Categories for Conveyancing

Holdbacks 101: what they are and why they’re used

A holdback is money we hold in trust until a particular thing (like cleaning the property or paying a bill) has been done. BC Notaries help clients draft great holdback clauses, and carry them through to completion.

When a Lender Won’t Fund on Closing Day in BC

Even if you’ve “done everything the lender asked,” funding is never guaranteed until money actually lands with your BC Notary or conveyancing lawyer. Lenders don't actually have to fund a mortgage, even if you have done all the things you were asked to do to qualify for it. Porting mortgages is popular, but can encounter failures when the new property looks nothing like the old one. Mortgage instructions can come too late; surprises on inspections or appraisals can kill a qualification, and lenders can freeze lines of credit you expected to be able to use. They can also decline to advance if you fail to meet last-minute qualification criteria. It doesn't happen all the time, but it's important to have a backup plan well before completion.

Why you care about “time is of the essence” in BC Real Estate

If your contract has a clause in it that says "time is of the essence", that means the deadlines you have agreed upon are fundamental and cannot be changed without potentially significant consequences?

“No Money, No Keys” – The Long-Standing Fallacy in BC Real Estate

What is the “No Money, No Keys” Myth in BC Real Estate? It’s a common belief — and a wrong... View Article

Escrow closings – an important tool to rescue a collapsing deal

If your deal is about to fall apart, an escrow closing process could save the day.

Non-resident Sellers and Section 116: What BC Buyers Need to Know

Have you heard about non-residency taxes? This little-known issue could collapse your deal.

A BC Notary’s guide to navigating property ownership – pitfalls for seniors

Adding another person on title has pitfalls. Your BC Notary can explain them to you.

Closing Costs and Legal Fees

Let’s talk closing costs! You’ve bought or sold a home! Now you need to figure out what this will cost... View Article

5 Ways Powers of Attorney go Wrong in Real Estate Transactions

Powers of Attorney allow one person to sign for another in real estate transactions. But there are strict rules about vetting, verifying and registering Powers of Attorney.

Why Legal Notations Matter

Legal notations can affect your title in surprising (and not always good) ways!