Latest news with #RobertSaunders
National Post
22-07-2025
- Business
- National Post
Ownright Introduces Canada's First Digital Status Certificate Review
Article content Want to know if your future condo is facing a lawsuit or fee hike? Now you can, digitally and in plain language, right in Ownright's client portal. Article content TORONTO — Ownright, Ontario's trusted law service for real estate transactions, today announced the launch of its fully digital Status Certificate Review, a first-of-its-kind solution designed to bring transparency, simplicity, and accessibility to one of the most complex and overlooked parts of the condo buying process. Article content In urban markets like Toronto and Vancouver, over 50% of occupied dwellings are condominiums. Despite this, status certificate reviews—a legal requirement in all Ontario condo transactions—have remained stuck in the past. Buyers often receive dense documents or verbal summaries that fail to provide clarity. Ownright's new digital review replaces this outdated process with a clear, modern experience that empowers buyers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. Article content 'Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions people make, and status certificates can feel like a black box,' said Robert Saunders, CEO of Ownright. 'Too often, buyers are simply told, 'you're good to go' without knowing why. We've opened that box and built something digital, readable, and designed for real people.' Article content The digital review breaks down the status certificate into six core areas: Article content Each section is written in plain language and includes helpful context and tips, and is all delivered through Ownright's secure client portal. Buyers no longer have to rely on vague summaries or decipher dense legal documents. They can now log in, review the facts, and understand exactly what they're signing up for. Article content This new feature doesn't just benefit buyers—it supports real estate professionals, mortgage advisors and legal teams by streamlining communication and reducing confusion. When buyers better understand the risks and obligations, they're more confident, more efficient, and more prepared to close. Most importantly, it gives buyers agency in a process that has traditionally left them in the dark. Article content The introduction of the Status Certificate Review completes Ownright's end-to-end digital platform: from legal quotes and intake to document signing and now, status review, every step can be completed online with expert legal support. This is part of Ownright's larger mission to digitize every step of the real estate legal process. Article content Ownright is Ontario's trusted law service for real estate transactions, designed to simplify home transactions through seamless automation, expert legal guidance, and a client-first approach. With thousands of transactions completed and over $1 billion in total transaction value, Ownright is the trusted legal partner for homebuyers, sellers, and real estate professionals across Ontario. Previously Doormat, the company rebranded to Ownright in 2025. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Media Contact: Article content Article content Article content
CTV News
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
Dangerous intersection in Innisfil slated to have traffic lights installed
Traffic lights are coming to a dangerous intersection in Innisfil at Big Bay Point Road and 20 Sideroad. Traffic lights are coming to a dangerous intersection in Innisfil at Big Bay Point Road and 20 Sideroad. Big Bay Point Road and 20th Sideroad, an Innisfil intersection that has seen increased crashes, is slated to get traffic lights after the town turned pressure from nearby residents into action. The intersection has become more than just any rural junction. The two-way stop is situated along the Barrie-Innisfil boundary and has seen increased volume with population growth, and as the main artery between Barrie and Friday Harbour Resort. '(In) a lot of the accidents that happen here, the person at-fault always says, 'I thought it was a four-way stop,'' said nearby resident Megan Varga. While the town installed big red stop signs and flashing red lights to slow traffic on 20th Sideroad, east-west traffic has been free to flow at high speeds along the 80 km/h zone of Big Bay Point Road. 'It's a bad accident zone,' admitted Robert Saunders, Ward 6 councillor for the Town of Innisfil. One of those accidents took the life of Chris Conyers in 2016. South Simcoe police confirmed steady increases in crashes at the intersection, with four in 2023, 11 in 2024 and three through April of this year. The town told CTV News the total for this year has reached seven. Meanwhile, Varga garnered more than 600 signatures in a petition to take action toward making the intersection safer - and the town responded. Council voted unanimously last month to bring traffic lights to the intersection three years earlier than planned. 'I was sitting at home watching the council meeting on YouTube, and I cheered pretty loud. I scared the dog,' said Varga. 'I'm very excited that we're going to move forward with something a lot sooner than expected.' Temporary traffic lights will first be installed, followed by permanent lights and an eventual redevelopment of the intersection, a project estimated at $200,000. 'We're taking residents seriously with their reports,' continued Saunders. 'The Traffic Safety Committee put it through Councillor (Fred) Drodge and the mayor spearheading it with me. So we pushed it through a little bit faster than it should've been.' The South Simcoe Police Service (SSPS), meanwhile, reminds drivers that road safety is a shared responsibility. 'Signalized intersections have the potential to improve the flow of traffic, visibility, and minimize confusion that can occur where right-of-way may not be immediately clear,' said Sgt. Matthew Kernen from the SSPS Traffic and Marine Unit, in his statement to CTV News. 'While traffic infrastructure such as this one can contribute to safer road conditions, road safety remains a shared responsibility. All road users are reminded to stay alert of your surroundings and obey traffic signals at all times.' CTV News reached out to the Conyers family, who did not wish to be interviewed, but did confirm they are happy this is happening. The town expects to have the temporary lights set up by this fall and plans to install permanent lights and complete the redevelopment of the intersection by 2028.
