Short answer
Find out where the fire started, how extensive it was, which structural and mechanical systems were affected, who designed and completed repairs, what permits and inspections closed, and how insurers and lenders view the property now. Cosmetic reconstruction does not by itself verify structure, wiring, smoke contamination or permit completion.
The buyer concern behind the question
The renovated home looks new, but the buyer receives only a verbal statement that the fire was minor. Missing permits or incomplete remediation creates insurance, appraisal and resale uncertainty.
A practical Ontario example
Illustration only: The listing discloses a kitchen fire. The buyer requests the fire and repair records available, permit closure, contractor invoices and insurance information, then obtains an independent inspection and confirms lender and insurer acceptance.
Questions to ask before becoming firm
- What caused the fire and what areas were affected?
- Were structure, electrical, HVAC or insulation replaced?
- Which permits and final inspections can be verified?
- Are smoke, odour or environmental concerns unresolved?
- Will the insurer and lender accept the history and documents?
Practical routes to compare
- Obtain records before the condition deadline.
- Use specialists matched to the affected systems.
- Have the lawyer address material representations and missing records.
What each professional can and cannot decide
The Realtor investigates and communicates property facts within the real-estate mandate and advises on offer strategy. The inspector or specialist assesses condition within a defined scope. The lawyer interprets disclosure duties, title, contract language, evidence and remedies. The insurer decides coverage. The appraiser reports value and marketability for the assignment. Rajiv tests qualification, lender property acceptance and closing consequences. RECO regulates Ontario real-estate professionals; it does not set lender underwriting policy. FSRA regulates mortgage-brokering conduct and certain financial sectors; it does not approve the mortgage or create one universal lender policy.
Mortgage and closing consequences
Changed property facts can affect usable rental income, appraisal, insurance, marketability, repair conditions and the amount a lender will advance. Start with a suitable A lender when the borrower and property meet policy. An alternative lender may take a broader view at a higher rate and fee, but still needs acceptable property and evidence. An institutional MIC or private lender may provide a flexible short-term route, including interest-only, amortized, open, partly open or maturity-matched structures in some cases. That route is not an automatic rescue: equity, total cost, legal advice and a credible exit back to suitable A or B financing must be tested.
Verified public guidance
An inspection is visual and limited; renovation and damage history may require municipal, specialist, legal and insurance evidence beyond the inspection report.
Read the primary source. Source checked 2026-09-03. The regulator explains professional obligations and consumer considerations; the lawyer determines legal advice and each lender and insurer applies its own policy.
Pressure-test this answer
The answer may change if the seller did not know the fact, the concern was visible, the buyer received warning signs, the wording was only marketing opinion, records contradict the statement, the defect was concealed, or the agreement allocates the risk differently. A representation can also be important without creating the remedy a buyer expects. Ask what is known, what is assumed, what evidence is missing and which professional is qualified to decide it. Before waiver, compare the cost of investigation with the buyer’s worst reasonable post-closing exposure. After a firm agreement, let the lawyer direct the response.
Evidence and documents to keep
- Listing, photographs, virtual tour and feature sheets
- Offer, schedules, amendments and condition deadlines
- Seller information statements and written questions and answers
- Inspection, specialist, municipal, permit and insurance records
- Rental or service contracts, invoices and warranties
- Emails, texts, appraisal or lender requirements and lawyer correspondence
Related AskRajiv guidance
Continue with seller renovation permit warranty representation ontario, property condition mortgage appraisal insurance approval.
Get the property facts aligned with the mortgage
Use Rajiv’s direct mortgage strategy form. Include the property concern, purchase price, closing date, current conditions and documents already available.
Source and review
Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker on 2026-09-03. Educational information only; not legal, real-estate, inspection, engineering, environmental, insurance, appraisal or mortgage approval advice.