Buying or Selling a Home - Home Buying/Selling - Shopping

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About Dick Dennis
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
With more than 37 years as a real estate broker, I can solve most any problem presented. If I can`t, I do my research. Problems with mortgages, trust deeds, foreclosures, odd ways of conveying titles. Most any good Realtor can answer questions satisfactorily, but I answer questions that most cannot. Also, ask about my hard-copy newsletter.

Experience
Problem solving since 1980

Organizations
National Association of Realtors

Publications
Publishes The Landed Gentry, guest writer in Who's Who in Creative Real Estate, First Tuesday, Financial Freedom and many newspapers

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Questions Answered By Expert Dick Dennis
In Category Buying or Selling a Home

Subject	Date Asked

Land Recombination Issue	11/18/2009
Q: When my house was built the underground gas tank was installed on the wrong side of the property ... A: I would be foolish to try to answer your question, Rob, without taking a physical inspection. To ...
condo nightmare	11/17/2009
Q: 6 years ago I qualified for and bought a condo for $138k, after 6 years of fees and assessments of ... A: As best as I can understand your plight, Dore, if it was me, I would just stop making payments on my ...
Foundation/structural damage	11/14/2009
Q: Lessor on sublease-contract for deed did not disclose structural and foundation damage due to water ... A: If you do not get satisfied after asking the lessor to put the property into selling condition ...
Loan Assumption	11/11/2009
Q: I am doing a loan assumption on a double wide with land, Mortgage is with Vanderbilt and I have been ... A: Depending the state you're in, Pete, you would want to use either a warranty deed or a grant deed. ...
home inspection	11/10/2009
Q: An offer has been accepted on my home with a home inspection contingency. I have the right to cure ... A: I don' think too much of your Realtor, Shannon. He/she should know that he price cannot be changed ...
looking for finaceing to buy a home	11/8/2009
Q: we live in utah southern ut and we are looking to move north and we are looking for 100% finacing to ... A: How far north do you want to go, Sean? Do you want Santa Claus as your neighbor or will Idaho, ...
Short Sale Questions	11/6/2009
Q: I am hoping you can help me with some questions. We are currently trying to sell our house and we ... A: Well, then, Jenn, I recommend you see and talk to her office manager, most likely the broker for the ...
Short Sale Questions	11/6/2009
Q: I am hoping you can help me with some questions. We are currently trying to sell our house and we ... A: Do I get the impression, Jenn, you are trying to sell the house on your own? Or do you indeed have a ...
Agreement w/Real Estate Agent	11/5/2009
Q: We signed a 6 month listing w/a real estate agent. That agreement expired over a year ago. The ... A: Yes, most agents do not give the seller a notice of the potential buyers that were shown the ...
Agreement w/Real Estate Agent	11/5/2009
Q: We signed a 6 month listing w/a real estate agent. That agreement expired over a year ago. The ... A: You left some holes in your story, Bob. Number one, on your listing with the original agent there is ...
Have you written a book on buying properties at court steps?	10/30/2009
Q: I came across your blog in 2004 about buying properties at the court steps and you mentioned that ... A: Some of your words seem familiar, however, I have never had a blog, Drew. If you will cut and paste ...
Access Easement	10/29/2009
Q: Our family has 6 acres of land that has deeded a 1/2 mile x 60 foot easement to it. That 'lane' was ... A: Yes, it does seem like you are in a positive bargaining position, Chris, however, you could abandon ...
closing with tenant	10/27/2009
Q: Good Morning I am concern..I am buying a house in NJ closing is at the end of the week. I went to ... A: Sorry, Trisha, but the tenant has a lease valid until the end of December. You should have known ...
Is This A Clear Title?	10/24/2009
Q: We're buying a foreclosure and there is a lien on the property that the sellers attorney claims will ... A: Nope! I don't close until the lien is wiped out in the county records. Period, Dave. That attorney ...
deed; release of lien;Texas	10/24/2009
Q: We bought a house with a DEED OF TRUST. We fulfilled the obligation and received a RELEASE OF LIEN ... A: Then there might be one other reason the title company is asking for a deed: Maybe you did not get a ...
deed; release of lien;Texas	10/23/2009
Q: We bought a house with a DEED OF TRUST. We fulfilled the obligation and received a RELEASE OF LIEN ... A: Did you record that "Release of Lien"? It would have needed to be signed and notarized by the ...
Selling a Home in a Trust	10/21/2009
Q: Dick, My mother's home is in a trust, with me and my 2 brothers as trustees. My older brother & ... A: You give me the impressiom you do not trust your middle brother, Anne, and I detect that your mother ...
BuyOwner.com	10/18/2009
Q: I am considering buying a home through BuyOwner.com. I'm not selling my home through there, I have a ... A: If you heard the same thing about a local Realtor, Pattie, would you go to that person to buy a ...
False disclosures	10/15/2009
Q: I live in Missouri and closed on my new home on October 6, 2009. On October 8, just 2 days past, ... A: Unless you are looking for an excuse to move out of your new home, Ann, the best way to do this is ...
titling of investment	10/12/2009
Q: I am purchasing a investment property. I have two other properties, one which is mortgaged in my ... A: This would be very difficult to answer, Ceno, because I have no idea what your tax position is. You ...
insider trading and information on houses	10/9/2009
Q: i am a student at university that is studying economics. i had a query about housing information and ... A: Here in California any kind of death within 3 years should be reported to the buyer. I suppose other ...
Loan pending due to incompleted remodel	10/6/2009
Q: We opened escrow on a property in CA, after seller accepted our offer ($560k) with as-is condition & ... A: I'm a California broker, Ashley, not an attorney. The way I see it, should your pending loan not be ...
Loan pending due to incompleted remodel	10/6/2009
Q: We opened escrow on a property in CA, after seller accepted our offer ($560k) with as-is condition & ... A: As long as you still want the house, Ashley, the seller cannot pull out of an agreed-to and signed ...
How to sell house with VA Insallment Contract to buyer with FHA	10/6/2009
Q: Here is the situation... I currently has an installment contract with VA, and is trying to sell my ... A: Maybe I am missing something, Cecelia. If the property is in the bank's name, there is no way it can ...
purchasing a home with a llc	10/2/2009
Q: If you purchase a home and put it under an llc, when you pass away does your wife have any ownership ... A: This is not a real estate question, John. LLC stands for Limited Liability Company. Because it is ...
zoning	9/28/2009
Q: My wife and I are looking for housing and the banker said that this house we where looking at was in ... A: Real estate is local, no matter where you look, Michael. And anything having to do with zoning, is ...
Purchase of a short sale	9/26/2009
Q: My husband and I are purchasing a short sale home in Florida that is still owner occupied. We are ... A: Keep this in mind, Bernice: Banks are not Realtors and have no idea how to treat buyers and sellers. ...
Revalued Home by Town for R/E Taxes	9/25/2009
Q: I have to go before Board of Review. I will contend they did not take enough Physical ... A: Every state and county within those states have their own way of evaluating the property within ...
Real Estate Transaction	9/23/2009
Q: Q: I wanted to buy a house. I used a mortgage broker who was NOT in the same state I was in. I ... A: The mortgage broker apparently was licensed to do business as a mortgage broker in the state of the ...
Financing a home	9/19/2009
Q: Is it normal to obtain 100% financing through FHA? I thought they only covered 80% and a down ... A: No, Mike, but then these are not normal times. The economy and the politicians have dictated more ...
short sales	9/16/2009
Q: What is the process the seller's lender goes through and why does it take so much time? Thanks A: You have asked a question, Michael, to which most real estate agents would like to know the answer. ...
FHA Loans	9/9/2009
Q: My question concerns credit scores when applying for an FHA loan. I have read that you must have ... A: Each FHA lender is different. The higher your score is, the easier it is for them. The lower your ...
buying a small home	9/9/2009
Q: We want to buy this small home(572 sq.ft.),but the owner passed away and his siblings are trying to ... A: There's a good possibility this purchase may take longer than you or the sellers are expecting. ...
ebay land sale enforceable in Texas?	9/4/2009
Q: Hypothetically, let's say I live in CA and bought land in Texas on ebay from a seller that is a CA ... A: The property is in TX, therefore any TX laws governing real estate would apply to that property. I ...
tax sale of property	9/3/2009
Q: my mortgage company let my home be sold in a tax sale 12/08. they have not contacted the courts to ... A: No, Wendy, you do not have a mortage on the property. You may have the original mortgage copy, but ...
Condos	9/2/2009
Q: I went online yesterday and began looking at the condo market in the Ken Caryl/Littleton area...of ... A: Sounds good to me, Ron. As long as you are absolutely sure you'll have no trouble with that payment ...
Appraisal	8/31/2009
Q: My husband and I were pre approved for a home loan and went through with the purchase of the home. ... A: It's one of the negatives of home-buying, Elizabeth. They ordinarily do not refund those kind of ...
FHA loan	8/31/2009
Q: Good morning, I was ok'd for a loan from a bank with a very good rate. The fha, however, has turned ... A: Your email address was not printed, Ryan. I recommend you send it to me at my email address: ...
FHA loan	8/30/2009
Q: Good morning, I was ok'd for a loan from a bank with a very good rate. The fha, however, has turned ... A: The only thing I can think of, Ryan, is that somehow your personal credit identity has a big ...
Not listed as	8/30/2009
Q: We wrote a contract on a house that was NOT listed as an "as is" property. We are getting an FHA ... A: In my opinion, Kathy, the listing agent did not violate any laws. He/she may have been a bit ...
(FOLLOW UP QUESTION). false disclosure on disclosure statement	8/29/2009
Q: Dennis, and thank you in advance for your expertise and advice. My wife and I purchased a house ... A: I agree with you, Jim, but please remember I am no attorney, but then, the seller's attorney is not ...
false disclosure on disclosure statement	8/29/2009
Q: Dennis, and thank you in advance for your expertise and advice. My wife and I purchased a house ... A: That's his problem, Jim. When he represents that the property is connected to a sewer line and it ...
Not listed as "as is" property	8/29/2009
Q: We wrote a contract on a house that was NOT listed as an "as is" property. We are getting an FHA ... A: It escapes me why you would even want this property, Kathy. If it has all those problems, I think I ...
seller financing	8/27/2009
Q: Im interested in using the seller financing. Im not real expirienced in structuring notes for ... A: Without knowing in what state you are located, Ishmell, I am not in a position to answer your ...
ESCROW REFUND	8/27/2009
Q: I was buying short sale house in california.My agent completely misguided me.i was a first time home ... A: Yes, Laz, you can take the agent and/or his boss, the manager of his office, to small claims court. ...
how to get deed from Veterans Affairs?	8/26/2009
Q: We purchased a VA Repossession eight years ago. Our problem is that we have fixed up the home and it ... A: You really don't need the deed from the VA, Eric. If you are not willing to hire a real estate ...
Real estate title	8/23/2009
Q: Can a minor (17 yrs old) own real estate property in Ohio? A: Anybody can own real estate and accept title transfer, Tina. It's just that they cannot legally ...
Realtor's contract ended	8/21/2009
Q: My siblings and I are selling my parent's home from a Trust. It did not sell during the time of a ... A: What difference does it make, Peggy? You don't know for sure that the Realtor is working for the ...
selling w/o an agent	8/20/2009
Q: Good morning, It's an odd question to ask a broker, bur here goes. Mr Dennis, I inherited my ... A: You actually do not need a Realtor to help you put your transaction together as long as you already ...
HOA Restrictions	8/16/2009
Q: I live in a golf course community with an HOA. Fences are allowed in my community, however there ... A: Yes, I do recommend you attend the HOA meetings, Dayna, especially if they permit members to stand ...
HOA Restrictions	8/16/2009
Q: I live in a golf course community with an HOA. Fences are allowed in my community, however there ... A: Ah, the miseries of being part of a HOA. Based on what you say, Dayna, it certainly seems logical ...
Quick Question	8/16/2009
Q: Unfortunately, I am in the process of losing my home to forclosure. I was a care giver for my father ... A: To answer your question more intelligently, Skyler, I would have to know how much is your scheduled ...
Real Estate Nightmare!	8/15/2009
Q: On the day of our final although, we walked in to find our home had been flooded and had 5 feet of ... A: It is real estate agents like that that give a bad name to our profession, Sherrie. That agent had ...
real estate transaction	8/14/2009
Q: On Aug. 1, 2009 I recently hired a real estate professional to short-sale my house. $2000 was the ... A: As far as I am concerned, Marsh, you are right. You should have received a refund. If that person is ...
buyer trying to back out of offer to purchase	8/13/2009
Q: The buyer just went through my home with a home inspector. This buyer is a first time home buyer. At ... A: Technically, Greg, the buyer could back out if the inspector found anything wrong. You have to ...
First-Home Worries	8/11/2009
Q: my husband and I just bought our first home in Florida. It was a foreclosure and got a great deal on ... A: This doesn't seem kosher to me, Vanessa. In Florida, they use attorneys to close transactions. Why ...
Buying Out Inherited House	8/10/2009
Q: My brother and I inherited a house recently. He will be buying out my share and keeping the house. ... A: Sure, you could do it all yourself, Tina, but would you really want to? You do not know for sure ...
Unpaid taxes	8/9/2009
Q: So Im about to buy an unfinished house. The guy who is selling it was paying the property off to his ... A: As soon as he takes title to that property, the IRS and the Child Support are going to glom onto ...
Unpaid taxes	8/8/2009
Q: So Im about to buy an unfinished house. The guy who is selling it was paying the property off to his ... A: First of all, Chelsea, NEVER accept a QUIT-CLAIM (it's not quick claim) when you are buying a house ...
lien	8/7/2009
Q: I opened my mail a few days ago to find a notice from the county that my house will be sold for a ... A: First of all, Renee, you do not want to lose your home to a tax lien. So, you must pay it yourself ...
Agent/Seller Oblilgations	8/6/2009
Q: I previously had my home listed with an agency. About 30 days ago, my listing expired and I have ... A: It depends, Mike. Assuming the listing agreements in Canada are similar to those here in the US, a ...
Fraudulent Sell of town house	8/4/2009
Q: I bought a home in Aug 2007 and specifically asksed the owners if they ever had water damage and ... A: This is a problem best solved by a good local real estate attorney, Robert. As long as you have the ...
Buying Cash Deal in Florida from FSBO	8/4/2009
Q: We will be closing on our home in Wisconsin soon. I would like to place an offer on a FSBO in south ... A: I would be glad to help you and walk you through your transaction, Tim, but be aware real estate ...
Q	8/3/2009
Q: I never owned property before. I just have been using master card for over 15 years. I know I have ... A: You do not say how old you are, Sam. You do not say in what part of the US you would like to buy a ...
dispute over my late mother's house	7/30/2009
Q: I am the Executrix of my mother's Estate. My realtor has a buyer that wants to pay cash for it ASAP. ... A: I am sorry to report to you that you need to engage a REAL ESTATE attorney who will force the sale ...
water bills on property	7/29/2009
Q: Good Day i want to sell my house and relocate to a different state my water bill is super ... A: Very simple, Gail. This is what I would do: Talk with the water company. They no doubt would arrange ...
foreclosure	7/26/2009
Q: my boyfriend and i are looking at purchasing a foreclosure home - first home. We are buying it ... A: Since it is a "first home," which one of you gets to take the $8,000 tax credit on your tax return ...
Bats	7/24/2009
Q: I purchased a home in November 2008. Shortly after I moved in I had and unwanted winged visitor get ... A: Welcome to the responsibility of home ownership, Thad. I suppose you could press upon the previous ...
title deed	7/24/2009
Q: Where can I get a title deed? A: Ask any title company, Clar. But why do you need it? The title to your house is always in the public ...
Buying Home with others	7/23/2009
Q: My friends and I want to put our money together and buy a place as a rental investment. I know ... A: Your best bet, Michael, is to convene everybody into a local knowledge real estate attorney and put ...
Private sale of House	7/20/2009
Q: I am the executor of my parents estate. There is a house involved and my nephew has expressed ... A: In what state is the house located, Annie? It does make a difference. In some states when the seller ...
Can I sell a half of my house?	7/19/2009
Q: how are you? I have a question which I hope you will be able to answer :-) Can I sell a half of my ... A: Yes you can if you are the only recorded owner of the property, Maryla. But it is not going to be as ...
backing out of selling my house	7/19/2009
Q: I found a new house to buy, and put my current house up for sale, and accepted an offer on my ... A: If you had a Realtor helping you with either the purchase of the new house or the sale of your ...
elderly home	7/19/2009
Q: Mom is 78 in good health and state of mind, my brother has been living with her for last 3 years. We ... A: It is strongly suggested, Judy, that you take this matter to a local ESTATE attorney. The attorney ...
should i remove aspestos before i buy a house	7/18/2009
Q: i want to buy a multi-family house with aspestos in the cellar on the pipes. it is wrapped in tin ... A: No, Gianna. It is not something you should do because you are not the owner . . . yet. Definitely ...
Short selling questions	7/13/2009
Q: My husband and are currently living in Northern Florida where he is stationed in the military. He is ... A: First of all, Jennifer, it is not likely you would be able to do a short sale without a Realtor. But ...
Getting A House Without Buying It Right Now...	7/8/2009
Q: A former landlord got so pleased with our responsibility on the payments and the care of the house ... A: Hector, you definitely need to have a REAL ESTATE attorney handle this for you if you want to make ...
