A former real estate agent has agreed to the cancellation of her licence and a $55,000 fine to settle allegations of misconduct brought against her by a B.C. regulator.
Gobinder Kaur Takhar agreed to the sanctions in a consent order with the BC Financial Services Authority earlier this month. A redacted version of the agreement was published on the BCFSA website last week.
According to the order, the allegations against Takhar came from two sisters – identified in the document only as JA and CJ – who purchased a pair of adjacent properties in Chilliwack in 2017.
At the time, both properties were under contract to be sold to a company that had Takhar’s spouse as a minority shareholder and its sole director. The sisters agreed to be assigned the company’s agreements to purchase the properties, and the consent order indicates they agreed to purchase the homes for higher prices than the company was slated to.
Disagreement about what happened
Though the consent order includes an agreement on the facts of the case, that agreement acknowledges that the parties have different recollections of what transpired.
According to the order, JA and CJ – along with a third sister – began working with a different real estate agent in early 2017 and were interested in purchasing an investment property.
The other agent introduced the sisters to Takhar, and in September 2017 – shortly after the sisters had ended their relationship with the other agent – Takhar met with JA and CJ and discussed the two properties.
The consent order indicates the parties differ in their accounts of what was said.
The sisters had previously made an offer on one of the properties, which was rejected. According to the order, they said they met with Takhar to discuss purchasing only that property, and Takhar told them they would have to purchase the adjacent property as well.
“She said they could flip them before closing to make a profit,” the order reads, narrating the sisters’ version of events.
“She also mentioned that her spouse was a minority shareholder of (the buyer) but did not elaborate on what that meant.”
Takhar’s recollection of what was discussed included an explanation that the buyer was looking to assign both contracts and that the company would be making a profit on the assignment sales.
“Ms. Takhar denies making any statements about the sisters reassigning prior to completion,” the consent order reads.
Ultimately, believing that they would be able to reassign the contracts for a profit, the sisters agreed to take on the purchase contracts for both properties, agreeing to a price of $425,000 for each one.
What was discussed at the meeting where the assignment contracts were signed remains in dispute, according to the order.
“The sisters say that Ms. Takhar quickly took them through the assignment contracts but did not explain the terms in detail nor go over a breakdown of the prices or fees,” the order reads.
“They say that the concept of the assignment fee was not explained to them, and they believed they were purchasing for the original purchase price for both properties. They say that Ms. Takhar did not explain that she was not acting on their behalf. They say that Ms. Takhar further discussed the possibility of them further assigning the properties to another buyer before closing to make a profit and said that she had potential buyers in mind for them.”
For her part, Takhar said she met with the sisters for more than two hours and went through the contracts with them.
“She says she explained the assignment fee and pointed out the assignee’s total purchase price, which was $425,000 for each property,” the order reads. “She denies making any statements about reassignment prior to completion.”
The sisters maintained that they did not realize they were paying a premium for the properties until Takhar contacted them in October 2017 about completing the sales.
The consent order indicates that the women had to sell assets and borrow money from family members in order to afford the two purchases. They filed a complaint about Takhar shortly after the second purchase was complete.
Misconduct and discipline
Takhar voluntarily surrendered her real estate licence in August 2020, according to the order.
She “maintains that she was fully transparent” with the sisters throughout the process, but “accepts that she did not clearly explain her role in the transactions to the sisters,” the order notes.
As part of the consent order, Takhar agreed to findings of professional misconduct, including by breaching her “duty to act with reasonable care and skill” and to advise clients to seek independent professional advice. She also agreed that she had failed to properly disclose the nature of the representation she would be providing.
Takhar agreed to orders from the BCFSA cancelling her licence and imposing a $55,000 penalty, as well as $2,000 in enforcement expenses.
MONTREAL – Two Quebec real estate brokers are facing fines and years-long suspensions for submitting bogus offers on homes to drive up prices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Christine Girouard has been suspended for 14 years and her business partner, Jonathan Dauphinais-Fortin, has been suspended for nine years after Quebec’s authority of real estate brokerage found they used fake bids to get buyers to raise their offers.
Girouard is a well-known broker who previously starred on a Quebec reality show that follows top real estate agents in the province.
She is facing a fine of $50,000, while Dauphinais-Fortin has been fined $10,000.
The two brokers were suspended in May 2023 after La Presse published an article about their practices.
One buyer ended up paying $40,000 more than his initial offer in 2022 after Girouard and Dauphinais-Fortin concocted a second bid on the house he wanted to buy.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 11, 2024.
MONTREAL – The Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers says Montreal-area home sales rose 9.3 per cent in August compared with the same month last year, with levels slightly higher than the historical average for this time of year.
The association says home sales in the region totalled 2,991 for the month, up from 2,737 in August 2023.
The median price for all housing types was up year-over-year, led by a six per cent increase for the price of a plex at $763,000 last month.
The median price for a single-family home rose 5.2 per cent to $590,000 and the median price for a condominium rose 4.4 per cent to $407,100.
QPAREB market analysis director Charles Brant says the strength of the Montreal resale market contrasts with declines in many other Canadian cities struggling with higher levels of household debt, lower savings and diminishing purchasing power.
Active listings for August jumped 18 per cent compared with a year earlier to 17,200, while new listings rose 1.7 per cent to 4,840.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 6, 2024.
In the quest to find cities where renters can enjoy the best of all worlds, a recent study analyzed 24 metrics across three key categories—Housing & Economy, Quality of Life, and Community. The study ranked the 100 largest cities in Canada to determine which ones offer the most to their renters.
