Touchstone Law Group LLP
#208 – 1664 Richter Street
Kelowna, B.C., V1Y 8N3
Office Tel: (250) 448-2637
Toll Free: 1 (855) 889-2637
Direct Fax: (778) 484-7101
info@touchstone.law
21
OCT
2014

Property Transfer Tax and the First Time Homebuyers’ Exemption

One of the most common areas of questioning that we receive as real estate lawyers surrounds the topic of the First Time Homebuyers’ Exemption (“FTHB”) for Property Transfer Tax (“PTT”).  In British Columbia, property transfers registered in the Land Title Office are generally...
30
SEP
2014

Carriage Houses, Subdivisions and Stratifications

Carriage houses are a trend in Kelowna right now.  Many people are out there looking for great properties that can accommodate a carriage house for the purpose of providing rental income or, alternatively, a property with the potential of being subdivided or stratified so that...
25
SEP
2014

Building Schemes and Covenants

Whether purchasing property in Kelowna or elsewhere, reviewing title to the property you wish to buy is always important. It is common to see Statutory Rights of Way in favor of major utility providers or the municipality or City where the property is located, however you should...
16
SEP
2014

Well Water, Real Estate Deals and Water Potability Tests

If a buyer is considering purchasing a property which uses a well as it’s drinking water source, there are a number of careful considerations to keep in mind throughout the process.  Health Canada sets very restrictive guidelines about the content of drinking water.  Many lenders...
08
SEP
2014

The RPR / Survey Catch 22

With the improved transit between northern Alberta and the Okanagan, many Albertans are considering selling their real estate in Alberta and moving to the Okanagan for a warmer lifestyle.  Why not take advantage of the northern Alberta economic boom and enjoy the Okanagan...
20
AUG
2014

How do you help prevent being deemed a Personal Services Business?

In our last article, we spoke about what a “personal service business” (PSB) is.  This time let’s look at how a corporation can help prevent being deemed a PSB. Some seem to view incorporation as “proof” of independent contractor status. While being incorporated...
13
AUG
2014

What is a Personal Services Business? And why do I care?

In certain industries, particularly the resource sector (including oil and gas), there has been a trend toward companies who wish to hire new workers, requiring those workers to first incorporate their own company (“NewCo”) to be engaged as a contractor.  The hiring...
28
JUL
2014

Understanding Legal Fees on Real Estate Transactions

We frequently get asked questions about legal fees on real estate transactions. There are a number of factors that can impact the cost of your real estate deal including, but not limited to, the following: What type of file it is – purchase, construction mortgage, sale, or...
22
JUL
2014

I’m buying a new home! When should I look into home insurance?

Prospective buyers who are looking at purchasing a home should consider the need to get home insurance in place early in the process. For buyers who are getting a mortgage to purchase the home, confirmation of acceptable insurance is required prior to closing. We recommend that...
10
JUL
2014

Committee Applications

A Committee application may be necessary when a person by reason of mental infirmity arising from disease, age or otherwise, becomes incapable of managing his or her own affairs and the requisite estate planning documents are not already in place ( i.e. enduring power of attorney...