Home title	7/8/2009
Q: My husband passed away in Dec. of last year. I have paid off our mortgage and want to know if I ... A: First, I want to express my condolences, Judy. I have been married 55 years, so I know your loss can ...
selling a home that is in foreclosure	7/8/2009
Q: The home that was left to myself,a brother and two sister's is for sale. The home's mortgage ... A: It seems that I can help you so that you do not lose the house, but I now need to get more ...
selling a home that is in foreclosure	7/7/2009
Q: The home that was left to myself,a brother and two sister's is for sale. The home's mortgage ... A: Regarding the property being in danger of foreclosure, I would need to know in what state the ...
acquiring clear title	7/6/2009
Q: I,m interested in purchasing a property currently owned by 9 individuals. Only eight of the nine ... A: It is my opinion, Gary, you should not buy the eight parts until you have agreed to purchase the ...
commission on real estate	7/2/2009
Q: Could you explain to me the difference between "canceling the listing" vs "canceling the contract". ... A: There is no difference between "cancelling the listing" and "cancelling the contract" if it is known ...
Tenants in Common if only one on mortgage?	7/1/2009
Q: is there any way to have my girlfriend added somehow as tenant in common if I purchase a house where ... A: Very simple, Tim. Just add her name to the title in any manner you choose. The lender has no right ...
Property purchase	6/30/2009
Q: my husband and I found a piece of property we wish to purchase to build a house on. It is in a ... A: Now you know why you would be getting that property for such a "steal," Sarah. Nobody wants that ...
how to buy a home before selling	6/29/2009
Q: I own a mobile home that I put up for sale. I found another home on property that I want. The new ... A: The question you ask, Barb, is one that has been a problem for home buyers and sellers for time ...
Selling old home for commercial	6/25/2009
Q: We own a home that is sitting in the middle of property that is now commercial. It was farm land ... A: Have you ever heard the adage, "He who wants it most, loses"? If you act like you're anxious to ...
Names on Title of home	6/24/2009
Q: I have just been approved for a FHA loan. The mortgage lender said that we would get a better rate ... A: No problem, Pat. As long as she is on title with you as, say, Joint Tenants, the house will be ...
closing problems	6/23/2009
Q: I am having big problems with my realtor, he had me sign a counter offer and then turned it against ... A: I am sorry, Kathleen, but it doesn't seem I've been given the whole story. Therefore, I cannot give ...
Adding a person to my mobile home title	6/22/2009
Q: . I am 59 and my significant other is 61 . We have been together as friends for 19 years. helping ... A: This is really not a real estate question, Donna. But I will do my best to help you. This is not a ...
selling house to son	6/17/2009
Q: We are currently selling a house to our son. He is unable to get a loan so he is paying us monthly ... A: First of all, Delores, I think you are being foolish and are asking for trouble in the future if you ...
Real Estate	6/13/2009
Q: I live in Arkansas. My mother had life estate in her home and left it to me and Sister #2 when my ... A: You solved your own question, Audrey. I Think that is a very good solution, as long as everybody ...
Real Estate	6/12/2009
Q: I live in Arkansas. My mother had life estate in her home and left it to me and Sister #2 when my ... A: Well, in that case, Audrey, you definitely should consult with a real estate attorney and have ...
Real Estate	6/12/2009
Q: I live in Arkansas. My mother had life estate in her home and left it to me and Sister #2 when my ... A: Unless the state of Arkansas has a different definition of a "life estate," Audrey, that life estate ...
upside down on mortgage	6/10/2009
Q: Dick, I grew up in the home I currently own. I bought it from my mother about 12 years ago. I have ... A: In today's real estate market, Shane, it is very doubtful you will be able to get even what you owe ...
Adding my girlfriend's name to title	6/10/2009
Q: I bought a home (San Jose, CA) with just my name on the mortgage and title. I would like to add my ... A: You may want to rethink this, Johnny. I can't count how many times people have regretted adding a ...
buying a home	6/9/2009
Q: I,AM 48 LOOKING FOR A HOME TO BUY I,AM A VET STILL IN THE ARMY .I,AM LOOKING TO BUY IN FLORIDA WEAR ... A: I'm sure there is, Michael. You need to do two things. You have done them already, but you need to ...
Foreclosure and HOA	6/7/2009
Q: I recently purchased a foreclosed home. When I asked whether there was an HOA in the neighborhood, ... A: Actually, Jeanine, the registration of a HOA in any particular neighborhood is probably the second ...
Deeding or gifting house to relative	6/5/2009
Q: My daughter and I own a house together. When she got married I gave her my 1/2 and took the equity ... A: We're getting close, Judi. Apparently when you gave your half of the property to your daughter YOU ...
Deeding or gifting house to relative	6/5/2009
Q: My daughter and I own a house together. When she got married I gave her my 1/2 and took the equity ... A: You have confused me, Judi. You said you gave her your half of the house you owned with your ...
2nd home	6/5/2009
Q: I am out of work and have a 2nd home I would like my daughter to take over the note on the home and ... A: What I am about to disclose to you, Ted, I highly recommend you have a real estate attorney handle ...
Signing over half interest of property	6/2/2009
Q: I have what I think is a simple question. My husband and I jointly own a sizable piece of property, ... A: Very simply put, Chris . . .yes. But there is a caveat. He may deed his 50% (or whatever percentage ...
buying a house	6/1/2009
Q: i am a first home buyer and i have found a house that i want and it was for sale but now the realtor ... A: What the Realtor has told you is that a buyer and seller have already agreed to a sale of that ...
loan processing leading into Underwriting	5/27/2009
Q: I am currently in an entry level position and am interested in changing a line of business within my ... A: You should ask Jack Guttentag, the Mortgage Professor. He knows all there is to know about that end ...
selling a house on contract	5/26/2009
Q: can someone buying a house on contract sell that house A: Yes, subject to the existing contract financing, Mike. Obviously, the one who has a house on ...
seller late on 2nd	5/25/2009
Q: This is in Calif. Buyer is current of 1st TD. But Is later on The 2nd TD. I would like to ... A: Technically, Vickie, any TD is late on the day after the payment is due. You then may file a NOD ...
MLS	5/24/2009
Q: I have signed Exclusive Exclusive Sale and Listing Agreement with an agent where it expires in 7 ... A: I am sure you meant Exclusive Authorization and Right To Sell, Debra. Most listing agreements are ...
banks loan	5/22/2009
Q: I want to know if there is a law that makes banks have to tell you if they will approve your load in ... A: Because it is a very low deposit, José, your only recourse is to take that bank to small claims ...
LEASE W/OPTION TO BUY	5/19/2009
Q: I have been renting a home w/ option to buy for less than 2 months. The landlord wants to sell the ... A: If you have a written, dated and signed (by you and owner) option, Mike, the owner would be selling ...
Lien/encumbrance search on tax-defaulted properties	5/19/2009
Q: I have a follow-up question regarding the auction of tax-defaulted properties. I am doing research ... A: The individual state governments have cracked down a bit on title companies, so the title companies ...
termites	5/18/2009
Q: I just read your answer about a woman being sued for termite issues. I recently discovered that ... A: It's too bad you misread my reply, Madam. (Now that you have set the tone of my reply) You were nine ...
termites	5/17/2009
Q: I just read your answer about a woman being sued for termite issues. I recently discovered that ... A: How would you feel, Jess, if after 9 years after selling your house the buyer decided to sue you? ...
is it a cloud on title?	5/15/2009
Q: I'm buying a new house, and received a prelim title report after signing the contract. In the prelim ... A: Your Realtor should have been able to explain this, Jeff. But almost every prelim has that kind of ...
Purchase for a Minor	5/14/2009
Q: I have clients whose son is 17 and wish to buy him a house. Since he is not yet of age, can they ... A: While the son may own property under the age of 18, he is not permitted to convey title until he is ...
purchase Tax Defaulted Houses	5/14/2009
Q: Assume a person has a mortgage balance on a house and pays on time, every time. However that person ... A: Your scenario is not likely to occur, Michael. Why? Because almost every lender (mortgagee) ...
FSBO purchase	5/11/2009
Q: Sir, I am deployed in Afghanistan and found a log home on 5 acres in north pole I want to buy. My ... A: This is a bit confusing, Guy, but I will try to answer the best I can. You're in Afghanistan, yet ...
selling an upside down mortgage	5/10/2009
Q: My daughter purchased a home four years ago in Southern Nevada. Her credit score is 785. She has a ... A: Gayle. He and his wife are both CDPEs. They are very knowledgeable in helping your daughter. He is ...
unfair practices during foreclosure in ca	5/9/2009
Q: medically destressed debtor unable to make payments while waiting for disability retirement pay to ... A: As much as I would like to help, Katey, you desperately need a good REAL ESTATE and/or ESTATE ...
Appraisal Contingency / Cancellation / Good Faith Deposit	5/7/2009
Q: My husband and I opened escrow on an REO property, but unfortunately the deal went south due to a ... A: You followed the proper way of doing this, Amanda. Just one thing. You were dealing with a bank. And ...
selling an upside down mortgage	5/7/2009
Q: My daughter purchased a home four years ago in Southern Nevada. Her credit score is 785. She has a ... A: Unfortunately, Gayle, your daughter bought her house at the wrong time. No need to tell you what you ...
Getting ready to sell a home	5/6/2009
Q: I am from Norfolk, Virginia. My father is going to transfer the deed of his home in my name but we ... A: Before you do any property transfer of any kind, LaToya, I recommend you consult with a VA estate or ...
Construction Lien	5/5/2009
Q: My mom and I had a house built for us on land that she owns. Our bank took care of paying the lead ... A: As long as your attorney (I don't think much of him) is not willing to do anything, Christi, then ...
Life Estate	5/5/2009
Q: Dennis, I read your response regarding a life estate, "A life estate is only in existence as long as ... A: Since you really have a law case here, I strongly suggest you hire an attorney to get him off your ...
first time home	5/2/2009
Q: i own a mobile home and am in the process of buying a new house. my mobile home is in a park on land ... A: You virtually answered your own question, Bart. Yes, I agree with everything you offered. YOU ARE A ...
Quick Question	4/25/2009
Q: I have lived in a home for 20 years, we refinanced a couple times. My brother and myself were ... A: This seems like an ideal situation for a loan modifcation, Skyler. You really could do it yourself. ...
quitclaim	4/22/2009
Q: how does a quit claim deed work? We have been renting our home for 13 months always paying on time ... A: In any case, Terri, this is not sounding too good. But I should be able to make it so that you make ...
Buying Mom's house (with a twist)	4/20/2009
Q: 10 years ago we moved into a house that my mom owns and rented out. We intended on buying it from ... A: Easy problem to solve, EJ. First of all, you say that the property has gone UP in value? That is a ...
Common Area Persentage	4/19/2009
Q: The condo I'm considering to buy, shows a 6.94% share in the common areas because it comes from ... A: It would seem, Mike, since they apparently have not built the additional phases, that the 6.94% is ...
Buying delinquent property taxes	4/13/2009
Q: If I purchase delinquent property taxes and the property goes into foreclosure...would I eventually ... A: How it usually goes, Maria, is when you buy the property because of delinquent taxes (you're buying ...
consequences of mortgage default and advisability	4/13/2009
Q: A relative is considering mortgage default. Mortgage on Colorado house is $300K, comp. sales are ... A: That is true, John. Walking away from a mortgage does not have to have anything to do with ...
consequences of mortgage default and advisability	4/13/2009
Q: A relative is considering mortgage default. Mortgage on Colorado house is $300K, comp. sales are ... A: First of all, John, let me make sure the rent for that house is $1,300 per month and not $13,000 as ...
Buying a estate property	4/11/2009
Q: After paying for an inspection and appraisal and completing a contact in February, 2009. The ... A: Unfortunately, Sheila, you apparently bucked up against an incompetent Realtor. Any Realtor worth ...
EARNEST MONEY	4/7/2009
Q: I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BUYING THIS HOUSE FROM THE REALTOR. BUT WHEN WE MOVED IN I SIGN A LEASE AND ... A: BE SURE TO KEEP ALL YOUR RECEIPTS FOR REPAIR AND WHEN THEY SUE YOU FOR POSSESSION OF THE HOUSE, BE ...
title search	4/3/2009
Q: Good Evening, I inherited my parents' home. My mother passed in 1994,and my father in 2007. It was ... A: You may want to talk to the attorney who made that living trust and see if it is possible to put ...
Owing more than its worth	4/1/2009
Q: Dennis, While building a spec house, I sold my personal house in July of 2008 and moved into the ... A: There is nothing you can do about the market, Paul, but there is something you can do about the ...
Changes made to deed while under contract.	3/31/2009
Q: My wife and I have been under contract on a home for about a month and a half, we are very ... A: The seller cannot, should not, must not make any changes to the deed or condition of the property ...
Mobile Home Title Transfer	3/31/2009
Q: I live in Texas and about seven years ago I moved into a mobile home loaned to me by my ... A: Actually, Laura, this is not a real estate problem. Assuming it is in a mobile home park, this is ...
equity gift to my daughter	3/29/2009
Q: I am selling my house to my daughter and son-in-law who already live there with me. I owe 100,000 ... A: You are allowed to gift $13,000 EACH ($26,000), Frank, in equity at this time. Since that figure is ...
Who owns this land??	3/28/2009
Q: I am trying to find out who owns the land just down the road from me. I have been to the court house ... A: Pin the location down, Quay, and then take that information to a title company. I am sure they will ...
realestate disclosures	3/26/2009
Q: Purchased a home in California 3 years ago. Seller was a Lic. Builder/Contractor who lied on the ... A: As far as the harassing neighbor is concerned, Lydia, there is nothing in the seller's disclosure ...
Selling a house while on Social Security	3/20/2009
Q: Dennis, I'm on Social Security due to a disability (didn't qualify for SSDI due to "lack of ... A: Answering your questions one at a time, Andrea: If you have lived in your house two of the last five ...
Failure to sign sales offer acceptance	3/19/2009
Q: I own one-half interest in a house (inherited family home)and the other half is held by my ... A: The fact that you received a full-asking price means you and she owe the Realtor a commission. Yes, ...
Land Contract	3/17/2009
Q: Sold home on land contract Aug. 08. Buyers now have a claim for wind damage. They do not have ... A: No, Vicky, you are paying for your own mistake this time: you sold that property with a land ...
foreclosure	3/17/2009
Q: I have tow questions please. First, if a property is in a HOA and that property is also on a Indian ... A: First, Elizabeth, what do you have to do with the property? Two days prior to the actual sale date? ...
Cancellation of Purchase Offer	3/14/2009
Q: Mr. Dennis. I saw a house with an agent a week ago (3/5/09). I made an offer and went through the ... A: You may cancel at any time as long as the other party has not accepted your offer, Peter. You have ...
Capital Gains on Sale	3/4/2009
Q: My in-laws are elderly and live in a nursing home. Their granddaughter took care of them and lived ... A: This is outside my expertise, Garry. I strongly suggest your granddaughter consults an ESTATE (not ...
Under contract for over 2 weeks	3/3/2009
Q: A home in AL we made an offer on has been under contract since Feb 14th, over 2 weeks now. The ... A: I am not sure I am understanding your situation or your question, Christl. If it is what I think it ...
selling a modular home in ohio	3/3/2009
Q: my wife and i are selling our modular home, in a modular home village in toledo, ohio. we located a ... A: Don't be penny-wise and dollar-foolish, Josh. In this kind of market you are very fortunate to have ...
Reinstating 1st T.D. without Foreclosing On 2nd	2/26/2009
Q: I am structuring a no money down transaction. My problem is getting the seller to carry back a 2nd ... A: If you reeeeeally want to put the seller's mind at ease, then you do this: Execute a grant deed ...
Reinstating 1st T.D. without Foreclosing On 2nd	2/26/2009
Q: I am structuring a no money down transaction. My problem is getting the seller to carry back a 2nd ... A: The answer to the first paragraph is Yes. Second paragraph: If you want him to avoid the foreclosure ...
Reinstating 1st T.D. without Foreclosing On 2nd	2/25/2009
Q: I am structuring a no money down transaction. My problem is getting the seller to carry back a 2nd ... A: Assuming you're referring to California trust deeds, Adonis, when there are two trust deeds on a ...
Selling part of a jointly owned property	2/24/2009
Q: My four siblings and I inherited a home in Florida from my parents. The property was recorded as a ... A: As long as you are fee simple owners of your share of the property, you may dispose of it in any ...
Appraisal lower than Offer	2/23/2009
Q: I am a first time real estate investor. Recently, I was interested in a house in the Philadelphia ... A: Apparently, Camille, the seller and his agent is under the delusion that you forfeited your deposit ...
joint ownership of retaining wall	2/22/2009
Q: This property has an uncompleted "wall agreement" for a retaining wall that separates the property ... A: Believe it or not, Yuki, this is not a real estate question you posed. It is one that you should ...
Appraisal lower than Offer	2/20/2009
Q: I am a first time real estate investor. Recently, I was interested in a house in the Philadelphia ... A: Shame on your agent, Camille. Your agent should know that no changes or alterations in the original ...
Property Ownership	2/18/2009
Q: I am wondering if there is a free way to find out who owns a piece of property and also if I can ... A: There are at least a couple of ways, Emmett. First, you can call up a Title Company in your area, or ...
Taxes due on real estate sale	2/17/2009
Q: Dick, My mother passed away in Tennessee. She owned 2 residential properties. She left them equally ... A: First, Susan, you have to establish the value of the property at the time of your mom's passing. ...
Purchasing Tx. mobile home, no title.	2/8/2009
Q: I have found a 1986 singlewide mobile home to purchase but the woman I am buying it from who lives ... A: This headache is more than you should bear. If she cannot give you a title upon buying the property, ...
Stay or Foreclose	2/1/2009
Q: We have a first (650K)and second mortgage (65K) from the original purchase in 2005. We have not ... A: Yours in not an uncommon dilemma, Becky. As a California broker, I have been helping people to ...
My Paperwork/Land Contract	1/31/2009
Q: My contract for a house that I am buying has a Quit claim deed in it for us to sing over and send in ... A: You must have absolutely terrible credit, Keeva. That and your absolute craving that you MUST have ...
selling a lot in a community development	1/29/2009
Q: Can I sell my own lot on ebay legally by myself. What is involved in selling a lot? I can't afford ... A: Not exactly, Steve. Obviously you're doing this without a Realtor. If that be the case, then you ...
selling a lot in a community development	1/29/2009
Q: Can I sell my own lot on ebay legally by myself. What is involved in selling a lot? I can't afford ... A: As long as you have fee title, Steve, you may do as you please with it. You can sell it on eBay, ...
