conversion projects
- 2007-04-07 - No protection for conversion projects
- 2007-03-31 - Bank takes a hard hit with condo parking space fraud
- 2007-03-24 - City land transfer tax a bad idea
- 2007-03-17 - Advocacy group dissatisfied with Tarion
- 2007-03-10 - Condo battle ends after 14 years
- TORONTO POLICE SERVICE 2003-2006 GROW-OPS (16 MB download)
- 2007-03-03 - Real estate commissions must be paid
- 2007-02-24 - Bylaw breach turns costly
- 2007-02-17 - Warranty does not eliminate client's rights
- 2007-02-10 - Buyers protected - Court backs purchasers in delayed closings
- 2007-02-03 - Buyer pays for pouncing on seller's error
- 2007-01-27 - GST reduction rebates are hefty on home sales
- 2007-01-20 - A survey can save you major hassles: Stewart Title responds
- 2007-01-13 - Neighbours draw line over repairs
- 2007-01-06 - Some U.S. title insurers seek to avoid paying claims
2006 Toronto Star Columns
- 2006-12-30 - In 2006, title fraud top real estate story
- 2006-12-23 - 'Tis the season when many of us bless our homes
- 2006-12-16 - Your castle isn't always a fortress
- 2006-12-09 - Buyer beware when it comes to deposits
- 2006-12-02 - Real estate deals don't belong in court
- 2006-11-25 - Beware the tiny, turgid prose of the offer
- 2006-11-18 - Sister's signature forged in sale
- 2006-11-11 - Fraud victims deserve quicker compensation
- 2006-11-04 - Disclosure: It's seller beware
- 2006-10-28 - Title fraud bill faces troubled future
- 2006-10-21 - Beware of signing disclosure forms
- 2006-10-14 - Make land survey part of any deal
- 2006-10-07 - Title theft issue strikes emotional chord
- 2006-09-30 - No correct answer or easy solution to title fraud dilemma
- 2006-09-23 - A moving experience: Couple picked up and left
- 2006-09-16 - Draft fraud law ignores innocent buyer
- 2006-09-09 - 'Tainted' houses can be 'scary,' complex issue
- 2006-09-02 - Fraud, forgery alleged in mortgage scheme
- 2006-08-26 - Independent legal advice is for real
- 2006-08-19 - Greedy consumers fueled mortgage scam
- 2006-08-12 - Parental gift up for grabs in divorce
- 2006-08-05 - Be careful buying nearly new home
- 2006-07-29 - Why risk court appeal? Just change the law
- 2006-07-22 - Leaky condo lawsuit offers lessons for all
- 2006-07-15 - Results can be costly if contract is not specific
- 2006-07-08 - Take smoking ban inside the home
- 2006-07-01 - Lawyers play key role in buyer protection
- 2006-06-24 - Condo buyers' class action suit bears watching
- 2006-06-17 - Learn about future use of nearby land
- 2006-06-10 - Toronto subject to native land claim
- Indian Claims Commission - Toronto Purchase Inquiry
- 2006-06-03 - Top 10 things to beware of when buying resale
- 2006-05-27 - Tough to reconcile Caledonia land dispute
- 2006-05-20 - Ministry's 'clarification' a tax grab
- 2006-05-13 - How new GST will affect homebuyers
- 2006-05-06 - Ontario hikes land transfer tax on new houses
- 2006-04-29 - Finders not keepers in real estate deals
- 2006-04-22 - House title thieves can wreak havoc
- 2006-04-15 - Learn all facets of title insurance
- 2006-04-08 - Tax records don't always reflect reality
- York Region Police 2002 - 2005 Grow-Ops
- Toronto Police Service - 2005-6 Scarborough grow houses
- Durham Region Police 2006 Grow-Ops
- 2006-04-01 - Ruling may force police to list grow houses
- 2006-03-25 - Litigation can prove a costly nightmare
- 2006-03-18 - Scarborough grow houses listed on line
- 2006-03-11 - Make sure dimensions of lot are specified
- 2006-03-04 - Get expert advice for estate planning
- 2006-02-25 - Closing date extension request denied
- 2006-02-18 - What do you do if you find a bag of cash?
