Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful Advice
We know that legal matters can, at times, be confusing. We are happy to share some frequently asked questions. If you can’t find the answer you need, please give us a call or schedule a free consultation.
Click on the questions below to expand and see the answers.
Do I qualify as a ‘First Time Home Buyer?’
You qualify as a first time home buyer if:
- You or your spouse or same sex partner have never been named on the title of a property (alone or with someone else) Please see the meaning of spouse in the L.T.T. Government website listed below.
- You have not owned property in Canada or anywhere else in the world.
For further details, please visit our First Time Home Buyer’s page.
OR
Visit the Government’s website:
What do I need to know about entering into an Agreement to buy a newly constructed home from a builder?
Conditions: Ensure your Agreement has a clause conditional on your Lawyer’s review, financing and sale of your existing home, if applicable.
Deposits: Limit your deposit to the Tarion Deposit Protection of $40,000.00
Builder’s Adjustments: These are standard costs that may or may not be included in the Purchase Price of the newly constructed home you are purchasing.
a. Tarion New Home Warranty
b. Hydro, gas and water meter connections.
c. Lot levies and development charges
d. Landscape/ Tree planting charges
e. Driveway Paving
f. Other hidden adjustments
We offer a free review of your agreement as part of our service to you when we are retained. Make sure your Agreement to Purchase is conditional on your lawyer’s approval and we will ensure your best interests are protected.
H.S.T. : Does your Purchase Price referred to in the Purchase Agreement include H.S.T. or is H.S.T. in addition to?
If H.S.T. is included, the new housing rebate goes to the builder.
You pay H.S.T. if the property is an investment and not your principal residence.
Tarion New Home Warranty: Ensures that all new homeowners receive the new home warranty coverage entitled to you under the law. There is a fee you pay to have this warranty which is included in your builder’s adjustments as indicated above. This fee is based on your Purchase Price.
Critical Dates: Schedule included in your Agreement which outlines the closing dates and extension periods.
When do I need to Bridge Finance?
If buying before your Sale, in order to Bridge Finance you must have a firm, Sale Agreement.
a) Your Sale is after your Purchase or
b) Your Purchase or Sale is out of town
