PILLAR 03 · EXPERT INSIGHTS Interview EP 115

Ontario Real Estate Closing Traps: Legal Essentials with Geoff Rabideau

with Geoff Rabideau , Principal Lawyer and Owner , Rabideau Law

LISTEN ON ▶ YouTube

52 min · August 4, 2026 · 2 views

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Why closing on a Friday is a dangerous mistake for buyers.
How title insurance protects you from identity theft and fraudulent title transfers.
The legal steps to take if a seller cannot close due to a money judgment.
How to use a caution on title to protect your interest in a property.
The impact of the new HST rebate rules for first-time home buyers in Ontario.
How to evaluate a real estate lawyer beyond just their quoted legal fee.

Show Notes

Timestamps 8

Questions Answered 4

Mentioned In This Episode 3

Closing a real estate deal should be a moment of celebration, but for many Ontario investors, it turns into a legal nightmare. From sellers who can't close due to unexpected judgments to the terrifying reality of title fraud, the risks are real and often avoidable with the right legal preparation.

In this episode, Dalia Barsoum sits down with one of Canada's most active real estate lawyers, Geoff Rabideau. Together, they dive deep into the hidden traps of the closing process, including the "Friday Trap," the importance of title insurance, and how to navigate the new HST rebate rules for first-time homebuyers.

00:00:00 Introduction: Real Estate Nightmares & Deal Killers → 03:11 What a real estate lawyer actually does behind the scenes → 09:42 What to do if the seller cannot close & negotiating judgments → 16:04 Powers of sale & why you must not delay calling your lender → 18:20 Title Insurance: Protecting yourself against title fraud and hidden liens → 26:04 The New HST Rebate for First-Time Home Buyers explained → 36:08 The biggest legal mistakes: Friday closings & skipping bridge financing → 42:45 How to pick the right real estate lawyer and avoid padded disbursements →

Why should I avoid closing on a Friday?

Closing on a Friday is a mistake because a delayed mortgage can leave you paying for expensive weekend accommodations if the funds do not clear in time.

What is title insurance and why do I need it?

Title insurance protects against identity theft, fraud, unregistered construction liens, and unpaid utility bills. It is even beneficial for cash buyers to protect their equity from fraudsters.

What can I do if a seller is unable to close because they are "underwater"?

You can negotiate with the judgment creditor to take a portion of the sale proceeds, or you can register a caution on the title to protect your firm agreement.

How long does a caution on title last?

A caution lasts for 60 days, but it can be renewed every 60 days to maintain protection.

CRA form RC7190-GST190
First-Time Home Buyer HST Rebate Table
rabideaulaw.ca