- 2006-02-11 - Use RRSP funds now to reduce mortgage
- 2006-02-04 - Time-shares: Don't buy under pressure
- 2006-01-28 - Some noisy neighbours should just pipe down
- 2006-01-28 - Assemble your own 'dream team'
- 2006-01-21 - Act brings major changes to real estate industry
- 2006-01-14 - Lawyer disbarred for role in mortgage scheme
- 2006-01-07 - In real estate, time truly is of the essence
2005 Toronto Star Columns
- 2005-12-31 - Proposed bill concerns TREB, GTHBA boards
- 2005-12-24 - Seller on hook for damage between deal signing, closing
- 2005-12-17 - Developer truly was a 'giant' in the building trade
- 2005-12-10 - Mortgage fraud persists with cash-back schemes
- 2005-12-03 - Truly innocent people may lose homes to fraud
- 2005-11-26 - Check to see if home is under warranty
- 2005-11-19 - Survey can thwart real estate fraud
- 2005-11-12 - Check sealed areas during home inspection
- 2005-11-05 - Reviewing survey a must in any transaction
- 2005-10-29 - Check condo deed's unit number with plans
- 2005-10-22 - Caring broker may get you broader coverage
- 2005-10-15 - Zoning bylaw clashes with Charter rights
- 2005-10-08 - Check mover's insurance before leaving for new home
- 2005-10-01 - Storm warning: You may not be covered for losses
- 2005-09-24 - Know the facts about extension provisions
- 2005-09-17 - Get it all in writing if building a home
- 2005-09-10 - Be careful using RRSP to buy home
- 2005-09-03 - Should sex offender registries be accessible?
- 2005-08-27 - Hollywood star's court win a victory for homeowners
- 2005-08-20 - 'Poorly built house' case ends after lengthy fight
- 2005-08-13 - Energy efficient homes may be eligible for CMHC mortgage refunds
- 2005-08-06 - No penalties for late closing if buyer agrees to new deadline
- 2005-07-30 - Readers say marijuana growing concern
- 2005-07-23 - Buyers unaware of endangered birds
- 2005-07-16 - Get advice about down payment gifts
- 2005-07-09 - Grow house disclosure is critical
- 2005-07-02 - Be wise: Get a will to avoid problems
- 2005-06-25 - Toxic mould in homes becoming a hot issue
- 2005-06-18 - New law improves time-share safeguards
- 2005-06-11 - Get legal advice if no occupancy permit on closing day
- 2005-06-04 - It's difficult to detect bogus ID
- 2005-05-28 - Buyers told it's illegal if they occupy home
- 2005-05-21 - Avoid a feud: treat cottage like a business
- 2005-05-14 - BANANA has appeal
- 2005-05-07 - Home completion delays a sign of the times
- 2005-04-30 - New model homes may not be covered by Tarion
- 2005-04-23 - Can new home GST also apply to renos?
- 2005-04-16 - Read warning clauses carefully
- 2005-04-09 - Real estate fraud continues to grow
- 2005-04-02 - Issues to consider before signing purchase agreement
- 2005-03-26 - Who owns the air above our homes?
- 2005-03-19 - Tracking down a home's history
- 2005-03-12 - Electricity liability can be shocking
- 2005-03-05 - Zany bogus scams don't fool insurers
- 2005-02-26 - Disclosing defects to buyers a problem area
- 2005-02-19 - Co-ownership deals offer special set of challenges
- 2005-02-12 - Disputed land sliver cost couple $42, 000
- 2005-02-05 - Illegal basement flat proves costly mistake
- 2005-01-29 - Basement suites must meet requirements
- 2005-01-22 - Dream house nightmare
- 2005-01-15 - Broker may find a better mortgage deal
- 2005-01-08 - Desperately seeking peace and quiet
- 2005-01-01 - A few ideas for the Minister
2004 Columns
- 2004-12-24 - Is it legal to deck the lights?