Pull Out of Probate Sale	1/29/2009
Q: I put an offer on a probate sale. The offer was rejected on the 15th day by one of the heirs and is ... A: Keep this in mind now and in the future, Tony: The buyer, the offerer may cancel, negate or pull out ...
buying a cheap home	1/27/2009
Q: forests etc, like norway or transilvania, i was wondering if you could tell me a good place like ... A: Assuming you meant to buy something in the U.S. with those specifications, Ben, because I am not ...
Seller's remorse	1/25/2009
Q: Home values have dropped. A distressed seller signs a purchase agreement with some knowledge that a ... A: The seller's agent didn't do his/her job if the seller got into this situation, Brian. Before a ...
home buying and selling	1/25/2009
Q: My fiancé and I currently live in her condo and are getting married in May. We have started to look ... A: In this case, John, you're with the devil or in the deep blue sea. During normal times this question ...
living in a house without a clear title	1/22/2009
Q: We moved into our house 2yrs ago in May. We were supposed to close on this house before we moved in ... A: You don't have much choice, Meachelle. You must, absolutely must, get yourself a good REAL ESTATE ...
Am I considered a first time home buyer?	1/21/2009
Q: (I'm not sure where to post this message, so please accept my apologies if this is not for you...) ... A: If you have not bought or owned a home in the last three years, or three years before you do buy a ...
Getting clients	1/20/2009
Q: Dennis I am serving the Central and South Florida area, I am working into adding a foreclosure ... A: This is not really my expertise, Robert. But I would suggest you do a lot of walking and talking, ...
mobile home/ lost title	1/18/2009
Q: I have some relatives with a 25 year old double wide mobile home without a title for one of the ... A: There's not too much with which I can help, Karen. I am familiar with California laws with mobile ...
Buying into a percentage of a property	1/14/2009
Q: I had some general questions about options available to me specifically in terms of purchasing a ... A: What you describe is virtually a lease/option or a land contract, sometimes called a contract for ...
Foreclosure purchase	1/11/2009
Q: We recently made an offer on a foreclosure property in Kingman Az. We received a signed purchase ... A: There is nothing much you can do, John, if you do not have a Realtor or attorney representing your ...
selling home	1/10/2009
Q: I put my home for sale with a realtor and signed a six month contract. I moved out of state to texas ... A: That depends on your Realtor, Scott. Lay it on the line with him or her. Tell the truth and you ...
liens on foreclosed property	1/8/2009
Q: i am looking at closing on a foreclosed property but it has a irs tax lien on it i need to know what ... A: You got problems with that property, Todd, if you do buy it. First of all, the IRS has 120 days ...
Property Disclosure	1/7/2009
Q: I purchased a property in Aug of 2005. The seller did not disclose that the sewer line backed up on ... A: Believe it or not, Cynthia, this is not a real estate problem. You need a good real estae attorney ...
For Sale by owner	1/6/2009
Q: I am attempting to sell my home myself, can you advise me on how do I get my home listed on an MLS ... A: Unless you are virtually giving away your property, I think you will have a heckuva job trying to ...
Life Estate	1/3/2009
Q: I read an article, http://en.allexperts.com/q/Buying-Selling-Home-1476/Life-Estate-1.htm, which ... A: Again, I do wish you the best, Lawrence. Just one thing more: That "Estate for Life" is not a Life ...
Life Estate	1/2/2009
Q: I read an article, http://en.allexperts.com/q/Buying-Selling-Home-1476/Life-Estate-1.htm, which ... A: Only if the owner is willing to maintain the property, Lawrence. Otherwise it definitely is the ...
Foreclosure vs. Short Sale	12/30/2008
Q: Dick I live in Michigan and have a house in the metro Detroit area. I took a buyout from the auto ... A: Apparently your tax bracket is 28%, Steven, since they are telling you that it would cost you that ...
Should my fiance and I upgrade or stay put?	12/22/2008
Q: My fiance and I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I am a newish attorney and in June of 2007 I ... A: You asked for my input, Nina, and I am glad to offer it, but be aware that I anticipate this market ...
buy home	12/21/2008
Q: i currently live in Cleveland, OH and i found many homes that are for sale at a very cheap price. ... A: I would be glad to help you, Abdulelah, but you need to talk to your consulate to see if you are ...
Earnst Money	12/20/2008
Q: I'm trying to get my earnest money back from a home in Illinois that didn't go thru. The deal was ... A: There is no statute of limitations on fraud, Jennifer, because that is what this is until the seller ...
House for Sale - Zoning Issue	12/14/2008
Q: Mr. Dennis, I have a home for sale in Michigan. It is zoned C-1. Our realtor tells us this is ... A: To be quite frank, Lori, it does seem like your Realtor did not offer as much valid finance ...
House for Sale - Zoning Issue	12/13/2008
Q: Mr. Dennis, I have a home for sale in Michigan. It is zoned C-1. Our realtor tells us this is ... A: I wouldn't say it is almost impossible to sell, but I would say it will be very difficult if you ...
city reg	12/12/2008
Q: Mr Dennis, I bought a condo (NYC) in june and my title company still hasnt recorded my deed to the ... A: Chances are, Bard, it'll just take a phone call. Be sure to refer to the property address when you ...
commission	12/9/2008
Q: My daughter contacted an agent about possibly selling her home, She specifically told him she was ... A: No, Deb, that agent was trying to cover up his incompentence. He knows very well -- and you should ...
2 siblings won't agree to sell home owned jointly by 4 siblings	12/9/2008
Q: I am one of 4 siblings who co-own a lake home that we received from our mother. Two siblings need to ... A: Yes, Gary, but you will need a REAL ESTATE attorney. What the attorney is going to do is to file a ...
commission	12/5/2008
Q: My daughter contacted an agent about possibly selling her home, She specifically told him she was ... A: That agent is not very ethical, that's for sure. However, now you know why it is so important to ...
medicaid and life estate	12/3/2008
Q: my 87 year old mom deeded her home over to me and maintained a Le interest in it. she is now in a ... A: Tom, it is obvious you know nothing about life estate. A life estate is retained usually by the ...
medicaid and life estate	12/3/2008
Q: my 87 year old mom deeded her home over to me and maintained a Le interest in it. she is now in a ... A: You may need to talk to an ESTATE attorney, Tom, to make sure THAT house will not be taken by ...
Purchasing Late Tax Properties	12/3/2008
Q: A man told me yesterday that one can go to a courthouse & purchase property which has unpaid ... A: No, Mike, it's not that simple. I suppose there might be certain states in which the process of ...
Should I rent my condo and buy a house?	12/2/2008
Q: I bought a condo for $174,000 and I've been living there for 4 years, I don't want to sell it ... A: If you are comparatively young, Solinka, I would recommend you keep the condo and rent it out ...
upside mortgage - way out	11/26/2008
Q: we bought a condo at the wrong time and have an upsidedown mortgage we owe about 70,000. my ... A: You were a little clearer, JAS, but still a bit confusing, like where you say, "I have a condo with ...
upside mortgage - way out	11/25/2008
Q: we bought a condo at the wrong time and have an upsidedown mortgage we owe about 70,000. my ... A: I'm sorry, Jas, but your question is not understandable the way you wrote it, especially the ...
Buying a home from father in law	11/24/2008
Q: My husband and I moved into his family home after we got married, we paid his father monthly for the ... A: The least expensive way of conveying title is with a quit-claim deed. But you must be very careful ...
Purchasing a home in Business Name	11/24/2008
Q: How can I buy a home in my business name? I have a software consulting company, personally I have ... A: As long as you already have a C-corp, and it DOES have a credit history, then it might be possible ...
Purchasing a home in Business Name	11/24/2008
Q: How can I buy a home in my business name? I have a software consulting company, personally I have ... A: If you have the property already, Nikki, or expect to close on one soon, go ahead and take title in ...
Purchasing a home in Business Name	11/23/2008
Q: How can I buy a home in my business name? I have a software consulting company, personally I have ... A: It sounds like you really need a business attorney, Nikki. This person would suggest perhaps a ...
Closing Paperwork	11/20/2008
Q: My husband and I just purchased a home in NC and signed closing paperwork remotely since we couldn't ... A: You say that "with all of our previous home purchases and sales throughout our lives," but you seem ...
Default on a Closing	11/18/2008
Q: I'm selling my mother's run-down house in Sumter, SC through an ERA Realtor. I live in ... A: Your Realtor is a milquetoast, Lydia. It is so obvious that the Realtor is afraid of losing a ...
selling	11/17/2008
Q: I'm selling a home in Baltimore and my buyer signed the papers to buy my house. His bank postponed ... A: What is your Realtor doing right now besides twiddling his/her thumbs? Your Realtor should be ...
Buying my mothers house	11/14/2008
Q: my husband and I are negotiating with my mother to buy here house. She still owes $60,000 on the ... A: But you didn't say what actual value the property is, Yvonne. At $1,000 per month at 1% interest you ...
Buying my mothers house	11/14/2008
Q: my husband and I are negotiating with my mother to buy here house. She still owes $60,000 on the ... A: As long as you are getting "fee simple" title, Yvonne, you may do as you please with that property. ...
life estate	11/11/2008
Q: This is a very complicated situation involving my elderly aunt. My first, I hope simple question, ... A: This is definitely a case for an ESTATE attorney, Jennifer, not just any attorney. A real estate ...
multiple delays in closing	11/11/2008
Q: My husband and I accepted a contract for our home on July 20, 2008. Closing was set for on or ... A: You are absolutely correct, Dawn. You should be talking to a REAL ESTATE attorney. And be sure to ...
short sale	11/10/2008
Q: is it legal for a person to sell there home in a short sale to a family member for 80,000 less than ... A: The main reason why we are in this credit crunch, Wade, is because of borrowers lying on their loan ...
2/3 Family	11/10/2008
Q: Can you tell me what a "2/3 Family" means? I'm looking at condos and see many of these listed, but ... A: In my 39 years in this business, Jack, I have never heard of, as you put it, a 2/3 house. Are you ...
Landlord being foreclosed REaltor Getting People Into The Property	11/7/2008
Q: I had been renting a property in Orlando Florida. I was paying the rent on time every month. My ... A: No, Roseline, you do NOT have to move until you get an official 30-days notice from the owner of the ...
Upside-Down Mortgage	11/2/2008
Q: I purchased a home in Los Angeles in March 2007 for $520,000. It's now evidently worth $360,000 ... A: First, Zoey, I have never posted on www.wisebread.com. In fact until you mentioned it, I had never ...
Tenants in Common	11/1/2008
Q: In Michigan; Home was purchased by 3 couples (as Husbands and Wives)as Tenants in Common - a Mom & ... A: Then it's a case for Super Attorney. A REAL ESTATE attorney must now handle this, because of the ...
Buying with adult son	11/1/2008
Q: We plan to buy a condo with our young adult son. We plan to buy as joint tenants. Parents and son ... A: Here is a suggestion, Mike: Talk with an ESTATE attorney and check on the feasability of having a ...
Split mortgage with mom or buy?	10/31/2008
Q: My mother is having difficulty paying her monthly mortgage payments (About $1300) and doesn't plan ... A: If your mother is having difficulty with her monthly mortgage payments, there is another idea that ...
permits	10/30/2008
Q: I am in the process of closing escrow. When my appraisal was done it shows that according to tax ... A: It seems to me that you're stepping into a money pit, Sara. If you really want that house, then do ...
selling my home in pa	10/29/2008
Q: Buyers entered into sales contract,put deposit down,and put stop payment on the check 15 days later! ... A: Well, then it is up to you if you choose to hold them to it. All they have to do is to make it so ...
selling my home in pa	10/28/2008
Q: Buyers entered into sales contract,put deposit down,and put stop payment on the check 15 days later! ... A: Linda, my guess is that your Realtor was sympathetic to the buyer and arbitrarily let them off the ...
selling my home in pa	10/28/2008
Q: Buyers entered into sales contract,put deposit down,and put stop payment on the check 15 days later! ... A: No, this is not legal, Linda. Check with your Realtor and find out why that happened. Your Realtor ...
Upside-down mortgage	10/25/2008
Q: Like many others in the state (and country) we are upside down on our mortgage, owing $30,000 or so ... A: It doesn't matter how you do it, Anne, if you do not pay your mortgage as originally agreed . . . ...
Please tell me if short sale is better for my situation	10/23/2008
Q: It's me agus again. I would love to do the follow up from our previous topic but the site said it's ... A: It is expected that it would take me at least half an hour to respond to your questions, Agus. In ...
Upside Down Mortgage	10/22/2008
Q: I just read your answer to another persons' question about having a 2nd mortgage and being upside ... A: It is interesting that you just wrote, Cindy, because I just got off the phone from a guy who works ...
Please tell me if short sale is better for my situation	10/22/2008
Q: It's me agus again. I would love to do the follow up from our previous topic but the site said it's ... A: I am sorry, Agus, but I would really have to write a small book to answer all your questions you ...
Buying and selling between relatives	10/21/2008
Q: My mom left her house to my brother and I. We live in Pa. I have lived in the house two years, have ... A: While one dollar is valid, Missy, usually 10 dollars is a common consideration when conveying ...
Life Estate	10/21/2008
Q: I own a house which has a life estate attached to it for another person. I am in North Carolina. I ... A: Let me answer your question by asking you a question, Cyndy. If you were looking for a house to buy, ...
residential home an property	10/21/2008
Q: ..we currently live in a home that was inherited by my sister at the time of my fathers death, the ... A: Whoever actually holds the deed doesn't mean a hill of beans, Brena. It's what is recorded in the ...
help me to avoid foreclosure	10/21/2008
Q: Your Question was: Hi Toni, I have a question for you regarding negotiating my 2nd mortgage with ... A: If your friend was able to stay in her house for 9 months, chances are you might be able to do the ...
residential home an property	10/20/2008
Q: ..we currently live in a home that was inherited by my sister at the time of my fathers death, the ... A: You make this sound very confusing, Brena: First you say the home is in the name of the surviving ...
2 Foreclosures, "is walk away" possible for both	10/20/2008
Q: About 3 years ago, I was in a good position but know I don't know what to do. I currently foreclosed ... A: First of all, Emeka, if you walk away from any house you may be liable for a taxable gain on your ...
Adding name to deed in California	10/20/2008
Q: What would happen if I add my partner/fiance on the deed to my condo located in California- would ... A: Probably the best time to add your fiance to the title of the condo would be when you actually ...
Title issues	10/17/2008
Q: Ok, so my husband and I have gone through all the motions to purchase a home in PA. We had the ... A: Yes, of course, you should be able to get your deposit returned all right. But the other costs you ...
Selling a Life Estate	10/17/2008
Q: My sisters and I have a home in Montana that our mother lived in with a life estate. Drs. have ... A: If the property is subject to a life estate, Nancy, and your mother is the recipient of that life ...
Trading equity and houses?	10/15/2008
Q: you seem like a very knowledgeable person to ask a question of this sort as I am stymied! Here ... A: After I read that you are talking about getting a mobile home, I stopped reading, Julie. In this ...
How to finance 2nd home purchase and keep 1st for rental	10/15/2008
Q: Ugh, this is going to be a little long--sorry! My husband and I are interested in moving to a better ... A: This is what I would do, Denise: Use the cash you inherited as the 20% down payment on the new house ...
Trading equity and houses?	10/14/2008
Q: you seem like a very knowledgeable person to ask a question of this sort as I am stymied! Here ... A: Sorry, Julie, but you left out what kind of loan he has on HIS house. Little by little we are ...
Trading equity and houses?	10/14/2008
Q: you seem like a very knowledgeable person to ask a question of this sort as I am stymied! Here ... A: I am assuming, Julie, that you both have no mortgages on your respective properties. Just to remind ...
Quitclaim	10/14/2008
Q: I would like to know if I donate my house to my church, free and clear with a Quitclaim, how do I do ... A: You don't say in what state the property is, Carol. I would strongly suggest (if you really want to ...
Offer before Open House	10/13/2008
Q: My husband and I decided to put an offer on a home that had been on the market for 6 months with no ... A: Welcome to the professional world of real estate, Patricia. I'm sorry you have never had an previous ...
Marriage and Property Tax Assessments	10/12/2008
Q: Dennis, I own a condo in Southern California that is now valued significantly below the base ... A: You can put your fiance on title with you at any time, Patrick, just by executing a grant deed from ...
Marriage and Property Tax Assessments	10/10/2008
Q: Dennis, I own a condo in Southern California that is now valued significantly below the base ... A: Because you bought your condo what appears to be somewhere around 2005 (the absolute apex of the ...
Home Property Investors Wanted!	10/9/2008
Q: Ca. I am hoping you can help me or direct me, I am seeking Property Investors, people who are ... A: Okay then, Ron, this is the story: Since the house already belongs to the bank, you better make ...
Selling a Life Estate	10/9/2008
Q: My sisters and I have a home in Montana that our mother lived in with a life estate. Drs. have ... A: You may start selling the property now, based on your information. A life estate is only valid for ...
Home Property Investors Wanted!	10/9/2008
Q: Ca. I am hoping you can help me or direct me, I am seeking Property Investors, people who are ... A: You're not making yourself clear, Ron. First you say you "My home recently went into foreclosure," ...
Owning Childhood Home	10/8/2008
Q: My elderly father recently died. My mom (in her 80s) has moved in with my sister. My dad asked my ... A: What you describe, Winston, is an ideal situation for a Reverse Mortgage. I am sure you have heard ...
