Can an HOA board change the rules governing exterior structures? This reader's homeowner's association board denied a request it approved for other owners. Q: I recently purchased a single-family detached home in a 55+ community which has a pergola covering my patio. I petitioned my homeowner’s association to allow the installation of clear roof panels [...]
How to transfer utilities from seller to buyer. What happens when a buyer fails to transfer leased utilities like solar panels into their own name? Q: I’m confused about when sellers are supposed to shut off utilities and how these get transferred. I thought that typically, within a day or two post-settlement, the buyers would [...]
What happens to a house when someone dies? It depends on a number of factors like if there was money still owed on the home or a will naming an heir. Q: My husband and I refinanced my grandparents’ house because they had a reverse mortgage. My grandma had passed away and my grandpa was [...]
HOA insurance: What coverage do you need to insure your unit? This is what homeowners association insurance covers and why you need insurance for your unit. Q: Our homeowner’s association (HOA) is requiring that each owner buy insurance to insure that owner against damage caused by their unit to the common areas of the association [...]
Refinancing a HELOC loan after a divorce. This reader wants to know about refinancing a home equity line of credit to remove an ex-spouse's name. Q: I got divorced about four years ago. The deed to the house was, and is, in my name alone, and has been from the time we bought it. During [...]
Seller didn’t disclose water damage, now what? These homeowners moved in and found themselves with flooded basements from cracks, leaks and clogged drains. From time to time, we get a series of questions on the same topic. This week, everyone seems to have water on the brain. Literally. We’re running some of the questions and [...]
Using a quitclaim deed to put property in living trust. This homeowner has questions about signing a quitclaim deed to put property into her husband's living trust. Q: My husband used his inheritance to purchase our home outright. I signed a quitclaim deed to him to put the property into his living trust. The condition [...]
Is a rental property a good investment? This is what you need to know about buying, managing and maintaining a rental property. Q: I just finished reading your book, 100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask, cover to cover. I found the information fantastic and will be consulting the book often. Having had the [...]
What is an exclusive buyer agency agreement? This homebuyer was asked to sign an agency agreement and wants to know the pros and cons of agency exclusivity. Q: We are looking for homes to buy and one of the real estate agents we interviewed wants us to sign an agency agreement form that will commit [...]
What does a listing agent do? This reader wants to know how listing agents generate interest in a property and if it benefits the home buyer or home seller. Q: In the Washington, D.C. real estate market, it’s common for real estate agents to price a listing low in order to generate the maximum number [...]
