A real estate agent who misled buyers about competing offers was taken to court, and the judge ruled against her, resulting in a $28,600 damages award. The case is a cautionary tale for agents about how a little ‘creative marketing’ can quickly turn into a very expensive lesson. Facts of…

If you own a home in Ontario, chances are you—or someone on your street—has had a disagreement with a neighbour over a fence. Whether it’s about who pays for it, where it goes, or how it looks, fences are one of the most common causes of tension between neighbours. What…

Exciting news for first-time home buyers in Ottawa and across Canada: The federal government has announced a proposed enhancement to the GST/HST new housing rebate, which could significantly lower the cost of buying a new home. While full legislative details are still emerging, this update has the potential to bring…

Recent news reports from Ottawa have highlighted a troubling issue: some homeowners are being hit with years-old water bills — sometimes amounting to thousands of dollars — for charges incurred by previous owners. Understandably, these surprise costs are causing frustration and confusion. So, how can homebuyers protect themselves from this…

How Treefort Keeps Your Identity Safe Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial transactions many people will ever make. To protect all parties involved and to prevent fraud, the Law Society of Ontario requires all lawyers in the province to verify the identity of their…

On May 27th, 2024, new provisions of the Ontario government’s Homeowner Protection Act came into force, bringing significant changes to the residential real estate market. Whether you’re a real estate agent or a new home buyer or seller, understanding these changes is crucial for navigating the current landscape. Let’s break…

The Canadian federal government has proposed a significant change to the capital gain inclusion rate, impacting individuals, businesses, and trusts. This proposed change, included in the Federal budget, suggests an increase in the inclusion rate from 50% to 67% for individuals earning more than $250,000 in capital gains annually, as…

In recent years, the concept of shared home ownership has gained traction across Ontario as an innovative solution to the challenges of the real estate market. Across Canada, 6% of homeowners co-own a property with someone other than their spouse. This ownership model offers individuals the opportunity to co-own property,…