Residential Real Estate Conference 2024: Advanced Analysis and Best Practices

Course Chairs
Timothy J. Lack — Redpoint Law LLP, Vancouver
Lisa Niro — Bell Alliance LLP, Vancouver

About the Course Chairs
Tim Lack has been the responsible lawyer for over 8,000 real estate transactions, acting for banks, credit unions and many other institutional and private lenders. His work with private lenders is extensive and he has been asked to provide expert opinions on private lending issues for litigation lawyers. He has lectured on several occasions to other lawyers on this subject.

On the real estate side of his practice, Tim has been involved in residential and commercial conveyancing, land assemblies, office and industrial leasing, including landlord and tenant disputes. As part of his real estate development work, Tim has counselled clients from acquisition, through development and to final sales on condo projects, including mixed use and hotel developments.

Tim represents hundreds of clients in all areas of business and commercial deals and is well experienced in the issues surrounding the purchase and sale of businesses.

Finally, his wills and estates practice continues to grow and Tim prides himself on providing delicate and trusted advice to his clients in this area of law.

Lisa Niro, a partner at Bell Alliance LLP, practices in the area of real estate. Having built a strong foundation in residential conveyancing, she now has a focus on commercial real estate transactions, commercial and private lending, development, and land assemblies. Lisa acts for developers, institutional and private lenders, as well as for individuals, corporations, and partnerships.

Before becoming a lawyer, Lisa worked as an urban planner and designer which allowed her to gain insight into the development industry and municipal approvals process.

Welcome
Alec Guerin — Musqueam Knowledge Keeper, Musqueam Indian Band, Vancouver

Alec Guerin is a dedicated student of Musqueam language and culture, immersing himself in the rich traditions and practices that define this Indigenous community. As an associate of the JWR Group, he plays a crucial role in supporting First Nations across BC and Canada, assisting them with negotiations and governance building. His work is rooted in fostering strong relationships and empowering Indigenous communities to assert their rights and navigate complex legal landscapes.

In addition to his professional commitments, Alec is passionate about creativity and expression. In his spare time, he embraces his role as a maker and storyteller, weaving narratives that reflect both contemporary experiences and ancestral wisdom. Through his storytelling, he aims to bridge cultures and inspire others to appreciate the depth and diversity of Indigenous heritage. Alec's multifaceted interests and commitment to community empowerment make him a valuable advocate for Indigenous rights and culture.

Featured Speaker
Bryan Yu — AVP Chief Economist, Central 1 Credit Union, Vancouver

As Central 1’s Chief Economist, Bryan Yu leads a team of economists conducting macro- and regional economic analysis for the organization and the broader credit union system. He authors many of the team's flagship economic and housing outlook reports and weekly notes. Bryan speaks regularly at credit union and industry events and is frequently contacted by media to provide national and provincial economic commentary. Within Central 1, he also sits on various risk and treasury committees, manages construction of forward-looking indicators for IFRS9, and analysis of credit union system financial performance. Bryan joined Central 1 in 2010, and previously worked as a housing economist for the BC Real Estate Association and CMHC. Bryan holds a MA in Economics from Simon Fraser University and a BA from the University of Manitoba. He currently serves on the boards of SUCCESS, BC Paraplegic Foundation, and Canadian Association for Business Economics.

Faculty
Matthew S. Both — Bleay Both Uppal LLP Vancouver
Daniel Byma — Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Vancouver
Michael Drouillard — Drouillard Lawyers, Vancouver
Evan Drygas — Richard Ledding Law Corporation, Vancouver
Mikis Manolis — Hammerco Lawyers LLP, Vancouver
Zheting Su — Thorsteinssons LLP, Vancouver
Bruce D. Woolley, KC — Barrister & Solicitor, Surrey

Click here for full faculty bios

• retainers and initial client communication
• the "done deal" contract and the limited scope retainer
• duty of care, limiting liability, and reducing errors
• distilling the checklist for that file
• issues with identifying the clients
• duties of other parties and duties owed to other parties
• searches and investigations

• strata property issues
• unregistered issues
• surveys, inspections, and appraisals
• zoning issues, strata due diligence, and parking issues
• exceptions to Indefeasible Title

• amendments
• repudiations
• vagueness and conflicting terms
• representation and warranties
• conditions precedents
• tenancies, implied terms, and special clauses

• GST
  • enhanced rental housing rebate
  • changes in use
  • sale of investment property by non-registrants—filing the return and claiming a rebate
  • flipped property rule for income tax—no equivalent for GST
• Speculation and Vacancy Tax/Vancouver Vacancy Tax/Underused Housing Tax
  
  • proof of tenancy and residency
  • proof of income (for SVT)
  • stacked ownership structures
• Additional Property Transfer Tax
  
  • tracing of funds
  • foreign entity holding beneficial interest

• financing issues
• insurance issues
• undertakings
• delivery of funds
• late closings
• tenant and occupancy issues

• protecting the client's interest
• taking and getting instructions 
• tendering
• remedies and damages
• preparing for litigation