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.
What Happens When HOA Rules Aren’t Enforced?
What happens when HOA rules aren’t enforced? This reader wants to know what happens if a board approves a request that violates governing documents. Q: I am on the board of directors of my homeowners association (HOA). The dues to our HOA are voluntary. We can't assess liens against any property in our community, we [...]
Revocable vs Irrevocable Trust: Which is Better
Revocable vs irrevocable trust: which is better. The difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts and the purpose each serves in estate planning. Q: I am divorced and have two grown daughters. I am placing my house in a trust. My attorney is recommending an irrevocable trust. Which do you prefer, revocable or irrevocable and why? [...]
How Do I Verify Details in an Online Real Estate Listing?
How do I verify details in an online real estate listing? This reader wants to avoid contacting listing agents after they got spammed with emails. Q: I am interested in selling a house in Cincinnati and moving to Maryland near D.C. I’d like to do this in the near term future but not immediately. A [...]
Should I Tell My Real Estate Agent How Much I’m Pre-Approved For?
Should I tell my real estate agent how much I’m pre-approved for? This reader is worried the agent will tell the seller and they’ll hold out for a higher price. Q: Does a real estate agent need to get copies of our pre-approval letter from our lender before taking us to search for homes? My [...]
Real Estate Closings and Remote Online Notarization in 2020
Real estate closings and remote online notarization in 2020. How real estate professionals are finalizing closings during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a follow up to a recent story on online notaries and remote online notarization, we received several letters and have some more information for our readers. Comment: I understand the need for online notaries. [...]
How Can I Promote My Condo?
How can I promote my condo? This reader’s condo was listed for 15 months and they’re worried potential buyers weren’t aware of building improvements. Q: Most Realtors representing condo buyers don’t educate their buyers about condo reserve funding: The pros and cons of fully, partially or non-funding of reserves. My beachfront condo in Florida was [...]
What Is the Difference Between a Trust and a Life Estate?
What is the difference between a trust and a life estate? And is it easier to sell a home that's held in a trust or in a life estate? How do I find out if I am listed on a trust? Q: Not really a question as much as a comment on your story about [...]
How Will the Coronavirus Pandemic Impact the Spring Market?
How will the coronavirus pandemic impact the spring market? Unemployment claims, mortgage rates and home buying activity in the spring of 2020. It’s been another week of dreadful news about the economic repercussions of the COVID pandemic. And, while there have been slight improvements here or there, it’s all pretty dark. How Will the Coronavirus [...]
How Do I Take Property Out of an LLC?
How do I take property out of an LLC? This reader wants to know how to take their house out of an LLC that’s in administrative dissolution. Q: I hope you can help me with this mess. I have an ex-partner who talked me into putting my house into a limited liability company (LLC) with [...]
1031 Exchange Deadlines During COVID-19 Pandemic
1031 exchange deadlines during COVID-19 pandemic. This reader wants to know about extensions available to those who completed a 1031 exchange in 2019. Q: We completed our 1031 exchange in September 2019. Our renter has fallen on hardship due to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic and cannot afford the rent. Similarly, we are in a rental that [...]