NEW HOME OWNER	10/8/2008
Q: I HAVE RECENTLY PURCHASED A NEW HOME THE PREVIOUS OWNER IS NOW REFUSING TO VACATE THE DWELLING SHE ... A: You will need to contact an attorney who specializes in evicting tenants, Bonnie. He/she will know ...
ways to lessen my capital gains on a home i recently sold	10/7/2008
Q: recently sold my home closed about 30 days ago to my son, the house was purchased by me from my ... A: Sorry to disappoint you , Rick, but if you want to not have to pay capital gains taxes on the sale ...
Quit claim deed	10/1/2008
Q: In 1999 we recorded a quit claim deed for an acre of land which we had our house built on. This ... A: The best I can understand your problem, Rene, I am afraid you are using the wrong term for the deed ...
How to break a purchase agreement?	9/29/2008
Q: We signed an agreement for buying a home in cincinnati.we got all the home inspection work done. Our ... A: First thing you have to realize, Nishanteeka, is that first-time buyers seem to always feel they ...
Foreclosure/Loan Modification	9/28/2008
Q: Dennis..I live in California, I have a MTG with Nationstar. I am currently deliquent on my Aug 1st, ... A: It sounds to me, Anne, like the reason why you have not received any late notice from your lender is ...
trading in 2 states	9/28/2008
Q: We are interested in trading our property in New Hampshire with the owner of a property in Vermont. ... A: If you don't already have a Realtor with whom you can work to accomplish your goal, Denise, I would ...
Propert Deed Form, and Language Therein	9/27/2008
Q: My wife and I are deeding over a rental house to my daughter and her husband. The residence will be ... A: Like I said, Tony, I didn't know your financial, or your plans for the future, but I would have told ...
Propert Deed Form, and Language Therein	9/26/2008
Q: My wife and I are deeding over a rental house to my daughter and her husband. The residence will be ... A: If you are choosing to deed over a 1031 exchange property to your daughter, be aware that you are ...
2nd Mortgage	9/25/2008
Q: I live in Florida and own a house which worth $270000. I have a 1st mortgage with $170000 and 2nd ... A: With the new financing laws scheduled to take effect Oct. 1, Niloofar, it might be a very good idea ...
Buying A short Sale	9/24/2008
Q: I make about 130,000 a year but I do have a NY state tax lien. My credit is not good but the income ... A: First things first, Hector. Even if they would accept you as a borrower the lender, whoever it is, ...
grandma property issue	9/23/2008
Q: my grandmother lives in Puerto Rico and owned a house with her long time companion which passed away ... A: Yes, Damary, it is quite understandable when there are nine people who must sign documents. You just ...
Problems with House Title	9/22/2008
Q: I'm in the process of purchasing a newly built home on a vacant lot in Richmond, Virginia. Richmond ... A: Yes, Maggie, you are at the city's mercy. In the final analysis, the city's planning department is ...
foreclosure with second mortgage in NJ	9/22/2008
Q: I saw one of your answers and thought you may be able to help me. I own a home in NJ which has been ... A: In a short sale situation, the lender always takes their time about these things. If you stop making ...
foreclosure with second mortgage in NJ	9/22/2008
Q: I saw one of your answers and thought you may be able to help me. I own a home in NJ which has been ... A: You are in a short-sale position, Anne. That means if the lender has to accept the purchase ...
do you have to put a 1% deposit when bidding on a home?	9/22/2008
Q: I have a house in North County San Diego I'm looking to put a bid on but my realtor is asking me to ... A: As long as you are already approved for a loan, show the Realtor that you have it. If you are ...
do you have to put a 1% deposit when bidding on a home?	9/22/2008
Q: I have a house in North County San Diego I'm looking to put a bid on but my realtor is asking me to ... A: It depends on the lender (I suppose you are talking about an REO where the bank owns the property), ...
help me to avoid foreclosure	9/21/2008
Q: Your Question was: Hi Toni, I have a question for you regarding negotiating my 2nd mortgage with ... A: To explain the succession of liens on a property, Agus, in the number one position is always the ...
help me to avoid foreclosure	9/20/2008
Q: Your Question was: Hi Toni, I have a question for you regarding negotiating my 2nd mortgage with ... A: First of all, Agus, my name is Dick. Dick Dennis. Second, if you don't pay on the 2nd mortgage, you ...
real estate	9/19/2008
Q: I was trying to sell my parents house and listed it with a realtor. At the same time a friend of ... A: I don't think so, Pat. I assume your parents' house is in their name. If YOU were selling it, ...
Selling a mobile home in a park	9/17/2008
Q: Remember the frustration in Princess Leia's voice when she said, "Help me Obi Wan Kenobe, you're my ... A: When you bought the mobile home, Meredith, you received a document of some kind saying to whom the ...
Elderly parents selling home to child	9/16/2008
Q: Dick, My parents are 80 years old. I'm one of five children and I'm in the military. Next year I ... A: Yes, this is legal, Dan. However, I strongly suggest you consult with a real estate or estate ...
1031 purchase of house	9/15/2008
Q: I am selling a rental house purchased in 2001 that I never lived in. I have an exchange co. ... A: Yes, Jean, but you will need to prorate the percentage of the property for the amount that you live ...
short sales	9/15/2008
Q: I own a townhouse in Miami, FL. What consequences may I face if I would successfully sell my ... A: It certainly will not help your credit, Jose, but it should not hurt it. However, the lender may be ...
Contract with Realtor	9/14/2008
Q: My wife and I are getting a divorce. The house we live in is in her name only (she bought it before ... A: By all means. Go to your Realtor first to see if she can help you. Chances she will. I got the ...
Contract with Realtor	9/13/2008
Q: My wife and I are getting a divorce. The house we live in is in her name only (she bought it before ... A: Technically, Jeff, if your wife conveys the house to you, she owes a commission to the Realtor. Any ...
selling foreclosure that I bid on	9/12/2008
Q: I went to the foreclosure auction at the court in New York and I purchase a property by putting down ... A: Great thinking, David. Of course you can assign your purchase to someone else. Just make sure that ...
Purchasing during separation	9/8/2008
Q: my name is Kristina. First off, thank you for taking the time to volunteer in this community. ... A: As long as your house is not sold to someone else, Kristina, you and your husband will remain ...
Why the real estate market is down	9/6/2008
Q: We have been trying to sell our home in rural northern michigan for over a year now. My sister, who ... A: There's not too many property owners who are willing to do this to help substatiate a lower value ...
Why the real estate market is down	9/6/2008
Q: We have been trying to sell our home in rural northern michigan for over a year now. My sister, who ... A: First of all, John, I get the impression your sister must be up in years. I am, too, as you may be ...
LIFE ESTATE	9/5/2008
Q: MY BROTHER IN LAW HAS A LIFE ESTATE. HIS BROTHER TRICKED HIM INTO SIGNING A QUIT -CLAIM A NUMBER OF ... A: You're going to have to be more clear on the relationships in your question, Bobby. It seems like ...
Septic System	9/1/2008
Q: I am looking at purchasing a house in rural Dunn County, Wisconsin. The house is an older house, ... A: No, Jake, if that house is being sold to live in. Just ask your county health department. They would ...
selling 1/2 of house	8/29/2008
Q: My x wife recently died and the house we co-owned now belongs to her new husband and I. I was ... A: I suppose that is possible, Jack, but you have to realize there is so much more involved than simply ...
House Sale/Termite Damage	8/28/2008
Q: my sister is 73 years old and lives in Ohio. She had to sell her house last summer, her husband is ... A: I am sorry your sister is having problems now that her attorney said don't do anything. She could ...
House Sale/Termite Damage	8/28/2008
Q: my sister is 73 years old and lives in Ohio. She had to sell her house last summer, her husband is ... A: Apparently in Ohio they do not have a mediation clause in the sales contract. Here in California, we ...
life estate	8/27/2008
Q: My 85 year old mother moved from her home in GA to a house I owned free and clear in FL. I gave her ... A: Your mother is losing her mind, Brenda. There is no way she can sell your house no more than she can ...
Construction Home	8/23/2008
Q: I saw a home today that looks almost complete; but abandon. NO address, like to learn who owns it ... A: My recommendation, Jim, is to, for now, just keep your eye on it. If you see any change to the ...
I owe too much and want a real house	8/17/2008
Q: I need to know how to get out of my mobile home and into a real home. I owe 40,000 on a mobile home ... A: I figured that would be the case, George. Typical. Just get yourself a good credit buyer and the ...
I owe too much and want a real house	8/17/2008
Q: I need to know how to get out of my mobile home and into a real home. I owe 40,000 on a mobile home ... A: My guess is that you can rent out the mobile home. If you would walk away from it and let the bank ...
Getting cash out or selling half to my brother	8/16/2008
Q: I own w housed on a lot. My brother lives in one building and we rent out the other. We purchased ... A: I favor the first choice, Jo. How is it that your brother pays everyting to maintain the property? ...
house in commercial zone with non-homestead taxes	8/15/2008
Q: I am looking to buy a house that will be used as a residence, but is located in a commercial zone. ... A: One has nothing to do with the other, Mayra. The IRS would instruct you to use whatever percentage ...
downpayment	8/15/2008
Q: Dick, THanks for taking my question. My wife is trying to sell her parents home that was willed to ... A: I would tell the buyer, "Too bad. If it wasn't in writing, then it was not part of the transaction." ...
Buying/selling under contract	8/12/2008
Q: Recently we put in an offer on the home of our dreams, but hit a dead end when the seller told us ... A: You're not going to find anything on the Internet upon which you can rely. So forget that idea, ...
Lien	8/7/2008
Q: My husband and I just purchased a home from a builder here in North Carolina. Everything went ... A: He is trying to hoodwink you, Sally. This matter calls for a REAL ESTATE attorney right away because ...
title mess	8/6/2008
Q: Howdy, from Texas! My Mom died in 1997. She named my Dad as primary beneficiary/executor. She left ... A: Sorry, Jonathan, but what do you mean by "clear title?" If the house is already in their names, they ...
Dispute over who owes taxes	8/5/2008
Q: My unlce recently paid off his home which he was buying on contract from his friend. Now that the ... A: Assuming your uncle lived in the property from day one of his agreement, Penny, and treated the ...
Quitclaim deed	8/4/2008
Q: My Dad is 80 yrs. old and very ill. Two years ago I talked him into buying a house together, that ... A: Christine, what you don't want to happen is for someone in the future to say you took advantage of ...
Quitclaim deed	8/4/2008
Q: My Dad is 80 yrs. old and very ill. Two years ago I talked him into buying a house together, that ... A: Since the house is now in your dad's name, Christine, yes, he can give you a quit-claim title to the ...
liens in foreclosure	8/2/2008
Q: My x husband is trying to sale a house, There is a lien on it for back child support in the amount ... A: Chances are, Donna, your divorce attorney put a lien on your husband. That means anything of value ...
Counter Offer under contract	8/1/2008
Q: I am under contract for a property in Florida. I have inpsected the property and have determined ... A: If the seller recompenses you for the cost of the architect's report, then you can make his report ...
Counter Offer under contract	8/1/2008
Q: I am under contract for a property in Florida. I have inpsected the property and have determined ... A: By submitting a counter offer at this time, Pam, you have, in effect, cancelled your present ...
Earnest money	7/31/2008
Q: This has a lots of twists and turns, so I hope you can follow me! We, the sellers, have been under ... A: This is what I would do, Kati: I would say, "Hold it! Let's start this ballgame all over again. Ms. ...
agent contract to sell	7/30/2008
Q: I signed a contract with an agent to sell a home in Washington state 2 1/2 weeks ago. I have ... A: You go to your agent and ask that same question, Deanne. He/she may say that advertising money has ...
purchase of lot	7/26/2008
Q: My husband and I were in the process of purchasing a lot from a homeowner we spoke with them 3 or 4 ... A: Number one, apparently, Kristia, the property must be in the northern half of this country, or maybe ...
Foreclosure homes and Realtor Fees	7/22/2008
Q: it falls on the buyer, is that correct? A: Not necessarily, but that is the way it should be in my eyes. If the buyer does pay his Realtor ...
Required to give out personal information to view a model home?	7/21/2008
Q: Recently a friend and I wanted to tour some model homes while visiting the Poulsbo, WA area in ... A: I'm not aware of any such law in ANY state, Stephanie. They obviously want that information so they ...
short sale	7/21/2008
Q: .. I have a home in Naples Florida....I bought for 213k in 2004, and tapped equity in 2006 at 75% of ... A: Now I understand a little better, Christina. This is the way it should go down: B is buying A's ...
short sale	7/21/2008
Q: .. I have a home in Naples Florida....I bought for 213k in 2004, and tapped equity in 2006 at 75% of ... A: You are not too clear, Christina, but I will try to answer the best I can based on the "information" ...
Las Vega, nv	7/20/2008
Q: My home is already in default. I'm in the process of going through a divorce. The home loan (Chase) ... A: The way I see it, Mark, is as long as the HELOC is NOT a lien on your house then you can continue to ...
Find a lender that will do a loan on land equity	7/19/2008
Q: Dick I currently have a 2.5 acre parcel of land and need to borrow from the equity in it to pay on a ... A: This is a matter for a bankruptcy attorney, Jeff. You need to do a chapter 7 where you do not have ...
getting out of a contract	7/19/2008
Q: we are under contract to buy a home in NJ and are supposed to close the second week in august. ... A: If your attorney (hopefully he/she is a REAL ESTATE attorney) says there is no hope, Mary, I ...
construction contract/cancel broker	7/17/2008
Q: My husband and I are about to close on a house that we have had built. In a moment of 'what were you ... A: Forget it, Kathy. It's even in the law books, even Oklahoma's: In real estate, if it is not in ...
sell of exchanged residence	7/16/2008
Q: We did a 1031 exchange from a ranch to a residence in March of 2006. We rented the residence for 2 ... A: You need to have owned the residence that you obtained through a 1031, Bob, at least five years and ...
Selling house in Virginia to mother in law	7/15/2008
Q: I just built my own house and will be selling our previous house to my mother in law. We are trying ... A: Other than regular closing costs, Reid, I am not aware of sales tax on the sale of real estate, ...
realtor contract	7/15/2008
Q: We have signed a three-month contract that runs out July 31, 2008. Do we have any further ... A: Near the top of the listing agreement, Bryan, was an emply space in which your agent placed a ...
We are in pre-foreclosure stage with HOA fee issues	7/15/2008
Q: Dennis, I have read many of your postings to get some of my questions answered, but I would be ... A: If I were him, Jennifer, I wouldn't pay another dime to anyone. Nobody can hurry up a foreclosure ...
Question about inspection	7/14/2008
Q: I live in Sunnyvale, California. I owned a mobile home in a trailer park, and I sold it without an ... A: I do not know, Crystal. The sale of a mobile home not connected or including land is considered ...
Upside Down Home	7/13/2008
Q: I live in CA. We purchased a home in 2005 for $525,000.00. The original loans were 100% financing, ... A: Before I say anything else, Christina, I will reproduce an article from my the last issue of my ...
Tax liens	7/10/2008
Q: I am a Realtor representing a buyer and was suppose to close on a REO property 2 weeks ago BUT the ... A: First of all, Chris, you gotta check with the title company to make sure that the tax lien has been ...
Texas Mobile Home -	7/8/2008
Q: My husband I purchased 5 acres with a 2001 mobile on it. We bought the property with the intent to ... A: The DMV will have your answer, Cheryl. I am really surprised that your real estate agent and lawyer ...
Texas Mobile Home -	7/8/2008
Q: My husband I purchased 5 acres with a 2001 mobile on it. We bought the property with the intent to ... A: You bought it from SOMEBODY. Whoever handled the sale must know where the previous owner lives. If ...
Trading Home	7/7/2008
Q: Is there a way to trade my current home for another home that is for sale. The home for sale is a ... A: Yes, Kristina, but it is not likely in this slow market. You can try however, but you would need a ...
Considering a Corner Lot Property	7/6/2008
Q: I'm considering buying a four-year-old former model home that's located on a corner lot at the ... A: There are too many unknowns, Lynn. There are too many questions that need to be settled before you ...
survey~ Non disclosure MESS	7/6/2008
Q: When I bought, the adjacent lot (owned by the same seller) was also for sale, and I chose not to ... A: Yes, Michele, all this wouldn't have happened if your real estate agent knew what she was doing. My ...
Seller's Protection at Closing	7/5/2008
Q: I was about to close on the sale of my house in Massachusetts when the title search discovered that ... A: No, I have never experienced such an occurance in my 37 years as a real estate broker, BJ. However, ...
Nondisclosure and house making family sick	7/3/2008
Q: My husband and I (he's active duty military) bought a home in San Diego 4 years ago for $385,000 for ... A: If your attorney only got you $400,000, S'te, I would strongly suggest you find an attorney who ...
foreclosures in omaha nebraska	6/27/2008
Q: i actually have several questions...i am interested in buying a foreclosure in good condition in the ... A: I'll answer the 2nd question first, Mikala: Apparently your flood insurance you had was ...
after floclosure	6/26/2008
Q: I lost my house the bank took it. and know the bank send me to collection and they want me to pay ... A: Yes, Rose, they can at least try that. It doesn't mean they'll get it. You see, when they ...
Selling a house while in chapter 13 repayment	6/24/2008
Q: My parents have been repaying their chapter 13 for about a year. I am wondering how difficult it ... A: Yes, Erin, this is a tough situation all right. If your parents have been paying on a chapter 13 ...
buying foreclosure land	6/20/2008
Q: I appreciate you answer my question about legal description. By my understand, legal description are ... A: No, you really do not need the "legal description," Shu Yan, when you have an accurate map of the ...
selling a home in Texas	6/19/2008
Q: My husband's name is the only one on the mortgage, but both of our names are on the deed. ... A: Only a divorce attorney can do that with legality, Heidi. My suggestion therefore would be for the ...
selling a home in Texas	6/19/2008
Q: My husband's name is the only one on the mortgage, but both of our names are on the deed. ... A: When you sell the house, there is no reason why your husband AND YOU have to sign anything on the ...
selling a home in Texas	6/19/2008
Q: My husband's name is the only one on the mortgage, but both of our names are on the deed. ... A: If the house is going to be sold, Heidi, they are going to need your signature. However, you are not ...