Here are the top 10 cities that emerged as the best for renters in 2024:
St. John’s, NL
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, stand out as the top city for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming community, St. John’s offers an exceptional quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing, a robust economy, and low unemployment rates, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching living experience. Its rich history, picturesque harbour, and dynamic arts scene further enhance its appeal, ensuring that renters can enjoy both comfort and excitement in this charming coastal city.
Sherbrooke, QC
Sherbrooke, Quebec, emerges as a leading city for renters in Canada for 2024, offering a blend of affordability and quality of life. Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Townships, Sherbrooke is known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and strong community spirit. The city provides affordable rental options, low living costs, and a thriving local economy, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both comfort and economic stability. With its rich history, numerous parks, and dynamic arts and education sectors, Sherbrooke presents an inviting environment for renters looking for a well-rounded lifestyle.
Québec City, QC
Québec City, the capital of Quebec, stands out as a premier destination for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage, this city offers an exceptional quality of life. Renters benefit from affordable housing, excellent public services, and a robust economy. The city’s charming streets, historic sites, and diverse culinary scene provide a unique living experience. With top-notch education institutions, numerous parks, and a strong sense of community, Québec City is an ideal choice for those seeking a dynamic and fulfilling lifestyle.
Trois-Rivières, QC
Trois-Rivières, nestled between Montreal and Quebec City, emerges as a top choice for renters in Canada. This historic city, known for its picturesque riverside views and rich cultural scene, offers an appealing blend of affordability and quality of life. Renters in Trois-Rivières enjoy reasonable housing costs, a low unemployment rate, and a vibrant community atmosphere. The city’s well-preserved historic sites, bustling arts community, and excellent educational institutions make it an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.
Saguenay, QC
Saguenay, located in the stunning Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, is a prime destination for renters seeking affordable living amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Known for its picturesque fjords and vibrant cultural scene, Saguenay offers residents a high quality of life with lower housing costs compared to major urban centers. The city boasts a strong sense of community, excellent recreational opportunities, and a growing economy. For those looking to combine affordability with a rich cultural and natural environment, Saguenay stands out as an ideal choice.
Granby, QC
Granby, nestled in the heart of Quebec’s Eastern Townships, offers renters a delightful blend of small-town charm and ample opportunities. Known for its beautiful parks, vibrant cultural scene, and family-friendly environment, Granby provides an exceptional quality of life. The city’s affordable housing market and strong sense of community make it an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful yet dynamic place to live. With its renowned zoo, bustling downtown, and numerous outdoor activities, Granby is a hidden gem that caters to a diverse range of lifestyles.
Fredericton, NB
Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, offers renters a harmonious blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful riverfront, and welcoming community, Fredericton provides an excellent quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing options, scenic parks, and a strong educational presence with institutions like the University of New Brunswick. Its rich cultural heritage, coupled with a thriving local economy, makes Fredericton an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Saint John, NB
Saint John, New Brunswick’s largest city, is a coastal gem known for its stunning waterfront and rich heritage. Nestled on the Bay of Fundy, it offers renters an affordable cost of living with a unique blend of historic architecture and modern conveniences. The city’s vibrant uptown area is bustling with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, while its scenic parks and outdoor spaces provide ample opportunities for recreation. Saint John’s strong sense of community and economic growth make it an inviting place for those looking to enjoy both urban and natural beauty.
Saint-Hyacinthe, QC
Saint-Hyacinthe, located in the Montérégie region of Quebec, is a vibrant city known for its strong agricultural roots and innovative spirit. Often referred to as the “Agricultural Technopolis,” it is home to numerous research centers and educational institutions. Renters in Saint-Hyacinthe benefit from a high quality of life with access to excellent local amenities, including parks, cultural events, and a thriving local food scene. The city’s affordable housing and close-knit community atmosphere make it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.
Lévis, QC
Lévis, located on the southern shore of the St. Lawrence River across from Quebec City, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern conveniences. Known for its picturesque views and well-preserved heritage sites, Lévis is a city where history meets contemporary living. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with excellent public services, green spaces, and cultural activities. The city’s affordable housing options and strong sense of community make it a desirable place for renters looking for both tranquility and easy access to urban amenities.
This category looked at factors such as average rent, housing costs, rental availability, and unemployment rates. Québec stood out with 10 cities ranking at the top, demonstrating strong economic stability and affordable housing options, which are critical for renters looking for cost-effective living conditions.
Québec again led the pack in this category, with five cities in the top 10. Ontario followed closely with three cities. British Columbia excelled in walkability, with four cities achieving the highest walk scores, while Caledon topped the list for its extensive green spaces. These factors contribute significantly to the overall quality of life, making these cities attractive for renters.
Victoria, BC, emerged as the leader in this category due to its rich array of restaurants, museums, and educational institutions, offering a vibrant community life. St. John’s, NL, and Vancouver, BC, also ranked highly. Québec City, QC, and Lévis, QC, scored the highest in life satisfaction, reflecting a strong sense of community and well-being. Additionally, Saskatoon, SK, and Oshawa, ON, were noted for having residents with lower stress levels.
For a comprehensive view of the rankings and detailed interactive visuals, you can visit the full study by Point2Homes.
While no city can provide a perfect living experience for every renter, the cities highlighted in this study come remarkably close by excelling in key areas such as housing affordability, quality of life, and community engagement. These findings offer valuable insights for renters seeking the best places to live in Canada in 2024.
