Thinking of selling your home by owner? A by owner home sale can be tricky - unless you know how to do it. Here's a successful by owner home sale story. Q: I enjoy reading your column in our local paper. I sold my dad’s house on Facebook in three days. No sign, agents or [...]
Renters: Who owns home the home we're renting? The home two renters are renting was recently sold in a sheriff's sale. Now they're wondering, who actually owns the home and what does it mean for them? Q: Let’s assume someone has a mortgage. Their home sells for one dollar at a sheriff’s sale. Who owns [...]
Elder fraud or elder abuse? Godson worries his family is trying to steal his godfather's money Q: I'm wondering if someone is trying to steal my godfather's money. It could be a case of elder fraud or elder abuse. Here's what's happening: My godfather was put into assisted living by his family. He has a [...]
Paying Estate Tax and Capital Gains Tax Heirs worry they could face double taxation and pay more estate tax and capital gains tax when selling to a relative Q: I have enjoyed your columns for many years and have a question about how to avoid overpaying estate tax and capital gains tax. We have a [...]
Property Taxes on Investment Property: What happens when you switch your primary residence for your investment property? Q: We read your column Real Estate Matters in our local paper and it has really helped us. We live in the Washington, D.C. area. Here’s our problem. We have owned a duplex since 1989. We live on [...]
Condo parking space problem? What do you do if your neighbor's car is too big for their parking space? Q: My condo building was built around 30 years ago. The access to the parking area is in a Z shape and our parking spaces are perpendicular to the sidewalk. As I understand it, a parking [...]
Realtor wants to end lease early. But not pay penalties. Q: I am an 80-year old semi-retired Realtor for 28 years. I recently rented an apartment in a rental apartment building managed by a professional management company. After a month in the apartment, I had medical issues come up requiring me to leave and move [...]
When do I have to pay capital gains tax on real estate? What's included when calculating the cost basis for his home and what costs of sale count. Q: I have a couple of capital gains tax questions regarding upgrades to my home. First, I had $400 worth of bushes installed last spring in my [...]
Transferring a car title varies from state to state in the United States, and each state has its own process and requirements. Below, I'll provide a general overview of how to transfer a car title, and I'll also list the DMV website for each state where you can find more detailed information and specific instructions. [...]
Thinking of buying a vacation home with IRA Funds? Watch out for higher fees when purchasing a vacation home in a self-directed IRA I listen to you every Sunday morning on WGN and I have a question. I'm thinking of buying a vacation home with IRA funds. Can I do that? A: The short answer [...]
