Should you hire a family member to be your listing agent? A reader is concerned the house isn't being sold fast enough but is it her family member's fault? Q: The listing agent for my mom's beach house is my brother-in-law, so I'm stuck. He doesn't seem to either know how to market the property [...]
How do you deal with money in a relationship? Money causes stress in most romantic relationships, but to build a future couples need to talk about finances. Sign up for Ilyce Glink's Love, Money + Real Estate newsletter. This story was updated December 1, 2021 When should you tell a romantic partner how much money [...]
Should I get the promissory note after paying off my mortgage? You may not need a note stamped "canceled" but you do need other forms of proof. Q: I saved an article you wrote from 2015 which says that I should "get back the promissory note” I signed when I pay off my loan. And, [...]
Can I back out of a home contract for medical reasons? Despite signing all the paperwork, health issues have this homebuyer considering canceling the deal. Q: My wife and I have a contract to buy a home. All contingencies have been met. But, since late last year, my wife has had many operations leaving unhealed [...]
What mortgage can I get approved for? Fannie Mae found most Americans overestimate the credit score and down payment necessary to qualify for a mortgage. Credit scores and lending requirements are confusing - even to those of us who work in the credit industry or those that are tangentially related, like mortgage origination or banking. [...]
Natural disaster: what to do before you make home repairs. Consider these three things before repairing damage from Hurricane Dorian. The First Major Hurricane of the Season is Here with Hurricane Dorian UPDATED SEPTEMBER 5, 2019: The National Hurricane Center reports Hurricane Dorian is bringing life-threatening storm surge, winds, heavy rainfall and tornadoes to the [...]
What makes a good homeowner’s association board? With most boards being made up of volunteers, getting the right group of people together can be difficult. Q: I read your column each Sunday in our local paper. It is always informative, but unfortunately often too legally sterile to provide useful real-world solutions. Your recent answer to [...]
Two expenses that often surprise new homeowners. Most buyers don’t consider these big costs when calculating expenses for their home. Q: I have a suggestion that I would like you to share with your readers. I live in a community in which at least two newcomers bought the biggest house they could afford. Being inexperienced, [...]
Three remodel ideas for your next home renovation. Home design insights from Houzz will help you plan your home improvement project. The eighth annual Houzz & Home report is finally here to give homeowners insights into remodeling costs, the most popular home renovation projects and ideas for how you can make sure your next home [...]
Is property sold in a trust taxable? Inheriting a home through a trust usually simplifies the selling process, until you consider capital gains taxes. Q: I need some advice about selling a home held jointly in a trust in my name and my brother’s name. This was my mother’s house originally and she has since [...]
