Do-it-yourself taxes, do-it-yourself renovations, do-it-yourself wills … when it comes to DIY there are plenty of things that you can do without involving a professional. This also includes buying or selling a home or cottage. The question is, is DIY really a good idea? Although…
I’m young and healthy – do I really need a will? It’s a common question when you’re in the prime of your life and focused on priorities like your career, raising a family or saving for your forever home or cottage in Muskoka; estate planning…
Do you have questions about estate planning and your will? You’re not alone. In fact, many Canadians are often unsure about what is involved in planning their estate and creating a legally binding Last Will and Testament. To help you gain a better understanding of…
Planning your estate or going through the process of dealing with the last will and testament of a loved one is no easy process. Unfortunately, technical or legal complications, misunderstandings and disagreements can and often do occur, making this already difficult process even more taxing…
Here’s the scenario. You’re three-quarters of the way through your new cottage construction in Muskoka, and you’ve gone over budget. Your bank, who already loaned you money, has told you that you don’t qualify for additional funds. How will you fund the rest of the…
The times they are a-changin’ – when it comes to rules and regulations in Ontario and across the country, this sentiment definitely rings true. The start of 2018 heralded a few major changes in the Province, including an increase in the minimum wage, a new…
Spring is just around the corner, and we are happy to bid farewell to Jack Frost. If you’re planning on taking advantage of the spring real estate market, there are some important steps you can take to get a head start and become real estate…
Spring is just around the corner, and that means that home and cottage sales will be ramping up. If you’ve been saving and budgeting for your upcoming purchase, you’ll need to know about the many additional costs associated with buying a home, above and beyond…
Ready to be a proud real estate owner in Muskoka? Although the process of purchasing your first property is certainly an exciting one, it can also result in a little first-time home buyer anxiety. For property newbies, the best way to prepare (and lessen your…
Having a legal will in place is the easiest and most effective way to ensure that your property and possessions are distributed according to your wishes. However, a recent survey focusing on estate planning conducted by BMO shows that almost half of all Canadians do…
Running your own business and becoming your own boss is the dream for many entrepreneurs and aspiring go-getters alike. While there is certainly a freedom that comes along with owning and running your own business, it also comes with increased responsibility, increased liability and a…
Although more and more families are choosing to winterize their cottages so that they can enjoy the beauty of our Muskoka winters, a large percentage of cottages in the region are closed down and boarded up, lying in wait until another beautiful summer in cottage…
You’ve scrimped and saved, planned and dreamed, and the time has finally come – you’re ready to purchase your family cottage in the much-coveted Muskoka region. Although this is certainly an exciting time, it’s also important to know that purchasing a cottage or vacation property…
Watching a beautiful sunset while sitting on the dock, spending the days splashing in the lake, cooking up a storm, and creating family memories that will last a lifetime…all of these are immeasurable joys. The sentimental value of your Muskoka cottage, contrasted with the monetary…
You may be surprised to learn that when it comes to estate planning and wills, Canadians tend to procrastinate. In fact, according to a recent study, almost half of Canadians do not currently have a legal will in place! Although admittedly not the most cheerful…
It’s hard to believe it, but after a few months of planning and looking ahead, 2018 is finally here! As we all know, the start of a new year brings many changes. These include things like new goals and resolutions, new priorities, fitness plans and…
Your financing has been approved, the home inspection hasn’t turned up anything worrisome – it’s now time to take the final step, sign your Agreement of Purchase and Sale, and officially purchase your new home or cottage in Muskoka. But wait! Are you planning on…
Looking to buy a new home or cottage in Bracebridge or the Muskoka area? You likely are already aware of the fact that buying a home or cottage is one of the largest investments you’ll make. You are also likely aware of the fact that,…
So, what exactly does a real estate lawyer do? The answer is a variety of things. Although it’s commonly assumed that real estate lawyers only deal with the closing of a sale, there’s quite a bit more to the job. Here’s a real-life example of…
If you’re starting the process of buying or selling a home, you may be wondering whether it makes sense to involve a real estate lawyer right from the get-go. While it’s clear that more complex real estate transactions benefit from the services provided by a…
When it comes to choosing a real estate agent, or realtor, it’s important to remember that not all agents are created equal. While there are many experienced professionals providing real estate services in the Muskoka area, there are also agents that may not be quite…
Are you on the hunt for a new home or cottage in Bracebridge or the surrounding area? Although searching for and purchasing real estate is an exciting time, it can also involve challenges and even some stress. One way to avoid this stress is to…
When buying or selling a home, cottage or business property, it’s naturally a busy time for anyone. There is a never-ending pile of paperwork that needs attention, and constant appointments for viewings. One detail that should not get overlooked in this process is finding and…
As an experienced real estate lawyer, I really have seen it all when it comes to home, cottage, and commercial property sales, as well as the myriad of issues related to property laws, disputes, leases, rentals, etc. A significant number of the problems and heartache…
Buying your first home is a very exciting time, and likely the largest purchase you will ever make. There are so many aspects to this process, including the mortgage application, securing financing, and literally hundreds of other details. This is a special time in anyone’s…
