This may be my shortest article yet. This is my version of the answers to a lot of questions on How To ...

The process of purchase...

One. Find a unit you love at a price you can handle.

Two. Make an offer after negotiating as hard as you can and after making sure financing is available.

Three. Read the documents that you received from the Vendor as best you can and write down the questions you have and the things you do not understand.

Four. Take the offer and the disclosure documents to a lawyer right away. You have 10 days from the later of receiving the signed offer back or the disclosure statement to "cool off." Ask your questions and make sure you understand the answers. This is the right time to make all necessary amendments. If everything is in place and you are satisfied, let the deal firm up.

Five. On occupancy closing date, move in. Understand that until the condominium is registered, you are paying money to the Vendor that does not reduce your principal on the mortgage. The money you pay each month, apart from condominium and/or utility or tax expenses, is basically a set-off against interest the Vendor is paying on the balance of the money you owe him but have not advanced because title cannot be transferred.

Six. Close the deal, pay the balance of the purchase price and live happily ever after.

Perhaps the most difficult part of writing these articles relates not to the actual writing, but thinking of a topic to address. Visit dansonschwarz.com or e-mail your questions, concerns, critiques and quandaries to info@dansonschwarz.com. I will try to deal with them in print or electronic form.

Jayson Schwarz is a senior partner with the firm Danson Schwarz Recht LLP Barristers and Solicitors. He can be reached at 416.486.2040