Closing tips4 min read
What to Expect on Closing Day
Closing day in Ontario rarely looks the way buyers picture it. Here is a step-by-step walk through what actually happens between signing day and key handoff.
March 10, 2026
ReadThe simplyclose blog
Real estate law explained plainly. Cases, market moves, and the small clauses that change everything.
Featured · Real estate law5 min read·March 18, 2026
Understanding Land Transfer Tax in Ontario
Land Transfer Tax is one of the largest closing costs Ontario homebuyers face. Here is how the marginal rate system works, what rebates you may qualify for, and how to plan ahead.
Read the full postFirst-time buyers5 min read
The $50,000 GST Rebate for First-Time Home Buyers: Where Bill C-4 Actually Stands
Bill C-4 proposes a $50,000 federal GST rebate for first-time buyers on new construction. But it hasn't received Royal Assent yet, and CRA can't accept applications until it does. Here is the real timeline.
March 2, 2026
ReadFirst-time buyers5 min read
First-Time Buyer Rebates You Should Know About
Ontario offers several programs to make homeownership more accessible. From Land Transfer Tax rebates to the Home Buyers' Plan. Here is what first-time buyers can actually claim.
February 25, 2026
ReadMarket insights4 min read
How the 2026 HST Rebate Affects New Builds
Recent changes to the HST new housing rebate have shifted the math on new construction in Ontario. Here is what the rebate actually means for your bottom line.
February 12, 2026
ReadReal estate law4 min read
Title Insurance: What It Is and Why You Need It
Title insurance protects you against issues that could threaten your ownership rights. Here is what it actually covers, what it costs, and why most lenders require it on every Ontario purchase.
January 30, 2026
ReadClosing tips3 min read
Five Things Your Real Estate Lawyer Handles at Closing
Your lawyer does far more than review contracts. From title searches to mortgage registration, here are five critical tasks your lawyer manages behind the scenes on every closing.
January 15, 2026
ReadCase law4 min read
McDonald v. Lowrie: When a Dream Home Turns to Ashes
A fire destroyed a century home days before closing. The buyer tried to add a new insurance guarantee mid-deal. The court called it repudiation and the $25,000 deposit was forfeited.
March 29, 2025
ReadCase law3 min read
Ali v. Patel: How a Small Change in a Real Estate Contract Cost Sellers $50,000
An Ontario seller added Schedule B to a signed offer the next morning. And a court ruled it created a new counteroffer, letting buyers walk and the sellers lose their deposit and another $25,000 on resale.
September 8, 2024
ReadCase law4 min read
Langen v. Sharma: How the Entire Agreement Clause Derailed a $2.9 Million Home Sale
An Ontario court ruled an "entire agreement" clause overrode buyers' misrepresentation claim about higher-than-advertised property taxes. Costing them their deposit and $425,000 in damages.
August 10, 2024
ReadReal estate law3 min read
Important Update: Changes to NOSIs Affecting Ontario Real Estate Transactions
Ontario's Bill 200 prohibits registering Notices of Security Interests for consumer goods on title. Real estate agents and mortgage brokers now need PPSA searches to catch undisclosed rental equipment.
June 8, 2024
ReadClause & Effect
Stay current on Ontario real estate.
Short, useful, plain-English. Every Tuesday.