Foreclosure Sale	6/17/2008
Q: I Recently won an auction for a home at a foreclosure sale. The sale is pending court approval set ... A: Disregard any and all other liens and sales, Sandra. The first mortgage, from which you bought the ...
Problem with buyer not moving the maunfactured home	6/17/2008
Q: I sold a manufactured home to a buyer, but they are having problems with their movers, and it's been ... A: That's why you have to see an attorney. He/she will write you a legal notice to the buyer advising ...
Problem with buyer not moving the maunfactured home	6/17/2008
Q: I sold a manufactured home to a buyer, but they are having problems with their movers, and it's been ... A: It depends what it says in your purchase agreement, Jan. Of course, you should have had a statement ...
HUD 1 form!!	6/13/2008
Q: I pretty sure you have been asked this question before, but here it is again. I brought a co-op in ... A: I don't know from which country you are from, Michelle, but I am sure the word you meant to use is ...
HUD 1 form!!	6/13/2008
Q: I pretty sure you have been asked this question before, but here it is again. I brought a co-op in ... A: When you own a co-op, Michelle, you do not own real estate. Your name is not on the property. You ...
Mobile home on personal property	6/12/2008
Q: About a year and a half ago,I sold a mobile home and 5 acres. The mobile home title is being held ... A: Unless the mobile home was destroyed in a fire or other manner, they were not permitted to separate ...
property line	6/12/2008
Q: I bought my house in November of 1999. There was an empty lot next door. Someone bought the lot in ... A: This is a common occurance, Jeff, especially out in the boonies or when there are empty lots next ...
deeds/homeownership	6/11/2008
Q: If a person applies for a homeloan and house has no mortgage but owner can't locate deed; how does ... A: Somewhere in the dusty archives of your county recorder, Helene, is the title to the house to which ...
non disclosure of construction defect	6/10/2008
Q: i bought a condo 2 1/2 yrs ago, and in the sale their was no mention of a construction defect in ... A: While I agree with the attorney (I hope it was a real estate attorney), there should have been a ...
Radon	6/9/2008
Q: Dick, I have a contract to sell my house and the buyer did a radon test and the levels came up at ... A: Just a matter of choice, Liz. It all depends on the situation and the transaction. One thing that is ...
cosigning	6/8/2008
Q: I have been dating my boyfriend for almost three years and have lived with him for over two. We ... A: You're a smart girl, Whitney. I've been answering these questions for AllExperts.com for six years ...
Radon	6/7/2008
Q: Dick, I have a contract to sell my house and the buyer did a radon test and the levels came up at ... A: You don't say where you are located, Liz, but I have seen it happen too many times --- where the ...
Radon	6/7/2008
Q: Dick, I have a contract to sell my house and the buyer did a radon test and the levels came up at ... A: Sounds like you have a stubborn buyer all right. And as long as you have abided by the contract, it ...
Title Search on family acreage	6/6/2008
Q: If you are unable to answer my question, I hope you can direct me to another source. I'm very new ... A: Yes, you can do that. But don't expect it to be free. At the county records department you can do it ...
Title Search on family acreage	6/6/2008
Q: If you are unable to answer my question, I hope you can direct me to another source. I'm very new ... A: The very first thing you must do, BJ, is to contact a GOOD REAL ESTATE attorney. This process is not ...
Best to buy a new or older home?	6/6/2008
Q: My brother and I both plan to buy homes in the Las Vegas area next spring (I am also considering the ... A: You don't just go into an area with a general idea what kind of home you want. You go into an area ...
mortgagenotes	6/4/2008
Q: how do you find private mtg. notes? A: In this present kind of real estate market, Felix, it will be difficult to find private mortgage (or ...
selling a condo	6/4/2008
Q: I am currently in Chapter 13 and would like to sell my condo. Who would I contact? A: You should contact and talk with your attorney who will advise what you should do in your situation, ...
new home contract	6/3/2008
Q: Dick, I signed a contract for a new home to be built in VA 7 days ago. I was going to relocate back ... A: Finding a buyer for the house does indeed seem like your only route, Adam. However, there is another ...
Buying a home from a family member	5/31/2008
Q: My mother is getting ready to downsize from our large family home to a smaller, more manageable ... A: First of all, Beth, is there any other siblings in the picture? If there is, maybe they have ...
REO's	5/30/2008
Q: My husband and I are currently selling our home - it is in escrow- and we are in the process of ... A: That's the way the market is these days, the banks just don't want to mess with anyone who has ...
buying a second home	5/28/2008
Q: Mr. Dennis, I bought a condo a little over a year ago (bad move i know)But i would now like to buy a ... A: Most Realtors® have a list of bank owned houses or a lead to a foreclosure or pre-foreclosure, Mike. ...
Quickclaim/abtract judgement	5/27/2008
Q: I have an abstract judgement for child support filed against some property that my ex owns. He is ... A: You definitely need to see your attorney, Mary. First of all, your attorney can reverse that ...
life state and a mortgage	5/27/2008
Q: I transfer the title of my property to my son and I have a life state in it. I learn lately that he ... A: The fact that he was able to get a mortgage is proof enough that he was legally able to put a ...
buying on land contract	5/25/2008
Q: My husband and I have found a home for sale by owner for which the seller has agreed to hold a land ... A: What you describe, Sue, is ideal for a LEASE-OPTION. The reason why you may not want a land contract ...
selling a deed w a life estate	5/24/2008
Q: I would like to sell the deed to a property that I gave a lie estate to my uncle. Is it possible to ... A: Yes, it is possible to sell a house encumbered with a life estate, BJ, but would YOU be willing to ...
Gift of equity nonrelative	5/24/2008
Q: My daughter is purchasing a home from a non-relative for $65,000 an amount that is approx.55K ... A: Your daughter could be considered executing a fraud with the seller aiding and abetting, Karl. She ...
proper questions to ask when considering to buy real estate	5/22/2008
Q: I am intrested in buying residental apartment buildings and I would like to know what questions I ... A: Residential apartment buildings is hard work, Howard. Once you have bought your first units, I hope ...
Getting My Money Back From An Option To Buy	5/21/2008
Q: Last year I made a business in Orlando Florida. I rented a house with the option to buy. I gave a ... A: What investigator, Hector? Based on what you told me, you should have done your investigation about ...
owe too much on mobile home	5/19/2008
Q: We want to sell our mobile in a park. We owe about $26,000. It is in a park where people are leaving ... A: My guess, Nikki, is that no matter to where you move, you will pay more each month than what you are ...
Buying a home from a Family Trust	5/19/2008
Q: What exactly does the term "Family Trust" refer to when purchasing a home? Are there any particular ... A: The idea of a "Family Trust" is a maneuver by the owner (Family) to protect against probate more ...
searching title history-lien	5/14/2008
Q: mr. dennis, thank you for the time you spend on this site. i have read several of your past ... A: First of all, Victor, I hope your mother either deeded her house over to you so you could sell it ...
Earnest Money	5/13/2008
Q: We were going to buy a house but the inspection turned up an issue with the roof. The seller's ... A: As long as your original offer did say that you, as the buyer, had the right to cancel the ...
selling with a contract	5/8/2008
Q: can i sell my house on contrcat if i still have a mortage on it. i live in illinois A: I would recommend you talk with a REAL ESTATE attorney how it is best in ILLINOIS, Bob. Otherwise, ...
free pre-foreclosure/foreclosure listings	5/7/2008
Q: I live in Indiana and I was wanting to know if there is any websites where you can find ... A: Yes, Jack, but I don't think you'd be interested because it takes a lot of work and research. First ...
add name to title	5/6/2008
Q: I live in Las Vegas NV. I was hoping you might be able to help. I was told that since I was the ... A: Yes, Eric. Adding names to property titles is done all the time. Just be aware that you alone will ...
Upside down mortgage and Loan Modification	5/2/2008
Q: Dennis, First thank you very much on your help. I read you answers on 2nd mortgage and you ... A: Have you ever played poker, Dean? Of course you have. If you are half a decent player you know what ...
Upside down mortgage and Loan Modification	5/1/2008
Q: Dennis, First thank you very much on your help. I read you answers on 2nd mortgage and you ... A: Very simple, Dean. Just stop making any payments whatsoever. You'll be able to live there for at ...
Mobile Home Sale	4/30/2008
Q: I am trying to help my mother sell her double wide mobile home. It sits in a mobile home park in ... A: Usually, Shane, at least here in California, a mobile home broker will sell mobile homes and most ...
Mobile Home Sale	4/30/2008
Q: I am trying to help my mother sell her double wide mobile home. It sits in a mobile home park in ... A: You don't say who owns the lot on which your mother's mobile home sits, Shane. If she pays rent on ...
creative real estate investing	4/25/2008
Q: Dick, I came across a summary of Robert G. Allen challenges so I thought you might be interested in ... A: That story about him challenging diffent city's mayors to put money in the pockets of people who ...
Construction loan question	4/25/2008
Q: I recently purchased vacant land with a construction loan to build a home. Because of the fact that ... A: You might try to put the whole package together, loan, land and plans, etc., and sell it at a very ...
creative real estate investing	4/25/2008
Q: Dick, Robert G Allen has a convincing story about teaching people to buy property with no money down ... A: There is no doubt that he did what he said he did, and I have done it a few times without taking him ...
Obtaining a Deed	4/23/2008
Q: My husband inherited a mobile home and some land in town. (Texas) It has been owned by him since ... A: In Texas, Anne, you may use a title company (I am sure your sale is being handled through a title ...
2nd mortgage	4/22/2008
Q: I lost my job and have a first mortgage worth 40,000 and a second worth 15000. I have been paying on ... A: If the first mortgage is willing to accept the deed in lieu, Brad, then you probably should do it. ...
2nd mortgage	4/22/2008
Q: I lost my job and have a first mortgage worth 40,000 and a second worth 15000. I have been paying on ... A: I will address each point as you presented them, Brad. In order for them to fit you into the monthly ...
cancel contract	4/22/2008
Q: I have signed a contract to sell my home with a realtor on 04-19-2008 at my residence. I decided on ... A: It is strongly recommended that you counsel with a REAL ESTATE attorney to protect your interests, ...
2nd mortgage	4/21/2008
Q: I lost my job and have a first mortgage worth 40,000 and a second worth 15000. I have been paying on ... A: That's a complete waste of money, Bradley. What is going to happen is that the second mortgage will ...
Buyer for our home lost mortg commitment a week before the closing date	4/14/2008
Q: We listed and sold our home, we thought, in 2007. The buyers for our home lost their mortgage ... A: Keep on looking for a good REAL ESTATE attorney. If everything you stated is true, a good attorney ...
Please Help Fast.	4/12/2008
Q: My boy friend and I just started buying our first house. In the start we had a verbal agreement that ... A: 7 months is as bad as 7 years. I wouldn't have accepted all that in 7 minutes. You will have to ...
Co-Op with a land lease	4/10/2008
Q: I am considering a Washington DC co-op that has 50 years remaining on a land lease. The building ... A: John, I would recommend you look up and contact a Realtor who is registered as a CCIM (Certified ...
Please Help Fast.	4/9/2008
Q: My boy friend and I just started buying our first house. In the start we had a verbal agreement that ... A: Now you make it sound even worse, Kylee. It is obvious you have lived in the property for several ...
Please Help Fast.	4/8/2008
Q: My boy friend and I just started buying our first house. In the start we had a verbal agreement that ... A: It's most likely to be your very last question. Some people have to get their education through ...
Canceling a transaction	3/31/2008
Q: We've just put a 10K deposit down on a home in Ontario. We have not yet had an inspection, but have ... A: You don't say at what point you are in the transaction, Mary. Are you near the end which means you ...
Need to sell my manufactured home!!	3/25/2008
Q: We listed our manufactured home that is almost 5 years old with a real estate agent. She is very ... A: Assuming the real estate business is not doing too well in your area either, Brenda, you might want ...
Need to sell my property and mobile	3/25/2008
Q: Dick: My husband and I live in Index,Washington, a great mountain town nestled in the Cascade ... A: Probably the most glaring negative fact, Megan, is that 1964. At that age, mobile homes have very ...
realtor's liability	3/20/2008
Q: dick, We bought a home an yearand a half ago using a realtor who is the chairman of board of ... A: That's really rare that the chairman of the Board of Realtors would be so neglectful, Fera. There is ...
splitting and selling a duplex	3/20/2008
Q: I currently own a duplex building. I live in side "A" and i rent out side "B" next door. Both sides ... A: Most likely, Lee, there is a local law not permitting the splitting of a duplex, especially if there ...
Purchasing a home from a trust	3/17/2008
Q: Is it possible to purchase a home that is in trust? I have the opportunity to buy a home from the ... A: As long as he is the trustee of that trust, Bruce, he should have no problem transfering the ...
urgent...Frustrated	3/17/2008
Q: what can i do with my situation?my realtor doesn't help any.From the day of closing on a Fri. by ... A: Since I am not able to read the letter, Tammy, I strongly suggest you take it to a REAL ESTATE ...
Assistant Living Property	3/16/2008
Q: What do I have to do to convert a residential property to an assistant living home. I heard about ... A: No, Rashad, I am not familiar with ASSISTED living homes. However, I suggest you ask someone in your ...
Grand-mother's home	3/3/2008
Q: My Grandmother has been in a nursing home for one year and is still living but she will not be able ... A: I assume, Nash, that the nursing home took your grandmother's house as payment for the nursing and ...
Deposit Refund	2/29/2008
Q: My fiance and I fell in love with a home in Pennsylvania through the builder Ryan Homes in Fox Run ... A: You are not trying to go at it in a threatening way? Jewel, what do you think Ryan Homes did? If ...
home sale disclosure fraud	2/24/2008
Q: on the disclosure it said there were known water problems but since we have been in the house there ... A: Based on what you disclosed to me the owner DID say there were known water problems. But he didn't ...
How much will taking a short sale lower your fico score	2/24/2008
Q: Do you have to continue to make payments once you put your house for a short sale? How many points ... A: It is presumed that you are in preliminary steps toward losing your house to foreclosure when you ...
Do I need a realtor?	2/21/2008
Q: My wife and I have been looking at homes to buy for about a month and have done this on our own. We ... A: Like I said previously, odds are you were dealing with an incompetent Realtor. (By the way, the term ...
Do I need a realtor?	2/21/2008
Q: My wife and I have been looking at homes to buy for about a month and have done this on our own. We ... A: You go right ahead and try to handle the whole process of buying a house yourself, Jordan. As long ...
Preforeclosure	2/21/2008
Q: Just a quick question! I put an offer in on a preforclosure home. I know that the bank has gotten ... A: Probably not, Darlene, because the other person is going to get a loan that will wind up giving the ...
forced partition	2/14/2008
Q: I own a home with my ex,I say ex because kicked me out of my own home. She then removed all my ... A: You left some words out, Lani, but I'll do what I can. You say you have a $300,000 home, but you ...
First time investing	2/6/2008
Q: My name is Chris and I recently posted on here a few weeks ago looking for some help with some ... A: First, Chris, you should have a very good inspector to check out the entire property BEFORE you buy ...
home did not appraise	2/4/2008
Q: We are currently in escrow with a house we offered 1,098,000. (This was after they countered us) ... A: Strike Three! You have three things working against you, Omar. 1. You are attempting to buy the ...
Adding a family family to the title	1/19/2008
Q: I am the only person on the title and on the mortgage loan of my primary residence. I would like to ... A: This should not trigger a reassessment of your property value, Gin, especially in today's market. I ...
non-disclosure of septic tank problem	1/18/2008
Q: In July 2007 we put an offer in on an old house near the water. Our realtor told us that the vendor ... A: It is obvious to me, Gia, that EVERYBODY was so interested in getting paid no one had the guts, ...
life estate deed	1/14/2008
Q: my brother (grantor),signed a life estate deed to his step son(grantee),and now he plans on starting ... A: Each state has its own nuance in handling a life estate, Andy. Since this is definitely something a ...
short sale	1/9/2008
Q: Dick, Hi, I had my realtor put in an offer on a short sale listing on December 8, 2007. Our realtor ... A: I don't know where you live, Kirk, but one thing you are going to have realize is that "he who acts ...
earnest money question	1/8/2008
Q: I put $3000 down for earnest money back in May of 2007 to build a home. I was told at the time to ... A: The next time you are ready to buy a brand new house from the builder, you will bring the paperwork ...
need to get out	1/7/2008
Q: How should we go about trying to sell our property as commercial since the property right next store ... A: What you need to do, Idweedsport, is to hire a REAL ESTATE attorney who has expertise in appoaching ...
The family home	1/2/2008
Q: Sir, I have been home from college since 2001. I came home to help my grandmother financially, and ... A: The way you should handle this, John, is for you to take the necessary steps to have to house given ...
residential to commercial zoned property	12/24/2007
Q: sorry to bother you again.my e-mail said there was a reply, but i have not located it.my question ... A: Like any FSBO situation, Gary, you must be aware of everything regarding the property (make sure you ...
Ownership after marriage	12/22/2007
Q: Dennis and thank you for taking my question. I own a house in CA and I will be getting married ( 2nd ... A: Here in California, Dina, we are a Community Property state. There are nine community property ...
foreclosure	12/14/2007
Q: ..I was wondering why most lenders don't want to help refinance people when they are in the ... A: I suggest you ask around. Ask several mortgage brokers if what the president said in their new ...
Buying Mom's House	12/13/2007
Q: Dennis, My husband and I will be purchasing my Mom's house and also the home next to her. I live in ... A: First thing YOU MUST DO before you do anything else is to consult with a CPA or Tax expert to make ...
foreclosure	12/13/2007
Q: ..I was wondering why most lenders don't want to help refinance people when they are in the ... A: Lenders are in some hot water right now with all the shenanagans they've been playing with borrowers ...
purchasing a bank owned house	12/11/2007
Q: I would like to buy a house thats with the bank according to the one of the web site. How I should ... A: Chances are it is a first mortgage, Gayatri. However, I recommend you use the real estate agent that ...
