The hidden costs of transitioning from renter to homeowner range from potential home repairs to remodeling and they add up quickly! Q: We are definitely ready to be done renting, as we need more space and a home that can accomodate dogs. We have one dog and and would love to add more. Factoring in [...]
How did a Wells Fargo computer glitch force foreclosure on 400 homes? What does it mean for mortgage loans and the real estate industry? Wells Fargo has faced scandal after scandal for bad business practices, including creating fake customer accounts to boost sales figures, charging unfair mortgage fees and charging customers for car insurance they [...]
What is a mechanic’s lien and is there one on your property? Had a falling out with a home contractor? Withheld payment? You may face some major repercussions in the form of a home lien. Q: How can I find out if there is a mechanic's lien on my property? A painter painted the house.But [...]
When your parent dies without a will, how do you claim ownership of their property? Even if you’ve been paying the property taxes, you may have to take more steps in order to put the title in your name. Q: My mother died five years ago without a will. I have been paying taxes on [...]
Your love life might be hurting your wallet. Recent research found that if financial literacy levels are unequal between you and your partner, that disparity will only grow as you age, causing irreparable damage to your personal finances. Recent research from the University of Texas at Austin found that two people involved in a relationship [...]
Buying a home as a single parent: What you need to consider before making the big move including school district and overall space. Q: I got divorced in October and have an eight year old child. When my "divorce apartment" lease was up, I bought in a town about 15 to 20 minutes away, in [...]
What’s the best way to transfer a home title to a family member who’s been living in the home? Hint: A quitclaim deed may not be sufficient enough. Q: Hi Ilyce and Sam! We have a question about what's the best way to transfer a home title to a family member who has been living [...]
Record highs and lows in home sales during the second quarter in 2018 will make you think twice about buying and where the real estate market is headed. The latest from ATTOM Data Solutions, curator of the nation’s premier property database, reviews reports on sales in the second quarter of 2018. Similarly to my last [...]
No seller disclosure? A home buyer is worried about investing in a home where the seller refuses to provide a seller disclosure form. What are the liabilities? Q: We are first time home buyers and we liked a house which is 20 years old and looks to be in good condition except for kitchen appliance, [...]
Here’s how to confirm your mortgage is paid off. While it’s confusing to walk through the process of confirming your mortgage is paid off, you shouldn’t have to pay anyone to do it for you. Q: I live in Indiana. Who can I hire to call Fannie Mae to get the facts on the satisfaction [...]
