Michael J. Abrams
2301 Carling Avenue K2B 7G3 Ottawa, ON, Canada

The Ontario Government has amended the list of essential businesses who are permitted to operate a physical location (with some restrictions). Real Estate agents and lawyers continue to be deemed essential and the land registry system will continue to operate. I believe that mortgage professionals fall under 16(ii): "Banking/credit union activities including credit intermediation." Residential construction is permitted under certain conditions outlined at No. 30 of the new list which you can access below.

Lawyers, Realtors and Mortgage Professionals are essential.

Hi everyone, First and foremost I hope that everyone is healthy and safe. In light of the uncertainty surrounding every facet of our lives I wanted to ensure everyone that our office is open and really, willing and able to provide any service you and your clients need. ... We have adapted to the current social distancing mandates and as such have largely moved to electronic communications as well as phone and video calls. There are some instances where original signatures are required, such as real estate closings. To accomplish this while again respecting social distancing we have instituted "drive in" meetings at our 2301 Carling Avenue location. Clients will be sent documents electronically and can review them over the phone with a lawyer. The clients will then come to the office and use one of the designated spots in the parking lot. Documents will be brought down and left outside their car door. They can then sign them, with their own pens or a brand new pen supplied by our office with the documents, and place them back outside their car door to be picked up again by one of our lawyers or clerks. So far this system has been working well though we are always looking for ways to improve upon it. The biggest message though is that we are here and ready, willing and able to help. We remain committed to you and your clients. If you have any questions about anything or just want to chat feel free to call or email me directly. I am committed to maintain an attitude of "relentless positivity" and am confident that things will get better soon, especially with all of us working together for the common good.

I have started to see warnings of possible insurance premium increases in status certificates recently here in Ottawa. I am hopeful that it won't be as dramatic as the situation some BC condo corporations are currently facing but it is definitely something to be mindful of for everyone who deals with condos. It is also more evidence as to why a proper status certificate review is absolutely essential before a buyer firms up on a conditional offer or submits an unconditional offer to buy a condo unit.

Today presents us Canadians with a chance to exercise our democratic rights and cast a vote in the federal election. I know there has a been a lot of cynicism ...regarding the election but that should not stop you from voting. I don't care who you vote for, or who you vote against but please do vote. You don't have be registered ahead of time. Details of where and how to properly cast you ballot can be found here: www.elections.ca See more

What a busy week!!! Everyone at our office is doing an amazing job to ensure deals get closed and clients are happy. So we got lunch for the office from our neighbour Golden Palace Restaurant down the road. I have heard the egg rolls are ok. #cutinhalfandburntatbothends. #protip

She's doing it!! My amazing wife Nat Alie is leading an intrepid group to Nicaragua with SchoolBOX to literally build a school! I am beyond proud of her tenacity, determination and perseverance. As you can see below donations are still being accepted and tax receipts are on offer for everything above $20. It's also not too late if you have itch to play a part in the global community and help some deserving kiddos in Nicaragua get an education. Nat Alie can give you all the details!

Great SchoolBOX community event in Pakenham providing lunches to kids in Wabauskang First Nations.

This is becoming more and more common. As home prices increase and mortgage rules become more restrictive we're seeing parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and any other family members you can imagine helping with home buying. Whether it is a monetary gift or being a cosigner on a mortgage (and by extension on title to the property) to satisfy a lender's requirements home buyers are getting some help with greater frequency. It is very important to ensure everything is st...ructured properly and everyone is one the same page. My advice is to get an agreement in writing. It is a lot easier to agree to things while everyone is getting along!

As a seller you may not legally have to disclose a past flood if you're selling your home but my advice remains unchanged: When in doubt... disclose! For a buyer ask direct and specific questions about any matters that you are concerned about. Sellers have a positive obligation to provide full and complete answers to any and all questions asked. My opinion is also included in the video clip below.

Nat Alie and I are getting ready for her trip to Nicaragua in July to build a school and increase the access to education in Nicaragua. Educational opportunities throughout the world are a cause we both care deeply about. Nat Alie has traveled to Malawi and Nicaragua to put her boots on the ground and hands in the dirt to increase the number of kiddos who have a safe, healthy and supportive environment to learn, develop and discover just how big their potential can be. If... you've ever considered a "volunteer vacation" reach out and we can give you the details on the upcoming build trip in July. Looking to help but like myself can't make the trip this summer? Contributions are always welcome and appreciated and can be made here: www.schoolbox.ca/fromthegroundup . Tax receipts for all donations of $20 or more. Feel free to share this far and wide and tag Nat Alie so we can show her just how much support there is for her and her incredible dedication to education and giving back.

Ever needed to find info on a condo corporation in Ontario? Who manages it? How many units are there? Who are the directors?... The answers are now available free to everyone through the searchable database established under the new Condominium Authority of Ontario. Great tool for realtors, mortgage professionals and lawyers!

All ready for 2 days of continuing legal education to make sure I am on top of the latest developments in real estate law. Learning never stops!