Service - Property Law
Residential Real Estate
Protecting Your Investments
The purchase or sale of a property is one of the most important decisions an individual or family can make. For many of us, it is also our largest single investment. Lawyers are essential in real estate closings as they help protect your interests in the purchase or sale of real estate. They also work with other professionals, including your real estate agent, mortgage broker, and lender, to ensure the transaction is successful and completed in a timely manner.
At DLG, our Real Estate Lawyers are committed to making your real estate closing as smooth and stress free as possible. We are experienced in real estate purchases and sales of all sizes, including homes, condominiums, cottages or any other kind of residential property in BC. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff of lawyers and paralegals is readily available to answer all of your real estate questions both before and after closing.
The Composition of the Practise
Dominion Law’s services in the field of Residential Real Estate.
All Areas
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Property law involves legal principles and regulations governing the ownership, use, and transfer of real property.
Drafting an Agreement of Purchase and Sale is a crucial aspect of property law, as it establishes the terms and conditions under which a buyer agrees to purchase a property from a seller. This legal document outlines various details, including the parties involved, property description, purchase price, deposit, conditions, and timelines for completion.
It also addresses contingencies such as financing, inspections, and title searches. The Agreement of Purchase and Sale is carefully crafted to protect the interests of both parties and ensure a smooth and transparent transaction. Legal professionals involved in property law utilize their expertise to draft a comprehensive and legally binding agreement that accurately reflects the intentions and obligations of the parties involved in the sale of real property.
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Mortgage drafting is a significant aspect of property law, as it involves the creation and documentation of a mortgage agreement between a borrower (mortgagor) and a lender (mortgagee).
The mortgage document outlines the terms and conditions under which the borrower obtains a loan secured by the property. It includes details such as the loan amount, interest rate, repayment terms, rights and obligations of both parties, and provisions for default and foreclosure.
Mortgage drafting requires a comprehensive understanding of property law, financial regulations, and contractual principles to ensure the document accurately reflects the parties' intentions and protects their interests. Legal professionals specializing in property law play a vital role in drafting mortgages that provide clarity, security, and enforceability for both borrowers and lenders involved in real estate financing transactions.
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In the context of property law, a private mortgage refers to a mortgage agreement that is established between private individuals or entities, rather than a traditional financial institution.
In a private mortgage, the lender (often referred to as the private mortgage holder) provides a loan to the borrower secured by a property as collateral. The terms and conditions of the private mortgage, including the loan amount, interest rate, repayment schedule, and other provisions, are negotiated and agreed upon between the parties involved.
Private mortgages offer flexibility and alternative financing options outside of traditional lending channels. However, it is crucial for both parties to ensure compliance with applicable property laws, meet necessary regulatory requirements, and properly document the mortgage agreement to protect their rights and interests in the property. Legal professionals with expertise in property law play a significant role in advising and assisting individuals or entities in navigating the complexities of private mortgage transactions.
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Refinancing, within the context of property law, refers to the process of replacing an existing mortgage with a new loan on the same property. When refinancing, a borrower seeks to obtain better loan terms, lower interest rates, or access the equity built in the property.
The refinancing process involves negotiating with a new lender, assessing the property's value, conducting a title search, and executing a new mortgage agreement.
Property law ensures that the refinancing process adheres to legal requirements, protects the rights of both the borrower and lender, and maintains the integrity of property ownership. Legal professionals specializing in property law play a vital role in guiding borrowers through the refinancing process, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, and facilitating a smooth transaction that meets the needs and goals of the parties involved.
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Title searching is an essential aspect of property law that involves conducting thorough investigations to determine the history and validity of a property's title.
During a title search, legal professionals or title search companies examine public records, such as deeds, mortgages, liens, and encumbrances, to ascertain the chain of ownership, any potential claims or disputes, and any existing legal issues affecting the property. The purpose of title searching is to ensure that the seller has clear and marketable title to the property, free from any undisclosed liens or encumbrances that may jeopardize the buyer's ownership rights. By conducting a comprehensive title search, property buyers and lenders can identify and resolve any title defects or legal concerns before completing a transaction, thereby protecting their interests and ensuring a secure and valid transfer of property ownership.
