Total Number of News: 5495
- 11/13/2008 - Real Estate News
Sex offenders have rental rights too
Q: One of my neighbors informed me that one of my newest tenants is a registered sex offender (I'm not sure how she found this out). He stated on his rental application that he had a three-year-old felony conviction, but he did not report details. Figu... - 11/13/2008 - Real Estate News
No occupancy, no insurance
Q: My widowed mother is quite ill and is in a nursing home. My brother would like to move into her now-unoccupied home in New Jersey. It is expected that once my mother's estate is distributed, my brother will have an inheritance more than sufficient ... - 11/13/2008 - Real Estate News
What happens if home fails inspection?
Q: If the house I'd like to purchase doesn't pass inspection, will the entire transaction be canceled and money refunded? A: Oh, if only life (and real estate) were so black-and-white -- being a grown-up would be so much easier! Unfortunately, home ins... - 11/12/2008 - Real Estate News
Easier ways to kill water hammer?
A previous column on "water hammers" struck a chord with two of our readers. One accused us of being "on the take" for suggesting that our homeowner might have to open a wall or call a plumber. Another offered another avenue to ex... - 11/12/2008 - Real Estate News
HUD hikes reverse mortgage loan limit
One of the most significant developments in the history of reverse mortgages occurred recently when FHA Commissioner Brian Montgomery announced that a new single national limit had been reached, eliminating critical geographical boundaries for many sen... - 11/12/2008 - Real Estate News
Smart budgeting for any economy
When setting up your household budget, you have to think about big-ticket items, such as how much should you spend on your rent or mortgage payments, how much should you budget for utilities in a new home, and what will it cost you to buy homeowner or ... - 11/11/2008 - Real Estate News
Drain flies terrorize homeowners
DEAR BARRY: We have a major problem with drain flies under our house. We've called a plumber and an exterminator, but both say they've never seen this kind of problem before. We've also had the septic system pumped and inspected, but this doesn't seem ... - 11/11/2008 - Real Estate News
Home warranties not guaranteed
Q: I closed on a home in July. The builder stated that I have a one-year warranty on the home for repairs. Well, you know the story. The builder can't be reached to make repairs to my home. I haven't had the inspection I was supposed to have after livi... - 11/10/2008 - Real Estate News
Buyers, get into negotiating position
Bridging the price gap between home buyers and sellers can be a challenge in today's market. Sellers, many of whom have a hard time accepting that their home has lost value, often expect to sell for more than buyers are willing to pay. Buyers, on the o... - 11/10/2008 - Real Estate News
Will plan to avoid capital gains tax work?
DEAR BENNY: My 42-year-old son will move home next month. I am 65 and thinking of downsizing. I would like to place him on the deed when he moves in and after two years, sell my home. Since he is on the deed, will up to $500,000 be tax exempt? I know ...