Purchasing a Bank Owned House	12/10/2007
Q: I am looking to purchase a house that has been sitting 80% finished for about 6 - 8 months. The ... A: First, you must have good FICO numbers. Then you must actually own the property after you have ...
Mortgage Woes	12/8/2007
Q: I am currently serving in Afghanistan. I recently applied for a mortgage and was turned down. I ... A: It would seem to me, Cory, you should be taking the matter to Military attorney or JAG. This will ...
Contract question	12/7/2007
Q: I contracted to buy a house with a contractor and now I want out for several reasons. I want to know ... A: Since I have not read your contract, I can only be general, Will. Keep this in mind: Never, never, ...
Sewer vs. Septic	12/7/2007
Q: We are looking to build a new home here in Mississippi. We live in a subdivision that is on sewer, ... A: What you need to do, Julie, is to do some investigation. Do enough detective work to the point that ...
Home Purchase Nightmare	12/6/2007
Q: Okay, so I'll try to make a long story short. My husband and I signed a purchase agreement on a home ... A: On your purchase agreement there is a clause that stipulates that if you do not qualify for your ...
Buying a Foreclosure.	12/6/2007
Q: I am in the process of buying a bank owned property. I have made my offer and they have accepted ... A: Chances are, John, that you will come out of this WITHOUT a house from THAT bank. If you have read ...
Buying a House in Trust	12/6/2007
Q: Mr.Dennis, My mother passed away six months ago. My brother and I are the only heirs, and he ... A: First of all, Phillip, the listing that was signed with the Realtor who has that listing ...
booting another co-owner?	12/4/2007
Q: my husbands grandpa passed away almost 3 years ago. my husband was written into a will (37.5%), ... A: Since you do not say in which state the property is located, I STRONGLY suggest you consult with a ...
breaking up and selling our house	12/3/2007
Q: me and my boyfriend have broken up and are wanting to sell the house. Both of our names are on the ... A: I'm not exactly sure I understand what I can do for you, Nicola. Very simply, if you are breaking ...
Need ask about earnest money!	12/2/2007
Q: My wife and I went to shop the new house and chose the Plantation Homes Builder just one week ago. ... A: If you are concerned with the law in Texas, Steven, I recommend you have a REAL ESTATE attorney ...
Disclosure Law	11/27/2007
Q: Is there a statue of limitations[time limit]on suing for failure to disclose a plumbing problem? I ... A: The only statute that would apply from what I can see is fraud, Chuck. Fraud does not have a time ...
transfer the title	11/26/2007
Q: My husband bought a home and paid for it in cash but instead of putting the deed in his name, he put ... A: Can't figure out why he would want to do it that way. Now he has to get his mother's signature on a ...
Really Big mess.	11/20/2007
Q: My parents helped me purchase a starter home by co-signing on the mortgage.Their names were not on ... A: As far as I understand, Victor, it's not going to cost her anything by giving you her share of the ...
Really Big mess.	11/20/2007
Q: My parents helped me purchase a starter home by co-signing on the mortgage.Their names were not on ... A: Some of us learn by going to school, Victor. And some of us learn by life's experiences. When it ...
Rescinding a quit claim deed	11/19/2007
Q: I quitclaimed on a home years ago, in lieu of that person re-financing the home into their name. ... A: Just because you quit-claimed a property to someone doesn't have anything to do with the loan that ...
ownership with son & his wife	11/15/2007
Q: My husband and I bought a new house in March. We put the old house on the market, but our son got ... A: You like to play with fire, don't you, Phy? Go to a title company and ask them to fill out a ...
deed stipulations	11/14/2007
Q: Hopefully you can offer me some additional insight. I am currently in the process of purchasing a ... A: This matter should be presented to a REAL ESTATE attorney even though what the seller is requesting ...
refusing to payback earnest money deposit	11/8/2007
Q: We approached Beazer homes to buy a new home in early Jan 2007. We signed up with them in February ... A: Since the amount is $4,000, being less than the small claims court limit, you should file a small ...
Selling	11/7/2007
Q: My name is on the deed with my Mom..currently she is in a nursing facility. If it comes to having ... A: This sounds like on something an ESTATE attorney can advise, Dennis. You have not said HOW you hold ...
signing deed	11/2/2007
Q: I signed over a property that was left for me in a will. I was deceived by my attorney who told me ... A: Based on what you said, Jon, this is not a real estate matter but a lawsuit against an attorney who ...
What to do when I want to relocate?	10/28/2007
Q: I am thinking of relocating out of CA in late 2008 to early 2009. What are my options for the ... A: Based on the information I have, the sale of your condo was made on November 10, 2003 and it closed ...
What to do when I want to relocate?	10/26/2007
Q: I am thinking of relocating out of CA in late 2008 to early 2009. What are my options for the ... A: I live about 44 miles from your property. Let me know what the unpaid loan balance is and the ...
Canceal a purchase on a mobile home!	10/26/2007
Q: I have a problem I have moved to Washington State on June 2007. I was interested in purchasing a ... A: He is bluffing you, Gerrianne. If you choose to walk away from it, you certainly may. But you will ...
Canceal a purchase on a mobile home!	10/24/2007
Q: I have a problem I have moved to Washington State on June 2007. I was interested in purchasing a ... A: This is not a real estate question, Gerrianne. It is a Dept. of Motor Vehicles question. However, ...
condo disrepair	10/17/2007
Q: Nearly 3 years ago, I purchased a just built condo unit from a law firm. I was the first resident ... A: The attorneys no darn well they are at fault and all they can do is to keep sending repair guys. You ...
getting deposit back from builder	10/7/2007
Q: We foolishly signed a contract to have a house built last Spring for a house that was/is WAY too ... A: In almost every purchase agreement, Kathy, is a contingency that says if the buyer does not qualify ...
Selling Home	10/2/2007
Q: I am selling my home today. I am a little concern about the information presented in the deed and ... A: It is obvious to me that the perosn who filled out those forms is not an attorney nor a Realtor, ...
Quitclaim issue	10/1/2007
Q: When my mother-in-law bought the house 11 years ago, her niece gave her 20k to add to her down ... A: The subject of your question is Quitclaim issue, yet there is no mention about quitclaim anywhere in ...
Contract on Real Estate	9/30/2007
Q: Mr. Dennis, My husband and I went into contract with a house in Arkansas. We are to close on the ... A: Yes! A real estate lawyer. You are going to have to sue for "specific performance." I do not ...
EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO SELL	9/28/2007
Q: MY WIFE AND I DECIDED TO GET DIVORCED AND PART OF OUR ARRANGMENT WAS THAT SHE WOULD SELL OUR HOME ... A: In any state, Brian, a listing agreement is not valid without ALL OWNERS signing it. If your name is ...
Land Contract	9/27/2007
Q: Yes sir, I sold a house in Oh in 2001 on land contract for one year. I recorded the contract at my ... A: I see why the attorneys want $3,500, Jamie. There is a lot of work there. You are just not aware of ...
The buyer of my house is backing out of the contract	9/25/2007
Q: I received a contract on my house back in May. Setllement was to be Sept 27th. Two weeks ago my ... A: Yes, Edith. You need to talk to a REAL ESTATE attorney, who will probably suggest suing the Realtor, ...
Renting a house through section 8	9/22/2007
Q: What are the steps of renting a house through section 8 in texas? A: Section 8 is run by HUD. You contact them via phone or internet and see what houses there are ...
Capital Gains - Joint Tenants	9/18/2007
Q: My parents originally owned our home in CA until last year when we refinanced the home and added our ... A: If you have been on title only 1 year, then you are not qualified to take advantage of IRC 121 that ...
buying home from relative	9/18/2007
Q: My grandmother is ill and might have to go to a nursing home in January. She wants to sell her ... A: If you're concerned with SSI taking her assets, be aware that they will check all asset records ...
Illegal Extension	9/18/2007
Q: We just found out today that the house we are trying to buy (no offer has been submitted yet) has an ... A: You should look for another house, Andrew. The city planners are going to require permits for any ...
Capital Gains - Joint Tenants	9/17/2007
Q: My parents originally owned our home in CA until last year when we refinanced the home and added our ... A: You obviously did not have a tax expert looking over your shoulder, Brandie, when you were added to ...
TITLE TO REAL PROPERTY CALIF.	9/16/2007
Q: 1975 I find 2 bedroom house for sale But i have no money i tell my father $39,000 but it need a lot ... A: Number one, Terry, please remember this for the rest of your life: In real estate, if it is not in ...
life estate	9/15/2007
Q: MY FRIEND SIGNED HIS HOME OVER TO HIS DAUGHTER. THE HOUSE IS GOING INTO FORECLOSURE. HE HAS A ... A: When a property is foreclosed upon, any and all liens, except the local property tax lien, gets ...
unknown owners of land	9/15/2007
Q: Mr. Dennis, I live in Texas and there is a small (about 22"x40") piece of land at the back of my ... A: Yes, I strongly suggest you consult a real estate attorney and look into a possibility of taking ...
title problems	9/14/2007
Q: We purchased a trailer in April '05 from the manager of the trailer park where we live. we bought ... A: Since land was not included in the purchase of your trailer, technically this is NOT a real estate ...
Buying a rental from overseas	9/14/2007
Q: My fiance and I have been teaching in South Korea for a little over a year now, and we plan to use ... A: If you're going to rent the house to your brother, it'll be an unusual situation, but can be done ...
Foreclosure	9/10/2007
Q: I am going through a divorce. I am not living in the home. My wife is and did not pay the ... A: Very simply, Glenn, yes. I don't know where you're located, but you should have a pretty good choice ...
Tax Deliquent Properties	9/8/2007
Q: I have a question regarding tax deliquent properties. I have been very interested in these ... A: After you get the addresses of the properties from the local tax assessor, you go and inspect them ...
house info	9/8/2007
Q: my fiance owned a house with his friend and when he got married they wanted to sell the house so ... A: Well, Manpreet, this was not done correctly. Since he gave you a year to get a new loan, HIS NAME ...
minors on deed	9/7/2007
Q: My problem is stumping two attorneys!! My husband took his own life 5 years ago, leaving behind two ... A: There are all kinds of attorneys, Wendy. It would seem to me you should consult with an Estate ...
pre-foreclosures & lis pendens	9/4/2007
Q: How can one go about getting a list of lis pendens & pre-closure properties? I am interested in New ... A: Chances are very good that there are at least a company or two that specializes in keeping track of ...
short sale to bank repo	9/2/2007
Q: Dick - I have recently been following a short sale that has now become a bank repo. My questions is ... A: You're going to have to realize, Anthony, that banks hate to accept losses such as that. Therefore, ...
selling a home with a 2nd mortgage	8/30/2007
Q: I see your answer from last year about selling a home with a 2nd mortgage. I understand that if I ... A: You don't have to worry about any and all mortgages, Mimi . . . . except to make sure you have ...
changing my home from owner-occupied to an investor trust	8/29/2007
Q: I moved from my first home almost two years ago, and decided not to sell it in the current market. ... A: I may be wrong, but I doubt it, Antonia, but all that will do will put an investment property into ...
capital gains on sale of two faimly home	8/27/2007
Q: If I sell mytwo family home (owner occupied for 43 yrs) (2nd suite continuously rented) how can I ... A: Try this, Joseph. Move into the vacant unit for two years. Sell the whole property and you should be ...
Pre-foreclosure	8/27/2007
Q: How do people take advantage of pre-foreclosures? thanks, Scott A: It's not easy, Scott. People who are in default (pre-foreclosure) are not happy people and if you ...
Earnest money refund	8/27/2007
Q: Dick this was our first time to this site, you replied that you had previously answered our ... A: In real estate, Sebastian, never, never, never sign a contract, especially a builder's contract ...
Property in Probate	8/26/2007
Q: I signed and paid money in good faith for a vacant property. The seller is trying to get some papers ... A: As long as your offer has not been accepted, you may pull out at any time without any liability to ...
Home Owners Association Assessments	8/22/2007
Q: I recently sold my home in the time between the sale and the offers/acceptance and the closing there ... A: My guess is that you at least got a hint of what was happening well in advance of the April 25 date. ...
Investment Property	8/22/2007
Q: I went to an auction today at the Commissioner's Office. Are the properties that were in the auction ... A: I assumed if you knew there were a list with 74 properties on it and 62 went back to the banks, then ...
Investment Property	8/21/2007
Q: I went to an auction today at the Commissioner's Office. Are the properties that were in the auction ... A: That means the other 12 were bought by investors or people who were looking for homes. Now you have ...
Investment Property	8/21/2007
Q: I went to an auction today at the Commissioner's Office. Are the properties that were in the auction ... A: I have no idea what commissioner's office you mean, Scott. Were they properties in foreclosure ...
Selling a property that is currently being rented	8/21/2007
Q: My husband and I own an apartment condo that we have rented. However we are in the process of ... A: He has already broken the lease or rental agreement, Ama. If it was me, I would not let him stay. ...
Tax Consequences to a Short Sale in CA	8/21/2007
Q: My family's CA home is currently being foreclosed on. We have the opportunity to conduct a "short ... A: The bank will likely report the short sale to the IRS by sending you and them a 1099. That is ...
Unconditional Withdrawn with new Broker?Agent	8/20/2007
Q: I live in MI and have had my house on the market for over 16 months. I switched Agencies at the 12 ... A: Not a dime, Mike. Remember. In real estate, if it is not in writing, it was never said! Further, ...
Exclusive Right to sell	8/17/2007
Q: My husband and I have a house that we are going to sell and I just found out today that he singed an ... A: Depends in what state you live, BB. For example, in Georgia the husband may buy and sell without ...
Question	8/17/2007
Q: My fiance and I purchased a home together (We live in South Caroline). The mortgage loan is solely ... A: Not unless you give him your interest in the property in your will. If you form a living trust with ...
Purchasing inheirited home from siblings	8/17/2007
Q: My three sisters and my self have become the owners of the home my deceased parents lived in, as ... A: In Florida, you use a real estate attorney to handle the closing of a transaction, usually, Thomas. ...
Selling Home	8/9/2007
Q: My husband and I bought a home with my cousin and her husband. We all 4 agree to sell, however they ... A: Whenever a property is put on the market, April, EVERYBODY must sign the listing if you are using a ...
sales agreeement	8/1/2007
Q: I entered a purchase agreement 7/21/07 for a new subdivision currently under construction. I toured ... A: Very simply, Tracey, you write a letter, sent via certified mail to the real estate agent AND the ...
Adding a person to a Home Title	7/31/2007
Q: I am in the state of CA - My mom is purchasing a home and would like to add my name and my husband's ... A: There should be no problem for you to deduct mortgage interest from your tax return . . . as long as ...
purchasing a foreclosure or bank owned property	7/30/2007
Q: I live in a very expensive housing market and I think that the only way I'll ever be able to afford ... A: You bet there is. But you gotta work for it. Simply call every bank or lender around and ask for ...
Adding a person to a Home Title	7/26/2007
Q: I am in the state of CA - My mom is purchasing a home and would like to add my name and my husband's ... A: No problem in adding you and your husband to the purchase agreement prior to escrow closing. Or ...
Best way to borrow money to buy mom's home	7/25/2007
Q: My mom's health is poor and my husband and I want to buy her home, build an addition for her to live ... A: What you need to do, Darla, is to contact three lenders or banks and choose the one that will give ...
Beachfront Condominiums in Dorado, Puerto Rico	7/19/2007
Q: Dennie, A trio of brothers who are life long friends of mine retired from their mutual jobs (high ... A: First of all, Nils, your friends skimped on the website. The first impression is nice, beautiful, ...
quit claim deed ..phila., pa.	7/15/2007
Q: my mother quit claimed her house over to me.then we filed it with the recorders office. can i take ... A: Dee, fee simple means absolute title to a property. To change your quit-claim deed, you would change ...
Getting rid of unwanted property	7/13/2007
Q: Dick, My deceased step-father purchased an empty lot in a development 20 years ago. The lot is ... A: That's a bunch of baloney, Ed. Only the person who actually purchased the property and signed the ...
selling land	7/13/2007
Q: I bought a 6.72 acre parcel of land adjoing my 1 acre parcel with my home on it with the idea of ... A: If you have an agriculture exemption on the property, Roslyn, then you better check with the county ...
Rescinding a Condo Sale	7/12/2007
Q: We recently purchased a condo in PA. The closing date is August 17. For personal reasons we would ... A: Are you sure you want to cancel the purchase? If this is your first real estate purchase you may be ...
quick claim vs quit claim deeds	7/11/2007
Q: I gave my son and daughter my mothers home after she died. My daughter lives in the house and has ... A: Simply have your son sign (and have notarized) a quit-claim deed to your daughter. You will need to ...
Familly plans to invest 20% on my first home- HELP!	7/10/2007
Q: A little background info... My husband and I are going to be buying our first home in Texas. My ... A: The first thing I would do would be to go to a real estate attorney and tell him/her exactly what ...
Title transfer	7/10/2007
Q: My grandfather (deceased) willed his residence to his 3rd wife and his 3 daughters in the following ... A: You have only one smart choice, Todd. Contact a good real estate attorney down in MO and lay out ...
Should i take out a mortgage or pay all-cash for a condo unit.??	7/9/2007
Q: i am planning on purchasing a condo unit. i can afford to pay for it in all-cash. is there any ... A: Not knowing the price of the condo, all I can say is that if you pay $10,000 per year in interest ...
Seller's title insurance?	7/8/2007
Q: I purchased title insurance when I bought my current house approximately 2.5 years ago. I am now ... A: Yes, but you can ask for and receive a discount. The buyer will want title insurance anyway. The ...