National Post
17-06-2025
- Business
- National Post
Ownright Launches Developer Platform to Power Canadian Proptechs
Article content This new platform enables proptechs to integrate Ownright's trusted legal services directly into their products, improving transaction speed, transparency, and client experience Article content TORONTO — Ownright, Ontario's trusted legaltech company for real estate transactions, today announced the launch of the Ownright Developer Platform, a suite of APIs and tools that allows proptech companies to embed legal closing services directly into their platforms. By opening up its infrastructure, Ownright is empowering developers to build seamless, client-first closing experiences at scale. Article content As Canada's proptech market continues its rapid expansion, expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.6% from 2023 to 2030, the need for interoperable, scalable solutions has never been more urgent. The Ownright Developer Platform offers exactly that, a foundational infrastructure that allows forward-thinking real estate companies to deliver more cohesive client experiences, streamline operations, and build innovative digital workflows around real estate closings. Article content 'Buying a home is one of the biggest moments in someone's life, and we want to make that experience better, not just through Ownright, but by supporting the platforms people already trust,' said Robert Saunders, co-founder and CEO of Ownright. 'This launch is about helping our partners grow by giving them the tools to build smoother, more transparent closing experiences right into their products. We're proud to play a meaningful role in shaping a more seamless homeownership journey for Canadians.' Article content With the Ownright Developer Platform, proptech companies can seamlessly embed trusted legal services into their products. This plug-and-play infrastructure streamlines operations, reduces manual work, and provides real-time visibility into transactions, helping partners scale faster and deliver a transparent, digital-first experience to users. Article content 'As a tech-first real estate brokerage, values seamless communication and digital efficiency – areas where Ownright truly excels,' said Senthu Velnayagam, co-founder and CEO of 'In an industry often slowed by outdated processes, their transparent and user-friendly closing experience has been a breath of fresh air for our team, agents, and clients. Now, with the launch of their developer portal, we can integrate Ownright directly into search platform and enhance our planned client portal. We're very excited about this update as it will empower our clients with timely access to critical information and resources, and help us build an even better client experience.' Article content This launch reinforces Ownright's broader mission to simplify the homeownership journey by making real estate transactions more accessible, transparent, and efficient. By empowering partners with easy-to-integrate legal solutions, Ownright is not only enhancing the closing experience for buyers, sellers, and agents but also driving a digital transformation that benefits the entire Canadian real estate ecosystem. Article content To learn more, please visit: About Ownright Ownright is Ontario's trusted law service for real estate transactions, designed to simplify home transactions through seamless automation, expert legal guidance, and a client-first approach. With thousands of transactions completed and nearly $1 billion in total transaction value, Ownright is the trusted legal partner for homebuyers, sellers, and real estate professionals across Ontario. Previously Doormat, the company rebranded to Ownright in 2025. For more information, visit Article content Article content Article content Article content Media Contact: Article content Article content Article content
Toronto Sun
27-05-2025
- Business
- Toronto Sun
Ready to buy a home? What experts say many buyers forget to consider first
Published May 27, 2025 • Last updated 4 minutes ago • 4 minute read Robert Saunders, CEO of Ownright, is shown in this handout photo. Photo by handout / THE CANADIAN PRESS A down payment is a big step for homebuyers, but definitely not the only one. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account As a realtor in the Halifax market, Sandra Pike estimates less than half of buyers she sees are actually ready to buy a home. Many have some of the pieces in place, but not the full suite. 'A lot of them say, 'Okay, I've made a decision' and take a look at houses,' said Pike, from The Pike Group at Royal LePage Atlantic. 'And people want to write offers and then go get their financing in place. 