Have real estate questions? Here, you’ll find helpful articles and other resources that cover issues related to real estate, buying, selling, financing, refinancing, credit and debt, insurance, second homes, vacation homes, real estate investment, new construction, and renovation.
Can a Power of Attorney Document Be Signed Electronically?
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?
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
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?
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?
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?
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?
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 [...]
What You Should Know About Refinancing Your Mortgage Before Retirement
What you should know about refinancing your mortgage before retirement. Four things to consider when refinancing your mortgage before retirement. We recently received a long comment on one of our questions regarding a homeowner who was deciding whether to refinance their home before retiring. Our correspondent is a mortgage industry veteran of many years and [...]
Should You Postpone Condo Board Elections During COVID-19?
Should you postpone condo board elections during COVID-19? This reader is hesitant to proceed with condo board meetings and elections during the COVID-19 pandemic. Q: I live in a condominium building with around 100 units. We have seven board members and we are supposed to vote on some new board members this fall. Residents will [...]
Does a Quitclaim Deed Override a Will?
Does a quitclaim deed override a will? This reader wants to know which document is used to determine who inherits the property of a friend who passed. Q: My friend filled out a will before she married her last husband. She owned a house and when she married she did a quitclaim deed with her [...]