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 [...]
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, [...]
Should I buy a house now or wait until 2020? New research from JCHS shows a strong housing market, but not without its challenges for homebuyers. Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) delivered an in-depth analysis of America’s housing market in its State of the Nation’s Housing 2019 report. And for those of [...]
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 mortgage can I get approved for? Fannie Mae found most Americans overestimate the credit score and down payment necessary to qualify for a mortgage. Credit scores and lending requirements are confusing - even to those of us who work in the credit industry or those that are tangentially related, like mortgage origination or banking. [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