- 2004-12-18 - Frisky neighbours keep couple awake
- 2004-12-11 - Be ready for the unexpected in real estate deals
- 2004-12-04 - Forgotten oil tanks can prove expensive
- 2004-11-27 - Hazard land brings grief
- 2004-11-20 - Search heats up home privacy concerns
- 2004-11-13 - Wife's forgery puts home at risk
- 2004-11-06 - Resale home inspection a smart move
- 2004-10-30 - Readers weigh in on disclosure statements
- 2004-10-23 - Laurels to paralegal report; e-learning darts
- 2004-10-16 - Staying silent in home sale may equal fraud
- 2004-10-09 - Heed power of attorney
- 2004-10-02 - Builders must fulfill their promises
- 2004-10-02 - Books to crack for condo owners
- 2004-09-25 - Follow checklist to avoid surprises
- 2004-09-18 - Real estate agent fined for overlooking survey
- 2004-09-11 - Fractional structure much better approach than typical timeshare
- 2004-09-11 - Arrange own mortgage insurance
- 2004-09-04 - Weed-like tree at root of neighbours' quarrel
- 2004-08-28 - Wrong brick colour used for couple's dream home
- 2004-08-21 - Ruling will spur credit agencies to fix errors quickly
- 2004-08-14 - Even amateur builders may be liable
- 2004-08-07 - Paperwork may be lacking in cottage sales
- 2004-07-31 - Tall tales for insurance adjusters
- 2004-07-24 - Buyers back out after plan altered
- 2004-07-17 - Religious freedom trumps condo rules
- 2004-07-10 - Winds of change at warranty board
- 2004-07-03 - When full disclosure could mean no sales
- 2004-06-26 - Lawsuits could mean mortgage refunds
- 2004-06-19 - No clear winners in this builder-owner wrangle
- 2004-06-12 - Marijuana grow-ops slash value of real estate
- 2004-06-05 - No simple answer to disclosure of defects
- 2004-05-29 - New product protects houses from title fraud
- 2004-05-22 - New type of ownership better than some
- 2004-05-15 - Warranty will cover some mould damage
- 2004-05-08 - Include floor plan in offer to avoid surprises
- 2004-05-01 - Reserve fund studies are due Tuesday
- 2004-05-01 - Warranty program needs more scope
- 2004-04-17 - Seller's bills can haunt new owner
- 2004-04-10 - House size not guaranteed to buyers
- 2004-04-03 - Columnist helps nab fraud suspect
- 2004-03-27 - It's true: Some fences make very bad neighbours
- 2004-03-20 - Interest ratesclosing delays among buyers' top concerns
- 2004-03-13 - No stigma attached to nothing-down deal
- 2004-03-06 - Protection needed for small investors
- 2004-02-28 - Time is running out on Ontario squatters' rights
- 2004-02-21 - ONHWP has obligation to publish claims on Web site
- 2004-02-14 - Selling unregistered condos can be complex
- 2004-02-07 - Home truths aren't always so simple
- Lawrence Bremner: Seller's Property Disclosure Statement
- 2004-01-31 - Lawyers should handle real estate deals
- 2004-01-24 - Court upholds city ban on pesticides
- 2004-01-17 - Amazing grace period spells grief for buyers
- 2004-01-10 - Lawyer suspended for role in house flips
- 2004-01-03 - New type of property fraud is shocking
2003 Toronto Star Columns
- 2003-12-27 - You can never have too much insurance
- 2003-12-20 - Look out for suspicious clauses
- 2003-12-13 - Power failure can pull plug on real estate deals
- 2003-12-06 - Electronic registration means more paper
- 2003-11-29 - Lawyer Robinette played key civil rights role
- 2003-11-22 - Arranging a mortgage? Bring some photo I.D.
