Land Registration

lola — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:12:54 -0700

On December 1, 2004, Halifax Regional Municipality came under the new Land Registry system. The Land Registration Act was passed as part of an initiative designed to move the previously paper-based process for tracking land ownership, into an electronic, streamlined system. Land became parcel-based rather than names-based as had been the case.

The intent of the system is to create a record for each parcel of land in Nova Scotia that will allow a person to view every interest pertaining to that parcel using only the unique parcel identification number, the owner’s name or the civic address.

Once the parcel is migrated into the land registration system, no more root of title searches is required! The new land registration guarantees title to the property owner. It does not however guarantee the boundaries of a parcel.

Pursuant to s.46(1) of the LRA, there are some transactions which trigger a mandatory migration from the old system into the new parcel-based system. These are “transfer for value”, mortgaging, and subdivision of three or more lots or any certificate of title pursuant to the Land Titles Clarification Act or the Quieting Titles Act. If the transaction falls under one of the above, then the property in question will have to be migrated or converted to the Land Registration system..

First Time Home Buyers

lola — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:18:57 -0700

Overview of the Purchase Transaction

Purchasing a home for the first time can be a very intimidating experience. So many houses, so many people with to do lists for you and no idea where to start. The reality is that you will become part of a team of people, all of whom are working towards helping you achieve your goal. Turn to these people whenever you have a question. Each has their own area of expertise, but all of them work together. Your main players will be your agent, your lender, and your lawyer. And don’t forget the ancillary members of the team, such as your inspector, your insurance broker, your surveyor.

Main players

Usually Home Buyers will start by daydreaming of their perfect home. You will probably spend many hours on MLS searching the database. At some point in time, you will contact an agent to represent you. Your agent will set up property viewings and help you through the process. Your agent is also responsible for translating your Offer to Buy to the Vendor and to negotiate on your behalf when you have settled on a property. If you have no agent, then this will be left to yourself and your legal counsel. This will manifest itself in an Agreement of Purchase and Sale.