When the homeowner’s association doesn’t uphold rules. A loyal reader offers their insight into how much power the HOA risks losing. Q: You were right on the money with your recent answer to a homeowner who complained that the homeowner’s association (HOA) was not enforcing its rules and regulations and was sometimes waiving some of [...]
Should I sign the seller disclosure if I have unanswered questions? Before you sign on the dotted line, consider the worst case scenario for each concern. Q: I purchased an older home in northern California earlier this year. We signed off on disclosures at the time of our purchase. We had a number of unanswered [...]
Can you change your mortgage loan servicer? The short answer is no, but a few calls can help you smooth out the problems you’re facing. Q: Is it possible to change my loan servicer? My refinance was done by a national mortgage lender. They immediately transferred it to a well-known loan servicer. However, my monthly [...]
How much can I afford to spend on a house? There are four factors home buyers should evaluate when setting a budget to buy a house and avoid this situation. How Much Can I Afford to Spend on a House? Taking a realistic look at finances and setting a firm budget is a crucial step [...]
Who’s liable for unpaid water bills, the home seller or home buyer? When the city bills you for back charges after installing a water meter, liability becomes confusing. Q: I own a rental home in Baltimore. The city has had issues in handling water bills and has even failed to install water meters on many [...]
How much do I have to pay in real estate taxes? The answer can be found in the purchase contract that was signed at closing. Q: I am trying to find out about the real estate taxes on the home I bought just about two years ago. What I need to know is how much [...]
What is a good salary? The answer is surprising. The quality of life you can have on a certain salary varies drastically from city to city. A recent study by GOBankingRates looked at just how far a $100,000 annual salary goes in major cities across the country. Basic expenses, such as housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, [...]
Leaving an abusive home: How to protect your assets when you fear for your safety but rely on the ownership interest for your financial future. Q: I pay half the mortgage on the home that I own with my boyfriend. I live there with him and our son. The title of the house is in [...]
What happens when the co-owner of your home dies with debt? This reader is concerned they’ll get stuck with the bill or worse, that they’ll lose the home. Q: My mother and I currently share ownership of my home. We own the home equally. I've been reading some of your posts on ThinkGlink.com and it [...]
Where will your kids live after college graduation? Graduates are likely to move in with their parents or into a co-living space due to high housing costs. This spring, families all over the country are attending graduation ceremonies to celebrate the achievements of their college graduates. Graduates pushed through challenging coursework as they strived to [...]
