How to transfer ownership of a house with unpaid taxes. This reader's wife wants to transfer her joint tenancy ownership in a property with back taxes due. Q: My father-in-law transferred ownership in his house in Michigan to his four daughters as joint tenants before his death a couple of years ago. Now, my wife, [...]
How to find old mortgage loan records? This homeowner wants to find proof of old mortgage payments made before they refinanced and modified their loan. Q: I purchased my home back in 2004 and got a mortgage with a lender that has since been purchased by one of the huge banks. I made all of [...]
Understanding HOA rules on home exchanges and rentals can be difficult. How can homeowners use sites like Airbnb without breaking their community agreement? Q: My HOA community has a "four-month minimum" rental restriction. I don't have a major problem with that. However, as a retiree, I belong to a home exchange group in order to [...]
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 [...]
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 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, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