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Family transfer, within the context of property law, refers to the process of transferring ownership of property from one family member to another. This transfer can occur due to various reasons, such as estate planning, gifting, or as part of a divorce settlement.
Family transfers often involve close relationships and personal ties, and special considerations may apply to ensure fairness, compliance with tax laws, and the protection of everyone's interests. Legal professionals specializing in property law play a crucial role in facilitating family transfers by providing guidance on the legal requirements, tax implications, and documentation necessary for a smooth and lawful transfer of property. Family transfers in property law aim to enable families to manage their property holdings, plan for the future, and address specific family circumstances in a manner that respects their wishes and protects their rights under the law.
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Property law encompasses the legal principles and regulations governing the ownership, use, and transfer of real property. Estate transfer, within the context of property law, refers to the process of transferring ownership of property upon the death of an individual.
It involves the distribution of the decedent's assets, including real estate, to their beneficiaries or heirs as outlined in their estate plan, will, or through the laws of intestacy if no valid will exists. Estate transfers often involve complex legal procedures, including probate, estate administration, and the transfer of title to the rightful beneficiaries.
Legal professionals specializing in property law play a critical role in assisting with estate transfers by ensuring compliance with applicable laws, facilitating the transfer of property titles, resolving disputes, and providing guidance on tax implications and estate planning strategies. Estate transfers in property law aim to ensure the orderly and lawful transfer of property upon a person's death, honoring their wishes and protecting the rights of beneficiaries and heirs in the distribution of their assets.
Service - Property Law
Commercial Real Estate
Protecting Your Ventures
DLG Real Estate and Business Lawyers have broad experience in the acquisition, development, use, and operation of commercial properties. We represent developers, landlords and tenants, individuals, and corporations interested in purchasing, selling or leasing commercial real estate. We are mindful of our clients’ money: we look for the most practical, cost-effective solutions that will meet our clients’ objectives.
The Composition of the Practise
Dominion Law’s services in the field of Commercial Real Estate.
All Areas
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Commercial property law ensures that leases are drafted in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, protects the interests of both landlords and tenants, and facilitates fair and transparent transactions in the commercial real estate sector.
Legal professionals specializing in commercial property law play a crucial role in negotiating and drafting leases, advising on lease terms, resolving disputes, and ensuring that both parties adhere to their contractual obligations. Commercial property leases aim to establish clear guidelines and protect the rights of both landlords and tenants in commercial property transactions.
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Commercial property law pertaining to assignments involves the legal principles and regulations governing the transfer of rights and obligations under a commercial lease from one party to another.
An assignment occurs when a tenant transfers their leasehold interest to a new tenant, who assumes the rights and responsibilities outlined in the original lease agreement. Assignments typically require the consent of the landlord and involve a formal assignment agreement between the existing tenant (assignor), the new tenant (assignee), and the landlord.
Commercial property law ensures that assignments are conducted in accordance with contractual terms, legal requirements, and the rights of all parties involved. Legal professionals specializing in commercial property law play a crucial role in facilitating assignments by advising on the legal implications, negotiating terms, drafting assignment agreements, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws. Assignments in commercial property law provide tenants with flexibility in managing their leasehold interests and enable the transfer of lease obligations to new parties with the consent and approval of the landlord.
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Commercial property law pertaining to construction contracts involves the legal principles and regulations governing agreements between property owners (clients) and construction contractors for the construction or renovation of commercial properties.
Construction contracts outline the scope of work, project timeline, payment terms, warranties, and other essential provisions. These contracts establish the rights and obligations of both parties and provide legal protection and remedies in case of disputes or breaches of contract.
Commercial property law ensures that construction contracts adhere to applicable regulations, building codes, and safety standards. Legal professionals specializing in commercial property law play a vital role in drafting and negotiating construction contracts, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and addressing potential issues that may arise during the construction process. Construction contracts in commercial property law aim to facilitate successful and legally sound construction projects, protect the interests of property owners, and provide a framework for effective communication and dispute resolution between clients and contractors
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Commercial property law pertaining to joint ventures involves the legal principles and regulations governing partnerships or collaborations between two or more parties for the purpose of jointly owning, developing, or managing commercial properties.
