Dear David,
What is the point of a final walk through? – Last Minute

Dear Last Minute,

A final walk through is your last chance to see your new home before you take possession, and typically takes place within the last 24 hours before closing. While there is some debate about the importance of a walk through, I’m a stickler for these as it is gives buyers a chance to look things over, make sure the home has been left in broom-swept condition, account for items that were included in the sale as per the purchase agreement and ensure that items not in the agreement have been properly removed. You’ll also want to see that appliances, furnace, air conditioner, etc. are working as expected.

If you discover an issue — a leaky faucet or furniture left in the home are a few examples — you will have to decide if these are significant enough to warrant having your Realtor contact the listing agent and negotiate a solution. While some solutions are easy and affordable, others may delay closing or incur legal fees. Your Realtor can help you decide whether to take action or resolve the issue on your own.

Dear David,
>Do I really need title insurance? – Unsure

Dear Unsure,

While it is not a legal requirement in Ontario, title insurance is a good idea as it protects property owners and their lenders against losses related to a property’s title or ownership. Title insurance is purchased through your lawyer and you’ll want to discuss with them the protection it provides. Having the facts will help you to decide if it is right for you (and many lawyers won’t work without it).

While the full scope of title insurance is more than I can cover here, it basically protects you from losses related to unknown title defects, existing liens against the property, encroachment issues, title fraud, errors in public records and other issues that could affect your ability to sell, mortgage, or lease your property. It is a one-time purchase, and protects you for as long as you own the property for which it was purchased.

Dear David,
I fell in love with a condo unit in a “no pets” complex. Unfortunately, my family members have dogs. Will they still be able to visit if I purchase there? – Love my Fur Family

Dear Family,

In this case, I think the nature of the complex makes a difference. A visiting dog is less likely to rile anyone up in a condo townhouse, but an apartment-style building is another issue as dogs riding on the elevator can be an unwelcome surprise for your fellow owners. Before you commit, read the condo documents and ask a few potential neighbours about the atmosphere in relation to dogs. Remember, no one can tell you that you can’t have pets under the Landlord-Tenant act…but under the Condominium Act, they absolutely can!