Is mortgage interest deductible in 2020? These homeowners have always deducted mortgage interest but their tax software is rejecting the entry this year. Q: Is mortgage interest still deductible on our federal income taxes? Is there something new that I am not aware of? Is there some reason to not have a mortgage that is [...]
How to find the best lender for your mortgage refinance. This is what lenders are looking for and how to get the best deal on your mortgage refinance. Q: Is it possible for you to refer me to a mortgage lender? I'm a single woman who would like to refinance the condominium I’ve lived in [...]
How to sell a farm property in 2020. This reader had it listed with two different agents and doesn’t feel like they made an effort to make the sale. Q: I own a large farm that I have been trying to sell. I have had cattle, we do hay and have a hunting lease. But [...]
Can a power of attorney be signed electronically? This reader wants to give someone power of attorney but have it signed and notarized electronically. Q: I recently signed a contract for the purchase of a home. I am traveling abroad soon and have given a financial power of attorney to a family member and I [...]
What happens if your mortgage servicer can’t find your loan? These homeowners couldn’t figure out how to make payments and now they’re in hot water. Q; We have lived in our house for 15 years. About four years ago our mortgage was sold to a different loan servicing company. We called the new company several [...]
5 mistakes to avoid when buying a house without a real estate agent. What to watch out for if you’re set on going through the homebuying process alone. Q: What do you think about buying a property without a buyer's agent? What tips would you share for home buyers who do not want to use [...]
Does an HOA have the power to restrict pool access due to COVID-19? This HOA board is concerned about liability and refuses to open it for residents. Q: How do I get our homeowner’s association board to open up our building’s three pools, all of which have been closed since March due to the pandemic? [...]
Can you sell a house if you are on the title but not the mortgage? Two names were on the title, but only one was on the mortgage when one spouse died. Q: My stepfather bought a house in Miami in 1999 and he included my mom on the title of the property at that [...]
Why are pocket listings banned? Explaining the reasoning behind the National Association of Realtors (NAR) banning pocket listings. Q: You recently answered a question about a home seller paying the commission to an agent for a "pocket listing." You bypass the larger issue and the reason that so-called pocket listings are against the National Association [...]
Do you need a closing attorney when buying a home? Closing attorneys facilitate real estate transactions but they can’t give legal advice on the deal. Q: I'm a little embarrassed to ask this question, but do I need to hire an attorney for closing? I'm a first-time homebuyer purchasing a new construction home and I [...]