Forclusure, Contract for deed	7/7/2007
Q: I need to find out the general provisions on foreclosuring a Contract for Deed. (State of Montana) I ... A: As long as you are engaging a REAL ESTATE attorney, I will merely gloss over what needs to be done. ...
Selling a home	7/5/2007
Q: I am an executor of an estate that has a home to sell. An interested party is appling for GI loan. ... A: He's pulling your leg, Lowell. Further, the seller is required to pay the necessary loan points (a ...
selling and buying	7/5/2007
Q: I have recently refinanced our home for 125% the value of the house. It was great to be able to pay ... A: I don't know why you would want to make payments on a mortgage of a house in which you no longer ...
selling and buying	7/4/2007
Q: I have recently refinanced our home for 125% the value of the house. It was great to be able to pay ... A: The last I heard, Michele, banks and other real estate lenders were not giving out free money. Yes, ...
Home assessment	7/2/2007
Q: I am relocating to a new area and see many houses that are priced at for instance 92,000. When I ... A: No two states assess the value of their real estate the same. But in the main, most states assess ...
Mortgage and Title Transfer	6/29/2007
Q: My parents are now retired and can't afford to pay the mortgage on their own. The mortgage and title ... A: OH CANADA! That's a different story. I am not familiar with Canadian tax laws or ownership for that ...
selling my villa	6/25/2007
Q: I realise that the market in America is very poor at the moment but have to sell as i can no longer ... A: It might be both, Alison. If you would be so kind as to describe what your villa is all about, I ...
AS IS property stuck in Financing Limbo	6/23/2007
Q: I am in the process of closing on a house in the Buffalo NY area. My mortgage is currently in ... A: Trouble is, Alicia, you want the property more than the seller (the bank) wants to sell it. Now if ...
Real Estate Tax and Home Ownership "Limitations"	6/18/2007
Q: This is my first time on this site so bear w/me! This is kind of a two fold question and you may ... A: One thing for sure, Lisa, is that your boyfriend is throwing his money away if he is paying the ...
Quit claim deed	6/10/2007
Q: My mother found out she had terminal cancer in March of 2006, she died May 19, 2007. She didn't have ... A: Based on what you have said, Sandy, it appears you are indeed protected by that $250,000 exclusion. ...
foreclosure	6/8/2007
Q: My relative has recently gone through an unforeseen medical circumstance where he is now ... A: This is really not a real estate matter, Brenda. You are attempting to protect your estate. ...
home buying when seperated	6/6/2007
Q: I am a 40 year old female planning on moving from NY to Florida. My husband and I have been ... A: No, all states are not like this, Ellen. Some are worse, like Georgia where a husband can buy and ...
Earnest money - buyer died before contract	5/29/2007
Q: My brother-in-law recently passed away - before he died, he was renting a duplex, and he had placed ... A: This is a case for SUPER ATTORNEY. But seriously, Jason, this is something that should be handled ...
Buying a newly built home	5/28/2007
Q: Good Morning: I made an offer on a home about three weeks ago and I made an offer on a home that is ... A: Keep in mind, Kirstie, that your Realtor (if that is what he or she actually is and not an employee ...
Home not selling	5/27/2007
Q: My husband and I put our house for sale one year ago June. We made two very big mistakes: 1. ... A: Have your Realtor take you around to other listings, the more recent the better, that are in your ...
Home not selling	5/26/2007
Q: My husband and I put our house for sale one year ago June. We made two very big mistakes: 1. ... A: With all due respect to you and your husband, the words in the listing information work to sell the ...
Selling a home	5/24/2007
Q: Is there a way I can sell my home (paid for), do the financing myself, and maintain ownership until ... A: Not the way you describe, Mike. Depending on the state in which the property is located there are ...
Adding children on the grand deed title	5/11/2007
Q: After the escrow closed, I want to add my two son to the house's grand deed title, my questions is: ... A: Very easy, Yan. Instruct your escrow agent to add your sons to the title on the Grant Deed. The ...
Buying with a mortgage	5/9/2007
Q: I am trying to purchase a rehab 3 family house. Seller is offering to pay down his current mortgage ... A: Sure, MJ. You and he can do that. Only, why not have him open up a rehab account from which you will ...
Deed restriction	5/2/2007
Q: I am buying place in lake community as vacation home (built 1989). In deed restrictions it states ... A: There must be some kind of grandfather clause, Larry. Otherwise, how is it that the property was ...
Zoning Problem - Zoned Commercial, trying to sell Residential	4/29/2007
Q: We bought a property from an individual that the owner had lived in for several years and rented out ... A: Unless your town has unusual zoning laws, Angie, residential can function in higher zoning, but ...
Transfer of ownership	4/24/2007
Q: I live in Omaha NE, and have been living in my mothers house for the last 7 years as my primary ... A: You do need an attorney, Charlie, because you're going to want to form a living trust, that is if ...
what is a window covering?	4/23/2007
Q: I recently purchased a home. In the contract my agent hand-wrote that "all window coverings" were ... A: I agree with you, Gina. What I would do is to take the agent as well as the seller to small claims ...
Partnership	4/23/2007
Q: I can’t seemed to get a clear solution on the best way to form a partnership With my partner in a 3 ... A: I don't know who you're getting the information from, Jim, but this would be the first time I have ...
Will anyone give me a home loan?	4/22/2007
Q: Me and my husband have an IRS tax lien. We are currently paying on it. It will be paid in full in 4 ... A: I believe that is true, Angela. However, it is going to be a little tough. Lenders, especially now ...
purchase agreement items	4/21/2007
Q: On the purchase agreement it asks us as a buyer what percent cash including earnest money we plan on ... A: Yes, Jennifer, I do understand this would be your first time buying a house. First of all, you ...
Principal	4/21/2007
Q: How much of the principal to a home purchase must be repaid before you are allowed to sell it? I ... A: You never said anything about foreclosure, Augusto. I answered the question as you asked it. A ...
green card/ c of o	4/20/2007
Q: the property i am about to buy in new jersey has a green card that can be transferred, do i still ... A: Sorry, Shawn. You got me stumped. First time. The only green card I am familiar with is the document ...
Reversal of Quit Claim	4/19/2007
Q: when my divorce was final in 2004, I signed a quit claim over to my ex-husband. Now I find out he ... A: If you want to know who is on title of the property, go to the county recorder or courthouse (or ...
What does	4/12/2007
Q: My fiance' and I went through a house this evening and loved it. It needed some good elbow grease ... A: Yes, this is not going to be an easy thing for you, Katy, if you are trying to get the house. Your ...
What does "under contract" truly mean?	4/11/2007
Q: My fiance' and I went through a house this evening and loved it. It needed some good elbow grease ... A: While a real estate agent's office has that right to submit the first offer and even to talk the ...
quick claim deeds	4/6/2007
Q: I have my brother's house in my name. Due to credit issues I need for my sister in law to take over ... A: Unless your sister-in-law applies for and gets a new loan, Sonja, the loan will forever be your ...
offer to purchase of vacant land	4/3/2007
Q: My husband and I are thinking of purchasing some vacant land to build on. On Conditions of vacant ... A: You should find a knowledge real estate agent who knows the location of good vacant land. That ...
Trying to make good	3/28/2007
Q: We recently sold our home that had an outside wood burner. Not even a week after closing we ... A: Yes, Kim, they should have contacted you and/or the Realtor involved to file their complaint IN ...
Another "Deeding" Question	3/17/2007
Q: My sister and I bought a condo together; however, circumstance dictated that it wasn't a good time ... A: You're asking two different questions, Steph. Yes, you can become owner (or part owner) via ...
Selling house: Two names on deed	3/14/2007
Q: My husband and I have bleen separated for two years. I refinanced and gave him $20,000.00 in equity. ... A: Yes, Jess. It seems he must have known he would have you over a barrel sometime in the future with ...
Capital Gain Tax?	3/12/2007
Q: My brother and I bought a house as joint tenants in 1998 in Tempe, AZ for $112,000. I lived there ... A: As long as you held title with your brother for two out of the past five years, then you qualify for ...
quit	3/10/2007
Q: If this deed transfer is temporary, and I sign the deed back to her in less than a year, then would ... A: Again, I would recommend you see a real estate attorney to make sure you are not violating a county ...
quit	3/9/2007
Q: My sister in a legal battle with her daughter-in-law wants to quit claim her home to me, this is to ... A: When you accept a quit-claim deed from anyone, you have taken over that person's basis. That is, the ...
Selling A Home	3/7/2007
Q: My situation is complicated. My father left my mother, sister, and I a house when he died 10 years ... A: If the house is your primary residence, Michael, then if you live in it for two of the past five ...
Sale of Realestate in PA	3/7/2007
Q: Is it against the law in the state of Pennsylvania to sell a property without and Agreement of Sale ... A: No, Michele, I am sure PA does not have a law that says you must have an Agreement of Sale to sell ...
Quit Claim Tax Implications	3/6/2007
Q: My father-in-law and husband own a piece of property. We have asked my FIL to buy us out. What are ... A: Your husband will have a tax liability, Siobhan, if he has a profit. He will have a capital tax gain ...
PROBLEMS WITH HOUSE AFTER SALE	3/4/2007
Q: IN NOVEMBER 2005, WE PURCHASED A 5-YR.OLD HOUSE IN MAINE. RIGHT BEFORE CLOSING, OUR REALTOR ... A: You bet, Maryann. The contract said to fix it, not just go through the motions. Since it is leaking ...
Deceased Owner's Property in Foreclosure	3/1/2007
Q: I live in Florida, and in my neighborhood, there is a home which is currently in foreclosure. The ... A: Your friend is going to have to wait, Stella. The lender must adhere to the state's laws regarding a ...
Foreclosure Auction question	2/28/2007
Q: I will be bidding at a Forclosure Auction at the Court house steps and wanted to know who I make the ... A: Glad you're bidding in California, Sarah. Here in CA, the foreclosure procedure is different from ...
selling a house with possible title issues	2/27/2007
Q: I have no emotional ties to this house, or any that I purchase for investment purposes. That's the ... A: That's just the point, Brittany. Your buyer, whoever it is, is not going to buy the property without ...
selling a house with possible title issues	2/27/2007
Q: I am purchasing a property (home) at a public tax sale auction in California. There are no liens, ... A: As a California broker, Brittany, I would never suggest my client to buy this property without also ...
Investment property	2/26/2007
Q: I recently retired from teaching and bought a foreclosed home for our 2 sons to live in and fix up. ... A: I suspect of who you really need to ask this question is your favorite tax expert, Karen. If you are ...
Closing date	2/17/2007
Q: i signed a purchase agreement that had a March 14 closing date(the buyers wanted) I have 72 days ... A: All parties to the agreement must sign any changes. If the buyer will not accept that change of ...
purchase of parents home	2/10/2007
Q: My father lost his job and money is tight for them now. My parents asked me to buy their house for a ... A: You may be asking for trouble from the IRS, Kay. Why? The IRS frowns on in-family low-price ...
family trust	2/8/2007
Q: I want to establish a family trust and list in it a condo that both my mother and I own (on deed). ... A: If you are not willing to spend the money with an attorney, try Legalzoom.com. They can guide you to ...
House and Child Support	2/8/2007
Q: I owe child support from an extra marital affair. The case is being collected by New York (was ... A: I strongly suggest you consult with a REAL ESTATE attorney to make sure you are taking the correct ...
sold the wrong land	2/5/2007
Q: We have an agent in our office who accidently sold someone a vacant lot and it was the wrong one. ... A: Not having insurance in an office is pretty chancey and you can see why. However, as long as the ...
a house as a gift	1/27/2007
Q: My uncle is wanting to give me the house that I have been living in. There is nothing owed on the ... A: He should execute a warranty deed or a grant deed, depending on which state you're in. If he ...
being lied to by the seller and realtor	1/26/2007
Q: My fiancee and I bought a home in Little Rock, AR. There were problems that were supposed to be ... A: Start your paper trail thusly: In a letter addressed to any and all Realtors in the transaction, and ...
closing time	1/21/2007
Q: I have a offer on my house how ever the buyer does not want to close until march 8. Is there a ... A: You might want to ask him, Richard. He might even tell you why he wants to close on that date. Maybe ...
land contract gone sour	1/20/2007
Q: well, yes, I should've involved a decent real estate atty in the beginning and I probobly would not ... A: This is strictly a case for a REAL ESTATE attorney. I cannot and will not offer any suggestion other ...
changing property ownership	1/18/2007
Q: In June of 2006 Myself and a partner bought investment property together. I am on the loan and the ... A: You don't need a lawyer, Chris, but I strongly suggest you do hire one to make sure this all goes ...
name on deed, selling parent's house	1/18/2007
Q: My father died in 2000, my mother this year. The deed to the property is in both their names. Will ... A: I hope that one daughter who is executrix is you, Pat. Because this is the duty of the executrix . . ...
real estate	1/17/2007
Q: where do you look to find out from the court houses office where a person is buying the property ... A: Only after the ownership has officially changed will you see any evidence of how much someone paid ...
Quit Claim Deed	1/15/2007
Q: 8 Years ago upon my request the city vacated a 25 foot X 190 foot rightaway that adjoins my ... A: If you want it done right, the Quiet Title is the way to go. Otherwise, you will have problems later ...
Valuable consideration vs. no consideration	1/10/2007
Q: Regarding Grant Deed into and out of revocable trust. In 1992 a 'grant deed' form was used to place ... A: In California and a few other states, the grant deed is the prime document transfering title to a ...
mortage	1/9/2007
Q: The home sits on a solid foundation, it is a crawl space under the home (enough to stand in ) with ... A: Just keep on looking for a knowledgeable lender, Donna. You obviously had an appraiser who just ...
mortage	1/9/2007
Q: What I was wondering could the mortage company be pulling a fast one by loaning me the money for a ... A: I don't know how it is in your state, Donna, but here in California it is a mobile home if the ...
to sell..FSBO...Agent.....rent to own?	1/8/2007
Q: We have a home in wisconsin, built in Oct 05, wife does not like the ranch, wants to sell, we have a ... A: If you do not market the property it will not sell, Dave. Just sticking a sign on the property ...
mortage	1/8/2007
Q: I recently tried thru my mortage company to re-finance my mortage. I am currently paying a mortage ... A: Many mortgage companies shy away from modular homes. To them they are more of a risk. Your mortgage ...
Deed ?	1/8/2007
Q: I was wondering how I would go about adding someone to the deed on my home...I'm in New York state ... A: You may do so with a quit-claim deed or a warranty deed or whatever conveying deed they use in New ...
Real Estate buying and selling	1/4/2007
Q: We planned on using all of the money from the sell of the 2 lot properties to pay the mortgage. The ... A: You are virtually guaranteed. Merely approach the supervisor of the mortgage maintenance department ...
Real Estate buying and selling	1/4/2007
Q: My husband and I live in PA,we are considering for purchase a 3 bedroom, 1 bath home with 4.8 acres ... A: Good thinking, Mary. However, your lender will frown on your "chopping off" some of their security ...
Buying out and 'upside down' mortgage from a partner	1/2/2007
Q: My girlfriend and I bought a condo in FL together for $155K. We only put 5% down (equally split ... A: Since you are upside down and in a downside market, Rob, I do not suggest you buy her half out, not ...
pre-forclosure	1/1/2007
Q: my neighbor is in a pre-forclosure situation, I am interested in purchasing the property, should I ... A: It doesn't make a difference if the property is across town or next door, Peggy, you have to treat ...
Buying a property owned by a bank and a disappeared owner	12/28/2006
Q: I am interested in purchasing a residential property in Chicago. The property is owned by a bank ... A: If I understand this correctly, the bank lent 50% of the property to a skip artist. Okay. So they ...
quit claim deed	12/27/2006
Q: I bought a mobile home a couple years ago and my name is first on the deed and title.My parents co ... A: Very simple Angela. Go to the assessor with ALL your paperwork to show that YOU are the true owner ...
City Council & Trailer Removal in 9 days	12/14/2006
Q: A dear friend of mine lives in Louisiana. She has been given 10 days to get 5 trailers repaired or ... A: This is not my expertise, Reggie. However, I would recommend you contact a mobile home sales company ...
first time buyer	12/13/2006
Q: My fiance and I are looking to buy our first home in michigan. We are looking for grants or ... A: Most every state has a first-time buyer program, Shawn. Merely stop in a real estate office and talk ...
Brother-In-Law's Woes	12/11/2006
Q: My brother-in-law entered into a relationship with a woman about 4 years. For financial (and I ... A: Your brother-in-law looks like he has no choice: While no one can force either he or she to sell, ...
Land Hold Contract	12/6/2006
Q: I'm considering entering into a land hold contract on a property I own. I would hold a land contract ... A: When you sell a property on a land contract, he (the buyer) is considered the owner and therefore he ...
My boyfriend house	11/30/2006
Q: It seems I need to include more details to help you...to help me...:) My boyfriend lives in this ... A: Well, let me try it a different way, Ela. If his mortgage is $200,000 and you have paid a year's ...
My boyfriend house	11/29/2006
Q: Yes, we live together but he already paid off big chunk of this property. How to calculate my input ... A: Then I don't understand why he requires rent from you. Otherwise, you would pay him half of what he ...
My boyfriend house	11/29/2006
Q: I've moved to my boyfriend house over one year ago. I pay him $900 "rent" (his mortgage is $1,600). ... A: I presume you do not live there with him and live there alone, Ela. If that be the case, then I ...
responsibilities after settlement	11/29/2006
Q: i sold a home a few days ago in philadelphia. after the sale, the buyers found a problem with a ... A: I would call back the buyers' agent and say that since the buyer's inspector found nothing wrong ...
Title Search	11/28/2006
Q: Assume the seller did a title search when she bought it. Wouldn't any problem likely to cloud my ... A: When most people buy a house, Dave, they do get title insurance. At least the seller provides it. ...