Joint ventures in commercial property law typically involve the pooling of resources, expertise, and capital to pursue a specific real estate project or investment opportunity. These ventures are governed by joint venture agreements that outline the rights, responsibilities, and profit-sharing arrangements between the parties involved. Commercial property law ensures that joint ventures are structured in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, protect the interests of all parties, and provide mechanisms for dispute resolution and decision-making.
Legal professionals specializing in commercial property law play a crucial role in advising on joint venture structures, negotiating and drafting joint venture agreements, addressing legal and regulatory requirements, and protecting the rights of joint venture partners. Joint ventures in commercial property law aim to facilitate strategic partnerships, maximize investment opportunities, and leverage the collective expertise and resources of the parties involved in commercial real estate projects.
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Mortgage financing in commercial property law refers to the process by which a borrower obtains a loan from a lender, typically a financial institution, with the commercial property serving as collateral. This involves the negotiation and execution of a mortgage agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the loan, including the loan amount, interest rate, repayment schedule, and rights and obligations of both the borrower and lender.
Commercial property law ensures that mortgage financing transactions comply with applicable laws and regulations, protect the interests of both parties, and establish mechanisms for default and foreclosure in case of non-payment.
Legal professionals specializing in commercial property law play a crucial role in facilitating mortgage financing by advising on legal requirements, assisting with due diligence, drafting mortgage agreements, and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks. Mortgage financing in commercial property law enables businesses and individuals to secure funding for commercial real estate acquisitions, expansions, or refinancing, while safeguarding the rights and interests of all parties involved.
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Transactional due diligence in commercial property law typically involves a comprehensive review of relevant documents, records, and information related to the property, such as ownership history, title deeds, leases, contracts, permits, zoning regulations, environmental assessments, and financial statements.
The purpose of transactional due diligence is to identify any potential risks, liabilities, or issues that may affect the property's value, marketability, or future use.
Legal professionals specializing in commercial property law play a crucial role in conducting transactional due diligence by examining the relevant legal and financial documentation, conducting searches, coordinating with other professionals such as surveyors and environmental consultants, and providing advice and recommendations to their clients. Transactional due diligence in commercial property law enables buyers, sellers, and investors to make informed decisions, negotiate favorable terms, and mitigate risks associated with commercial property transactions.
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Landlord and tenant disputes in commercial property law can encompass a wide range of issues, including non-payment of rent, lease violations, property maintenance and repairs, lease renewals or terminations, disputes over lease terms, and eviction proceedings. Commercial property law provides a framework for addressing these disputes, protecting the rights of both landlords and tenants, and ensuring fair and equitable resolutions.
Legal professionals specializing in commercial property law play a crucial role in assisting landlords and tenants in navigating these disputes by providing legal advice, negotiating settlements, representing clients in litigation, and interpreting and enforcing lease agreements. Resolving landlord and tenant disputes in commercial property law aims to maintain the integrity of the landlord-tenant relationship, protect the investment and interests of property owners, and provide a fair and stable environment for business operations in commercial properties.
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Commercial property law pertaining to PPSA (Personal Property Security Act) and other security matters involves the legal principles and regulations governing the creation, registration, and enforcement of security interests in personal property.
The PPSA is a legislation that establishes a framework for securing and prioritizing interests in movable assets, such as equipment, inventory, intellectual property, and receivables. It provides rules and procedures for registering security interests, determining priority between competing creditors, and enforcing rights in the event of default or insolvency.
Commercial property law also encompasses other security matters, such as mortgages, liens, guarantees, and bonds, which are used to secure financial obligations and protect the rights of creditors. Legal professionals specializing in commercial property law play a vital role in advising clients on the requirements and implications of the PPSA and other security instruments, assisting with the drafting and registration of security documents, conducting due diligence on security interests, and representing clients in the resolution of disputes or enforcement proceedings.
Commercial property law related to PPSA and other security matters aims to establish clarity, certainty, and fairness in securing interests in personal property, thereby protecting the rights of creditors and promoting a stable and reliable commercial environment.