'But as a first-time homebuyer, if you write an offer on one of my listings, I am asking for your letter of approval. And if I don't have it, I don't want to look at your offer. I don't want to put my own sellers in conditional purgatory, waiting for you to get your financing together.' In addition to having a down payment, Pike explained, buyers should be working with an experienced mortgage broker who can help them with debt service ratios, and determine what they can actually afford. They should have a pre-approval — not just a pre-qualification — a great credit score, and a budget for everything else: closing costs, inspections, moving, insurance, and furniture. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We had someone the other day who wanted to purchase,' Pike said. 'She had $250,000 in cash — but really bad credit.' This prospective buyer was unable to obtain financing. Before the search for a new home, buyers should have some stability in their careers and the readiness to accept a major new responsibility, said Robert Saunders, CEO of Ownright, a service that helps homebuyers with the legal and logistical side of closing on a property. 'My advice would be to make sure you're looking at the full cost of ownership,' he said, adding that a lot of people aren't focused on things like closing fees and property maintenance costs. 'Home ownership is a big lifestyle shift, for some of those reasons, and also just the responsibility of having to carry a mortgage.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Condo buyers should have a professional legal review of the status certificate, which details financial and legal information about the unit and condo corporation, Saunders pointed out. First-time buyers don't anticipate some of the information in these certificates and what that means for their future costs. 'That can actually show you the historical trend of changes to maintenance fees, any issues in the building that might cause changes to your common expenses, and things like that,' Saunders said. 'We work a lot with that younger demographic buying condos _ that's one of the biggest things we see during the transaction process. People are surprised about these fees that they didn't really fully understand before taking ownership of their property.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Getting ready to buy means a lot of research and online calculators, he added — legal fees, mortgage insurance for buyers who don't have a 20 per cent minimum down payment, and land transfer taxes, from which some first-timers and provinces are exempt. Buyers also need to be prepared for a lifestyle change if they are pursuing cheaper property, Pike said, especially if they are moving from urban to rural. During the pandemic, she saw buyers fleeing Ontario and British Columbia, snapping up less expensive, rural properties in Nova Scotia. It did not go well for everyone, she said. Driving to a store or gym or doctor could take an hour. 'It's not just buying a house and, you know, looking at the ocean,' Pike said. 'Or buying something that's inexpensive. There are a lot of things that come with it, if you're buying rural.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Another thing that surprises buyers: a lot of homes need work. Unless you are fortunate enough to be in the high-end market, it's possible many listings within your price range could need tens of thousands in repairs, Pike said. Many buyers are not prepared for those costs, she added. Lastly, first-time home buyers should plan to stay in place for a minimum of three years, but ideally five or more, Pike said. If having children is in the future, wait to get a home with the extra bedroom; don't assume you can just upgrade in two years. Adding up the equity you've gained and potential price increases, but subtracting the costs of the transaction and realtor commissions — it's still three to five years to come out ahead, Pike said. The pandemic saw major price increases, she noted, but generally, most should plan to build equity over several years before selling and buying again. With everything else in place, buyers are ready if they are willing to ask for help from their team of professionals: broker, realtor, and lawyer. 'You're not afraid to ask questions or say 'I don't understand this,'' Pike said. 'Because this is a big deal.' Ontario Columnists Relationships Sunshine Girls Other Sports
National Post
21-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
Ownright Teams up With Royal LePage® as a Preferred Supplier
