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
16
NOV
2016

Building a Home? Don’t Forget About the Builders Lien Act

Building a home? If you haven’t considered the Builders Lien Act requirements, you should! Building a new home can be an incredibly exciting experience and will give a land owner the opportunity to work with builders, designers, and many others in the industry.  The level of...
01
NOV
2016

Statutory Building Schemes

It is no secret to our industry associates that we recommend having a lawyer review the contract, title search and property disclosure statement (and other ancillary documents) on a purchase of real estate prior to conditions being removed (and of course having appropriate...
11
OCT
2016

Your New Mortgage: When and how can it be paid out?

We have come across a few mortgages lately that provide for very restrictive prepayment rights.  Many mortgages will limit early repayment, without payment of a prepayment charge, to a certain percentage of the original principal amount and/or to increases to the regular payments...
17
JUL
2015

Personal Real Estate Corporations – Finally, the benefits of a corporation for real estate licensees

On January 1, 2009 British Columbia became the first province in Canada to allow licensed realtors to incorporate using Personal Real Estate Corporations (“PRECs”). Prior to January 1, 2009, real estate licensees did not have access to the benefits of incorporation that are...
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...
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...