- 2003-11-15 - Best to arrange your own mortgage insurance
- 2003-11-08 - Don't stick tenants with hefty tax bills
- 2003-11-01 - Fur flies in courts over pet ban
- 2003-10-25 - Politicians, not courts, must stop island airport plan
- 2003-10-18 - Can unhappy buyers post signs?
- 2003-10-11 - ONHWP's $100,000 limit should be raised
- 2003-10-04 - Property 'flip' lands lawyer in hot water
- 2003-09-27 - Appliance switch was costly for vendor
- 2003-09-20 - Ask, and you shall avert disappointment
- 2003-09-13 - Time for politicians to step up to the plate
- 2003-09-06 - It's not a sin to keep your SIN private
- 2003-08-30 - A book for dummies, or by dummies?
- 2003-08-23 - Homes' in-law suites can be risky bet
- 2003-08-16 - Deed forgery far too easy
- 2003-08-09 - Buyers had recourse for altered floor plan
- 2003-08-02 - Mortgage fraud victims can also lose homes
- 2003-07-26 - Beware of extra costs for mortgage paperwork
- 2003-07-19 - Do neighbours have right to natural light?
- 2003-07-12 - The perils of buying a vendor-built home
- 2003-07-05 - Ontario buyers deserve same rights as British
- 2003-06-28 - No flying maple leaves in Markham on Canada Day
- 2003-06-21 - No gazumping, please, we're Canadian
- 2003-06-14 - Choose title insurance firm carefully
- 2003-06-07 - Infrared camera ruled an invasion of privacy
- 2003-05-31 - Law Society boots lawyer in property flip scam
- 2003-05-24 - Deductions not fair and not necessary
- 2003-05-17 - Squatter's rights no defence
- 2003-05-10 - Home inspector warned of moisture in basement
- 2003-05-03 - Movers liable for losing couple's possessions
- 2003-04-26 - Vendors didn't reveal facts about nude beach
- 2003-04-19 - Danger seen in popular home insulation product
- Link to CBC The National documentary on "Deadly Dust
- 2003-04-12 - Be your own real estate agent at new Internet site
- 2003-04-05 - Buyers need protection from delayed closings
- 2003-03-29 - Just what do timeshare owners actually own?
- 2003-03-22 - Legal wrangles continue in cement case
- 2003-03-15 - Class action nixed in alleged price-fixing case
- 2003-03-08 - Adopting condo model for new homes won't work
- 2003-03-01 - Family compensated in mortgage fraud case
- 2003-02-22 - Real estate agents must exercise care
- 2003-02-15 - Do you know where you live?
- 2003-02-08 - Courts pave way for the greening of our lawns
- 2003-02-01 - Smart investors skip RRSPs to pay down mortgage now
- 2003-01-25 - Column on warranty program hits nerve
- 2003-01-18 - Does ONHWP really protect homebuyers?
- 2003-01-11 - Victims of a mortgage fraud
- 2003-01-04 - It's never too early to prepare your will
2002 Columns
- 2002-12-28 - Don't let house insurance take a holiday
- 2002-12-21 - Unfinished work causes nightmares on moving day
- 2002-12-14 - Getting to the root of property damage
- 2002-12-07 - Standard contracts offer builder leeway to make changes
- 2002-11-30 - Homebuyers beware of old fuel oil tanks
- 2002-11-23 - Insurance firms guard themselves from terrorism
- 2002-11-16 - Pointing out 'Hudak's folly'
- 2002-11-09 - Common sense can help protect your identity
- "Identity Theft - Who's Using Your Name"
- by Ontario Privacy Commissioner Ann Cavoukian (from www.ipc.on.ca)
- 2002-11-02 - Taxpayers on hook for leaky condo
- 2002-10-26 - Mike Myers Dr. an evil idea
- 2002-10-19 - The two-car garage that wasn't
- 2002-10-12 - Misery loves company in real estate lawsuits
- 2002-10-05 - Country dream washed away
- 2002-09-28 - How homebuyer protection could be improved
- 2002-09-21 - Owner had to make a stink about basement
- 2002-09-14 - eBay clicks with real estate
- 2002-09-07 - Home warranty program behind the times
- 2002-08-31 - Residents heated up over transformer boxes
- 2002-08-24 - In praise of caring builders
- 2002-08-17 - Why should buyer have to wait for service?