Article content As a dedicated preferred supplier, Ownright's legal real estate services will be available to Royal LePage sales professionals and clients across Ontario. Article content Article content TORONTO — Ownright, Ontario's trusted law service for real estate transactions, is proud to announce it has been selected as a Royal LePage preferred supplier of choice. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in Ownright's ongoing mission to work with traditional real estate organizations to provide innovative, digital-first legal tools that simplify and enhance the home buying and selling experience for Canadians. Article content 'We're thrilled to partner with Royal LePage to help their sales professionals streamline the legal side of real estate,' said Robert Saunders, CEO of Ownright. 'At Ownright, we're all about removing the hassle of long, complicated legal documents that no one wants to deal with. We want buying a home to be one of the best days of your life, and this partnership takes us one step closer to setting a new standard in Canadian real estate.' As a new member of Royal LePage's preferred supplier program, Ownright is excited to provide its innovative legal platform and expert support team to thousands of sales professionals and their clients across Ontario. By cutting through administrative red tape, eliminating unnecessary paperwork, and offering real-time updates, Ownright empowers clients and agents to stay in control and informed throughout the entire transaction process. Article content Ownright's services are designed to simplify and enhance the legal side of real estate transactions, offering: Article content Property Closings: Streamline the closing process with a clear, step-by-step approach, real-time tracking, and immediate access to legal experts. Flexible communication, exclusive promotions, and a personalized closing day experience ensure homebuyers and sellers enjoy a seamless, stress-free journey to home ownership. Mortgage Refinancing: Simplify the refinancing process with fast processing, transparent pricing, and expert legal guidance. Homeowners can confidently navigate complex terms, ensuring a smooth and efficient transaction from start to finish. Status Certificate Reviews: Get quick, thorough status certificate reviews tailored for condominium buyers. Legal experts provide valuable insights into financial obligations, helping clients make confident, informed purchasing decisions. Article content Ownright now offers exclusive benefits to Royal LePage clients and sales professionals, helping Canadians save on legal fees while receiving industry-leading service. Article content Additionally, Royal LePage sales professionals who register as Ownright Partners also gain access to a suite of tools designed to make real estate closings smoother and more collaborative. Article content These include: Article content 'Royal LePage is committed to working with innovative companies like Ownright to empower our network with forward-thinking tools that enhance the real estate experience for both clients and professionals,' said Sandra Webb, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Royal LePage. 'Ownright's digital-first approach to real estate law will help our sales professionals deliver faster, more transparent transactions, and ultimately provide greater value to Canadian homebuyers and sellers.' Article content With over a thousand successful transactions completed and more than 650 five-star Google reviews, Ownright has established itself as one of Ontario's most trusted providers of legal services for residential real estate. Article content For more information about Ownright, please visit To learn more about Royal LePage's preferred suppliers program, please contact partnerships@ Article content About Ownright Article content Ownright is Ontario's trusted law service for real estate transactions, designed to simplify home transactions through seamless automation, expert legal guidance, and a client-first approach. With thousands of transactions completed and nearly $1 billion in total transaction value, Ownright is the trusted legal partner for homebuyers, sellers, and real estate professionals across Ontario. Previously Doormat, the company rebranded to Ownright in 2025. Article content Serving Canadians since 1913, Royal LePage is the country's leading provider of services to real estate brokerages, with a network of approximately 20,000 real estate professionals in over 670 locations nationwide. Royal LePage is the only Canadian real estate company to have its own charitable foundation, the Royal LePage ® Shelter Foundation™, which has been dedicated to supporting women's shelters and domestic violence prevention programs for over 25 years. Royal LePage is a Bridgemarq Real Estate Services ® Inc. company, a TSX-listed corporation trading under the symbol TSX:BRE. For more information, please visit Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
