How many times have you seen this sign? Ever wondered what it means? It means nothing. In fact, it’s illegal! Real Estate practitioners in Ontario are governed by the Real Estate …
Phantom Offers
The real question is: does the phantom offer really exist! Maybe, and maybe not. A phantom offer, of course, is an offer which is make-believe, it’s imaginary, it’s simply pure …
Buyer’s Agent wants to Lower their Commission
Question: In the case where a realtor wants to put an offer in on a home (not one of their own listings) , and offer a commission reduction to the …
Bully Offers
This is an Offer which includes a short irrevocable date, in a delayed offer presentation format. As listing agents do their best to encourage multiple offers, buyer’s agents are reacting …
Schedule “A” Interpretation
The standard form agreement of purchase and sale in Ontario includes a standard four pages of fine print plus fill in the blanks, followed by a Schedule “A”. It is …
Agency: What Takes Precedence the Code or Common Law in Ontario?
Question: REBBA 2002 requires a written agreement but then Agency Law states that it is not necessary to have a written agreement. Which would take precedence? Answer: The Act does …
Unjust Enrichment and Matrimonial Home
Question: My client has been living “common law” for 15 years. She is not registered on the title to their home. Does she have any rights? Answer: This area of …
Disclosure of Referral Fee Arrangement in Multiples
Assume Bob the real estate agent meets Bill a Buyer at a Open House. He doesn’t want to take Bill on as a client, since that will be a conflict …
Commission Trust Account for Ontario Real Estate Brokerages
There is provision in the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002 for the establishment and maintenance of a Commission Trust Account. The matter of commission protection insurance is dealt …
Derogatory Comments about Lawyers
Question: Is it a RECO violation for an Agent to make written derogatory comments against a client’s lawyer? Or is it just you can’t make derogatory comments against a fellow …