- 2002-08-10 - There's no place for racism in real estate
- 2002-08-03 - Don't be rattled by fixtures vs. chattels
- 2002-07-27 - Study shows mortgage renewers a loyal bunch
- 2002-07-20 - Squeaky wheels get after-sales results
- 2002-07-13 - Controversial Ottawa house has new owner
- 2002-07-06 - Homeowner lost legal suit over mould
- 2002-06-29 - Agents, brokers face fines in double-offer sale scheme
- 2002-06-22 - Loyalty programs could be illegal
- 2002-06-08 - Cottage purchases deserve due diligence
- 2002-06-06 - Ask a Lawyer
- 2002-05-25 - Paralegal proposal a recipe for havoc
- 2002-05-18 - Lawyers governing paralegals: recipe for disaster
- 2002-05-04 - Builder offers can conceal surprises
- 2002-04-20 - Tenant-homeowner tax inequity must stop
- 2002-04-13 - Fraudulent title transfer takes costly toll
- 2002-04-06 - Oklahoma flip tosses lawyer
- 2002-03-23 - New York real estate still strong after Sept. 11
- 2002-03-16 - Nightmare ending for victims of fraud
- 2002-03-09 - Title fraud costs taxpayers
- 2002-03-02 - Inspect home before listing to correct any minor flaws
- 2002-02-23 - Property title fraud strikes a nerve
- 2002-02-16 - Home office tax breaks
- 2002-02-09 - Stolen Dreams
- 2002-02-02 - Recent decision does little to dissuade dishonest realtors
- 2002-01-26 - Home insurance policy not all that reassuring
- 2002-01-19 - Living in Shuster's house
- 2002-01-12 - Couple wins fight over new house
- 2002-01-05 - Woman loses squatter's rights' case
2001 Columns
- 2001-12-29 - Tory bill takes aim at consumers
- 2001-12-22 - The War and Peace of condo literature
- 2001-12-18 - New form gives buyers protection
- 2001-12-08 - Making noise about noise
- 2001-12-01 - Building a litany of broken promises
- 2001-11-24 - No will? Get one now!
- 2001-11-17 - What recourse do St. Clair W. homebuyers have?
- 2001-11-10 - Making the GST work better for homebuyers
- 2001-11-03 - Getting to the root of a cellar flood
- 2001-10-27 - Murder, mayhem and ghosts
- 2001-10-20 - Is there a deal or not? Case is a tricky one
- 2001-10-13 - Why bar lawyers from real estate transactions?
- 2001-09-29 - Challenge to the low-flush commode
- 2001-09-22 - Flood of reaction greets call to regulate salespeople
- 2001-09-22 - Condo Act guide is user friendly
- 2001-09-15 - Big win for B.C. condo owners
- 2001-09-08 - Look before you waive a contract condition
- 2001-09-01 - This odour problem 'mushroomed'
- 2001-08-25 - Class action suits expected to multiply
- 2001-08-18 - What lies beyond your walls?
- 2001-08-11 - Wild West tactics must be corralled
- 2001-08-04 - Draft real estate law flawed
- 2001-07-28 - No beach party for Lake Erie residents
- 2001-07-21 - Lessons for buyers from project fire
- 2001-07-14 - Final chapter written in `infamous cement case'
- 2001-07-07 - Liberty Walk buyers won't have to pay more
- 2001-06-30 - 'Lawsuit, shmawsuit': Yiddish livens up courtroom
- 2001-06-23 - City takes hit for shoddy Reno
- 2001-06-16 - Do we want to be like our southern neighbour?
