Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca December 27, 2003 You can never have too much insurance Umbrella policies kick in when others run out Settlements may ring in over a policy’s payout Many years ago, I wrote Aaron’s First Law of Precipitation: “Wherever I am when it starts raining, my umbrella is somewhere else.” Over the years, I […]
2003 Toronto Star Columns
Look out for suspicious clauses
Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca December 20, 2003 Look out for suspicious clauses In the bottom drawer of my desk is a file in which I keep samples of troublesome clauses in builder offers for new homes and condominiums. The file has been bulging lately, so it’s time to share some of these clauses for which […]
Power failure can pull plug on real estate deals
Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca December 13, 2003 Power failure can pull plug on real estate deals With the arrival of mandatory electronic title registration in Toronto this week, it is no longer possible to register deeds and mortgages in paper format with handwritten signatures. As of Dec. 9, users of the land registration system are […]
Electronic registration means more paper
Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca December 6, 2003 Electronic registration means more paper But the new recording system takes less time Title searches simplified on one or two pages Next week marks an important milestone for property owners and real estate lawyers in Toronto. Starting Tuesday, for the first time in more than 200 years, it will […]
Lawyer Robinette played key civil rights role
Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca November 29, 2003 Lawyer Robinette played key civil rights role Landmark 1949 case ended racial discrimination Former colleague’s new book focuses on famed lawyer If you were to look at a list of the foremost Canadian lawyers of the past century, the name John J. Robinette would, without doubt, be at or […]
Arranging a mortgage? Bring some photo I.D.
Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca November 22, 2003 Arranging a mortgage? Bring some photo I.D. Increasing fraud prompts officials to demand proof Courts refuse to void mortgages obtained illegally The next time you’re in a lawyer’s office signing documents for a purchase, sale or mortgage, don’t be surprised if you have to produce photo identification. It’s […]
Best to arrange your own mortgage insurance
Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca November 15, 2003 Best to arrange your own mortgage insurance It won’t run out at end of term Illness could prevent a renewal Where is the best place to buy mortgage insurance from the financial institution lending the money, or an independent insurance agent? Most of the larger mortgage lenders offer borrowers […]
Don’t stick tenants with hefty tax bills
Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca November 8, 2003 Don’t stick tenants with hefty tax bills They subsidize homeowners’ property taxes Renter can pay as much as wealthy executive Will Toronto’s new mayor and councillors increase house taxes in order to eliminate or reduce the inequities in taxation of residential apartments? That’s what Star reader Robert […]
Fur flies in courts over pet bans
Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca November 1 2003 Fur flies in courts over pet bans Animals face losing battle against condo restrictions But apartment buildings are virtually powerless to prohibit pets Why is it that pets can be prohibited in condominium buildings but not in apartment buildings? Under the Tenant Protection Act, a clause in a […]
Politicians, not courts, must stop island airport plan
Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca October 25 2003 Politicians, not courts, must stop island airport plan Chicago’s mayor had right idea Area residents lost similar legal battle in Vancouver My first choice for the next mayor of Toronto isn’t even on the ballot. With the island airport expansion and a fixed link rapidly becoming a central […]
Can unhappy buyers post signs?
Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca October 18 2003 Can unhappy buyers post signs? Homeowners must be sensitive to libel laws Claim for breach of Charter rights struck down If you’re not happy with your builder, can you put a sign on the front lawn proclaiming your discontent to the whole world? If so, what can the […]
ONHWP’s $100,000 limit should be raised
Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca October 11 2003 ONHWP’s $100,000 limit should be raised Faulty cement reveals flaws in warranty plan Time and dollar limits too low, judge suggests The Supreme Court of Canada has refused to hear the final appeal in the infamous eastern Ontario cement case, clearing the way for 137 homeowners and their […]
Property ‘flips’ land lawyer in hot water
Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca October 4 2003 Property ‘flips’ land lawyer in hot water Mortgage fraud is in the news again. The Law Society of Upper Canada has filed misconduct charges against Brampton lawyer Vishnu Rajendra (Joey) Poonai over his alleged involvement in a series of real estate frauds involving $5.6 million. The case became […]
Appliance switch was costly for vendor
Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca September 27, 2003 Appliance switch was costly for vendor Fridges, stove replaced with older units Home’s seller fined $10,000 for fraud It happens from time to time to virtually every real estate lawyer. The day after closing, the purchaser calls up to complain that the fridge or air conditioner or furnace […]
Ask, and you shall avert disappointment
Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca September 20, 2003 Ask, and you shall avert disappointment Time to play 20 questions is while in sales office Have a lawyer review your offer line by line Imagine going into a new car showroom and agreeing to buy a $25,000 new car for delivery 12 months later. On the scheduled […]
Time for politicians to step up to the plate
Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca September 13, 2003 Time for politicians to step up to the plate Election is opportunity to tackle issues It’s election time, and that provides the opportunity for the political parties to take a stand for consumer protection in the real estate field in Ontario. Sadly, real estate consumers have suffered under […]
It’s not a sin to keep your SIN private
Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca September 6, 2003 It’s not a sin to keep your SIN private Just how private is your Social Insurance Number? If you’re applying for a bank loan or a mortgage, do you have to supply your Social Insurance Number? Is it a sin to ask for a SIN? Tom and his wife […]
A book for dummies, or by dummies?
Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca August 30, 2003 A book for dummies, or by dummies? Errors abound in latest real estate guide Book seems based on U.S. information When Benjy, my pet Lhasa Apso, came into my life not quite three years ago, I had no idea how to look after a cute but stubbornly independent […]
Homes’ in-law suites can be a risky bet
Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca August 23, 2003 Homes’ in-law suites can be a risky bet Ads touting basement units play word game If apartment isn’t tagged `legal,’ it probably isn’t According to my dictionary, a euphemism is a substitution of a mild or vague expression for a harsher or more offensive one. I thought of […]
Deed forgery far too easy
Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca August 16, 2003 Deed forgery far too easy I seem to have touched a nerve with many readers two weeks ago when I wrote the story of an innocent Toronto couple who are facing eviction from their luxury condominium. Back in 2000, a fraud artist transferred ownership of their condo to himself […]