- 2001-06-16 - Pizza person shut out
- 2001-06-09 - Wife may be on hook for co-signing loan
- 2001-06-02 - Ottawa to force lawyers to snitch on clients
- 2001-05-26 - Erotic affair with the home
- 2001-05-19 - Pre-sale inspections smooth path for buyer and seller
- 2001-05-12 - Did you buy at site of fire?
- 2001-05-05 - Possession counts when finders aren't keepers
- 2001-04-28 - Gretzky: he sues, he misses
- 2001-04-21 - What if Ontario residents don't have proper title to their lands?
- 2001-04-14 - Insulation foam doesn't deserve to be banned
- 2001-04-07 - Small-town lawyer has some big ideas
- 2001-04-04 - Squatter's rights a tricky issue
- 2001-03-24 - Unfortunate ruling for home-buying public
- 2001-03-17 - Using kit to write will can be risky
- 2001-03-10 - Condo or co-op?
- 2001-03-03 - Why racist restrictions no longer apply in land deals
- 2001-02-24 - Beware the 'Oklahoma' swindle
- 2001-02-17 - Cement case hard to work out
- 2001-02-08 - Should homeowner pay off mortgage or invest in RRSP?
- 2001-02-02 - Who's liable if dog bites?
- 2001-01-26 - 'Oklahoma swindle' is just plain real estate fraud
- 2001-01-18 - In pursuance of plain English, forthwith
- 2001-01-11 - What if your house was sold out from under you?
- 2001-01-04 - Why condo cash deal caused concern
2000 Toronto Star Columns
- 2000-12-28 - Don't take your home insurance for granted
- 2000-12-21 - Municipality liable for faulty construction
- 2000-12-14 - Homeowners not liable for sidewalk mishaps
- 2000-12-07 - Time real estate industry started e-mailing offers
- 2000-11-30 - There's no turning back on plan to automate land registry
- 2000-11-23 - Not all title insurers are alike
- 2000-11-18 - Why you should get title insurance
- 2000-11-10 - Make sure your lawyer's on the e-train
- 2000-11-05 - Province draws line on sloppy documentation
- 2000-10-28 - Spectre of tainted houses raised
- 2000-10-20 - Co-owning a house? Get a written agreement
- 2000-10-14 - Love is blind - that's why there's legal advice
- 2000-10-07 - Inspectors don't cover environmental hazards
- 2000-09-30 - Real estate body insults its members
- 2000-09-30 - When parents help their kids buy a home
- 2000-09-23 - Paralegal ruling will have far-reaching result
- 2000-09-16 - White paper proposals target real estate fraud
- 2000-09-09 - Proposal would protect consumers
- 2000-09-02 - Thinking of buying a time-share?
- 2000-08-26 - Builders, vendors ignore feng shui at their peril
- 2000-08-19 - Vendor mortgage issue draws reactions
- 2000-08-05 - Seller's existing mortgage can be superb marketing tool
- 2000-07-29 - City's gouging home buyers with hefty fee hike
- 2000-07-22 - Hallelujah! Land Transfer Tax refund here to stay
- 2000-07-15 - Purchaser cancels deal and gets deposit back
- 2000-07-08 - Up-to-date survey is vital
- 2000-07-01 - Proceed with caution with clauses found on contract's 'extras'
- 2000-06-24 - Those 'extras' certainly add up
- 2000-06-17 - Paralegal proposals a recipe for havoc
- 2000-06-10 - No-fee mortgage marketing plan has costs
- 2000-06-03 - Be cautious when buying property with a partner
- 2000-05-27 - Don't be insulted if lawyer asks for ID
- 2000-05-20 - Trouble Free?