Title Search	11/28/2006
Q: I am buying a house with all cash. (CA to VA move with my equity). My buyers agent says the title ... A: If you want to take the risk, Dave, you certainly may check the line of title. All you would have to ...
House Size	11/20/2006
Q: A situation for a friend of mine - When he bought the house (new construction) the house was ... A: First, your friend should check the original sales representation that it doesn't say, "2800 sq ft ...
Buying land and a building from Neighbor	11/12/2006
Q: Our neighbor has agreed to sell a 60 X 90 ft section of her yard to us that also has a small barn on ... A: You don't say in which state you reside, but the first thing you must do is to go to your ...
buying a house with a lien on it	11/10/2006
Q: Dennis, thank you in advance for taking your time to answer my question. I am buying a home in the ... A: Well, Katie, the seller MUST have the funds to pay off any and all liens on the property's title or ...
Canceling pre-construction contract	11/6/2006
Q: I am in a pre-construction contract with a builder in FL for a townhouse. It has been just over a ... A: Yes, Mike, I would use that addendum as your negotiating point. If the incentives were part of the ...
Quit claim deed	11/1/2006
Q: When I divorced my ex-husband signed over a quit claim deed to our house to me. How do I get the ... A: You should record the quit claim deed at the county court house or recorder. Each state and county ...
tax delinquent properties	10/30/2006
Q: How does the process go for a person that wants to buy a home with delinquent taxes? Is it true that ... A: Yes, Carol, it is too good to be true. For most people, that is. That's because most people are not ...
Question about deed	10/27/2006
Q: My husband and I own a home in New Jersey with my mother. We put down 2/3 of the money at purchase. ... A: Family or no family, any "partnership" should be put down in writing. There is an old saying in real ...
Gain from the sell of a house	10/26/2006
Q: My husband and I are currently trying to sell our home. We hopefully will make about $30K off of ... A: If you have lived in your home for 24 of the previous 60 months upon the sale, you may forgo payment ...
taxes on property	10/25/2006
Q: I live in Ohio and would like to know if a property has no loan or leans on it and the owner has ... A: Every state has their own version of adverse possession of property, Richard. None of them are ...
earnestmoney	10/22/2006
Q: My fiance and I are having some trouble. The home we were going to buy, loan fellthrough,deal is now ... A: That agent is obviously new to the game. ALL moneys should be handled by and disbursed by a neutral ...
Earnest Money	10/21/2006
Q: We sold our property (currently rented out) in July 2006. The property is a mobile home on 2 lots. ... A: There are a 1000 ways to get out of a contract, Becky. Somewhere in your contract with her there is ...
listing cancellation	10/21/2006
Q: I just listed inherited property in Idaho (I live in California) and salesperson did not mention if ... A: UJsually, Jerri, there is a document offered to you upon signing any purchase agreement that informs ...
Home sell.	10/20/2006
Q: Since my father said a loan officer told him about this. My father wants to start a business so it ... A: First of all, Jose, it is obvious that the mortgage agent simply wants to earn a commission from ...
Home sell.	10/20/2006
Q: My father owns a property that he wants to give me. I told him I don't want him to just give me the ... A: Here is a better way, Jose. Go to an living trust attorney (not all attorneys know about trusts) and ...
selling rental house	10/19/2006
Q: I inherited a rental house from my father.I just received deed.I have a buyer who made cash offer.My ... A: Since you have no experience in real estate, you definitely need to bring your transaction to a ...
Getting out of a sellers contract	10/17/2006
Q: i recently put my home up for sale wit foxtons real estate. Since july 11 they have had only two ... A: You'll know better next time, Chris, not to sign up for a listing for more than 90 days. Even in a ...
EARNEST MONEY NOT BEING RELEASED	10/12/2006
Q: I have a follow-up question regarding the earnest money. Now our realtor wants us to split the $1000 ... A: I got a better idea, Emory. Have her give you the entire $1,000 deposit and then sign a release to ...
EARNEST MONEY NOT BEING RELEASED	10/11/2006
Q: I AM TRYING TO SELL MY HOME IN SUGARLAND TX. FIRST, MY REALTOR INFORMED ME THAT WE HAD AN OFFER ON ... A: CONTINGENCY. CONTINGENT. Remember those words, Emory. Chances are very good that the purchase ...
deposit	10/8/2006
Q: my wife and i put a bid on a home ther was 1000 dollar deposit. we agreed on price we then got ... A: Read your copy of the purchase agreement. Somewhere on it it says that you have the right to have ...
Help!	10/7/2006
Q: I own rental property in Las Vegas, NV, and I was fortunate to stumble upon someone at my job who is ... A: When a real estate agent earns a commission, he/she is the PROCURER. That is the key word. There is ...
about a deed to a home	10/6/2006
Q: My husband lived at home and saved his money till he was twenty-six. Many years ago he bought our ... A: It depends on how you want to hold title, Loretta, but it is very simple to change title from ...
deed	10/2/2006
Q: dick, I want to know whether or not I can sell my share of deeded trust of a house my brother and I ... A: Sure. It would be a good idea to go to the attorney who put the trust together and have him insert ...
Leasing property while owner of proper is selling property	9/28/2006
Q: my father owns a dounut shop for about 7 years and the property own has just anounced that he will ... A: One of the smartest things to do when you buy a shop of that kind is to insert a clause that allows ...
Selling my house that's in trust	9/27/2006
Q: Dennis, I have lived in the house that my Grandmother had built for me and my family since March of ... A: If the house is in a LIVING trust, Karyn, there is a trustee named first. Then there are successor ...
Earnest money question.......	9/27/2006
Q: Howdy!!! Just a simple question for you please, Once a buyer presents an earnest money check where ... A: The earnest money check is usually made out to the escrow or title company that will be handling the ...
Purchase Agreement Issue	9/26/2006
Q: I am due to settle on a new house on 20th October. When we did the indspection, several things were ... A: Your purchase agreement stipulates that the closing will take place on a certain date. If all the ...
co-ownership	9/26/2006
Q: One other problem...my sister has no intention of selling our home. Compared to rents in our ... A: It doesn't matter if she wants to sell or not. The court will decide how and when it is going to be ...
co-ownership	9/25/2006
Q: Dennis, First I must say that this website is fantastic. I noticed many responses to co-ownership. ... A: You need to contact a real estate attorney and have the property sold through a partition (the ...
Terminating Contract with Realtor	9/23/2006
Q: We are currently listed with a real estate agent and are very dissatisfied with his performance. We ... A: Thirty seven years in this business, Mark, and I have never seen such a slimy, sneaky time period ...
Buying out a life estate	9/23/2006
Q: here is the situation: My sister and I are on the title of the property our dad left with our step ... A: Your stepmother is not on title, right? Therefore she cannot do anything with it, certainly not sell ...
Odd home buying situation	9/22/2006
Q: Through family friends, my husband and I have found a house that we are interested in buying. The ... A: YOu definitely need someone like a real estate attorney or very knowledgeable Realtor working to ...
foreclosure purchase at courthouse	9/21/2006
Q: If your home is sold at the courthouse step. Do you as the home owner still have a time period to ... A: Each state has it's own agenda regarding redeeming the foreclosure of a property, Rose. You should ...
Construction Loans to Mortgage	9/19/2006
Q: We're buying an older rural property and starting with a construction loan to repair, update and add ... A: What would you do if you saw that you were about to come down with a very grave illness, Wendy? ...
mobile home title	9/15/2006
Q: I purchased a 1977 mobile home from the owner. I have never bought a home before. I only have ... A: Had you used a real estate agent or a real estate attorney, you would not be in the spot you are in ...
Referral Fees	9/15/2006
Q: I'm sending over referral leads to another real estate agent associate of mine practicing out of ... A: Since you are both associates, YOU DO NOT PAY ANYONE ANYTHING NOR DO YOU GET PAID FROM ANYONE. Your ...
Getting out of a contract	9/14/2006
Q: How do i get out of a new contruction contract? I put $5000 down with KB homes about 6 mos ago. ... A: Check your contract very carefully and see if there is a date on which the home is to be finished, ...
1031 exchange	9/12/2006
Q: In a 1031 real estate exchange....property A is sold for $350k and property B is purchased for ... A: The way I see it, it is a $350,000 purchase because the purchase agreement says so. It's just that ...
Selling my house or should I rent it?	9/11/2006
Q: Mr Dennis, Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. I am thinking of selling my home. My ... A: You'll be negative each month when you add in the property taxes and insurance. If you can handle ...
mortgage loan	9/11/2006
Q: I have a couple of mortgage problems that I am hoping that you can help me out on. First of all I ... A: First of all, Amy, I have been a California broker since 1971. There is very little in real estate ...
Purchase Contract	9/8/2006
Q: Good Afternoon: My husband and I were interested in purchasing a house. The contract expired at ... A: As you know, Sue, the seller must sign a release of your deposit. Therefore, show that you mean it. ...
Cancelling contract	9/6/2006
Q: Can we just cancel the listing before the expiration date due to a "change of mind" without ... A: If you'll read the listing, Tammy, you will notice that you are obligated to pay the commission if ...
Cancelling contract	9/6/2006
Q: We listed our house in So Cal on 7/2/06 for 3 months, we listed at a lower price than others in the ... A: No, Tammy, you are not obligated to sell your house to a full-priced offer. But you would be ...
Buying house	9/6/2006
Q: Im thinking about looking into buying a house.. 1st time buyer.. and do not know where to begin.. or ... A: You first find yourself a mortgage representative who will help you qualify for a house of your ...
Realtor Contract	9/5/2006
Q: We signed a six month realtor contract that terminates in November. While our realtor has shown us ... A: You merely have to read the contract you signed, Jason. You will notice it does not even mention ...
Preforclosed homes	9/4/2006
Q: what is the different between preforclosure and a plan out forclosure? I have listing, for homes in ... A: Foreclosures in each state is different. I recommend you go online in your state and ask how ...
Subcontracting on new home	9/2/2006
Q: and thanks in advance. I own a small audio visual company in Seattle. I wired a new townhome for a ... A: You really don't care, Glen. Just take the matter to small claims court and name the owner and ...
Lawyer missed closing date	9/1/2006
Q: My closing date has come and gone on a new house that I purchased - My lawyer missed the closing ... A: This is really not a real estate question, Claudia, however, if he has actually cost you money, then ...
Life Estate	8/31/2006
Q: My mother has a life estate in a home which my brother and I are joint tenants in common. She has ... A: Well, Luci, it is obvious that the person who asked you to "market" the life estate doesn't know ...
Tax delinquent properties	8/30/2006
Q: I have currently been working as a loan officer for 8 months and I have been saving a considerate ... A: Don't look a gift horse in the mouth, Mike. You have found an area from which most real estate ...
Recision	8/29/2006
Q: Does Illinos have a 3 day period where you can back out of a contract? We were thinking of builing ... A: I am not aware of any state permitting a 3-day right of rescission in buying real estate. I have ...
Divorce...how to give the house?	8/28/2006
Q: My husband and I are getting a divorce and the one good thing about it is that we're doing it ... A: Everything you asked, Kathy, could/should be answered by your attorneys. Most attorneys know ...
No trailer title	8/28/2006
Q: I recently e-mailed you about the trailer house I purchased, it was paid off over 5 months ago. I ... A: If he is the landlord (owner) of the property on which your trailer rests, he can ask you to leave ...
mobile home title	8/26/2006
Q: I bought my mobile 2 yrs. ago, it is in a park and not on a foundation. I paid the house off about 5 ... A: Very simply tell him, Kathleen, that if you do not get the title to the mobile home within five ...
life estate be broken	8/26/2006
Q: however the question was can a life estate be broken, my husbands will devised all property to ... A: Then you did not understand my reply, Ms Smith. A life estate is broken when the person who benefits ...
discounts?	8/25/2006
Q: how do i find real estate at deep discounts? how do i know when the listing is deeply discounted ... A: I doubt if you are willing to work for it like you should. And you DO HAVE TO WORK FOR IT. You have ...
life estate	8/25/2006
Q: can a life estate be broken. my husband died with a will deviseing all property to me and my 11 yr ... A: A life estate is usually given by someone who in most cases gives that life estate as part of his ...
Looking at a Rent-to-Own Home	8/25/2006
Q: Dennis, I'm looking at a rent-to-own home on the Monterey Peninsula in Ca. Both rent and home ... A: If you found a seller who is willing to lease/option his property, that's pretty good for that area. ...
new home flooded in construction	8/25/2006
Q: I am currently in the process of purchasing a newly built home, my first, by a very reputable ... A: Not exactly correct, Derek. You live in the house. And as long as you have no trouble with ANYTHING, ...
RENTING VS. SELLING MY HOME	8/25/2006
Q: MY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED A HOME IN LOUISIANA IN MAY OF 2006. WE HAVE RECENTLY DECIDED TO SEPERATE ... A: My guess is that if you can't afford the monthly payments, you may not be able to get the rent to ...
buying house	8/24/2006
Q: my friends bought a house two monthes ago in Ann Arbor,mi. Now they find out there are leaking in ... A: It all depends on what their purchase agreement said. Most states require a sellers disclosure ...
Furnished vs. Unfurnished Selling	8/22/2006
Q: My husband and I are selling a home in Austin, TX where the market happens to be hot right now. Our ... A: Unfortunately, Sara, you have a misconception that whatever you put into a house you are entitled to ...
Buying out Partner	8/22/2006
Q: my partner and i have recently split and I wanted to know what are my options in buying her half of ... A: First, Charles, you are going to have to realize that until you do refinance the loan, she is going ...
buyers remorse	8/21/2006
Q: I have signed a purchase aggrement. I am having second taughts about this house. Is there a way i ... A: Check your contract over very carefully and see if there is a clause that gives you the right to ...
Non-Disclosure about Septic Tank Problem	8/21/2006
Q: I purchased my home in Tennessee in September 2005, but didn't move in until mid-November. Less than ... A: You are permitted to sue in small claims court for up to $7,500 (in most states, $5,000 otherwise), ...
security deposit	8/20/2006
Q: Dennis, Thanks for the quick response. I did not know I had any recourse or action I could take ... A: That's right. The attorney will know as long as he is a real estate attorney. NO title company has ...
leased land	8/20/2006
Q: Saw your answer about homes depreciating as the lease goes on. Thinking about selling our home. ... A: If your house is on leased land, especially a five-year lease, your house has very little value. ...
security deposit	8/19/2006
Q: I am/was purchasing a home. After my home inspection and 3 days prior to closing I did my final ... A: If you read the purchase agreement, it does say that if any damage is done to the property via ...
Equity Share or similar arrangement	8/17/2006
Q: My wife and I currently own a house in the SF Bay Area of California. As I'm sure you're well aware ... A: First of all, Jason, your MI-L has to be on title with you if she is to be considered for any kind ...
moving in to our new home	8/16/2006
Q: Me and my husband just bought our first home and the people living in told us the day we sign off on ... A: That's a lot of damn nerve, Judy. If you have a Realtor representing you on the purchase of that ...
Transaction gone bad	8/15/2006
Q: I really don't know what to do. I put a contract down on a house that was listed without any short ... A: It sounds like you did not have a knowledgeable Realtor representing your interests, or a REAL ...
Adverse Possession in California	8/15/2006
Q: To claim adverse possession, California law requires "the land has been occupied and claimed for the ... A: You left out, "hostile and open," Jim. That's why you may see a wire or temporary fence across the ...
Can I be kept from selling my house	8/14/2006
Q: I am supposed to close on a new home in about 60 days. When signing the original contract I had to ... A: Sorry to inform you what you did not want to read, Russ, but many builders put that clause in their ...
Foreclosed/abondoned homes for sale in NYC	8/13/2006
Q: My husband and I are looking to purchase a foreclosed or abandoned home in NYC (preferrably ... A: Since you haven't asked me a question, I will tell you what I would do here in California. If I ...
Selling a home and building a home.	8/13/2006
Q: I live in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In June of this year my wife and I started construction of a new ... A: Since you didn't actually ask me a question, Jeff, I will address a few things I saw in your "book." ...
Gift of equity question.	8/12/2006
Q: Me and my husband are selling one of our investment properties and would like to give my mom ... A: Each of you may give $12,000 per person, per year, tax free up to one million total lifetime. The ...
Buying tax deliquent property	8/11/2006
Q: I recently came across (on the internet) a list of Trustee Properties in the county where I live. ... A: You can be guaranteed that there will be people who will have done their research BEFORE the submit ...
Cancelling realtor contract	8/10/2006
Q: We were naive enough to buy this house advertised as a 3 BR, so there are people out there! We ... A: You certainly may, but I doubt if it is going to happen. But if you are adament when you tell them ...
Closing Date missed	8/10/2006
Q: I am currently building a home. The Contract a closing date of 1 September 2006. There is no way ... A: It depends what your contract with the builder says. I suggest you talk with a REAL ESTATE attorney ...
buying a home in Canada as a non-resident	8/10/2006
Q: I am a Canadian citizen but now residing in California, USA. My husband (american citizen) and I ... A: There's a very knowledgeable Canadian real estate agent who operates in Toronto, actually a suburb ...
selling	8/10/2006
Q: My husband and I had a buyer make an offer on our home just recently which we accepted on July 10th. ... A: You've just learned one of life's lessons, Karen. Anytime the other party asks for something, ...
Cancelling realtor contract	8/10/2006
Q: I have had my house up for sale with a realtor for 10 weeks. Although we bought it advertised as a ... A: You would not be filing any complaint with the state department of real estate. You would file it ...
buying out my ex pertner of our house	8/10/2006
Q: My partner and i have just recently split,we bought a house together on aug 6th 2005.my morgage ... A: You can buy her out for whatever you feel the value is worth, Anthony. But be aware that the market ...
Credit at Closing	8/9/2006
Q: This just burns me up. We recently bought a home and since we did a FSBO on our previous home, we ... A: You can take your complaint to the local Board of Realtors since the office manager has done nothing ...
roof problems found in inspection	8/9/2006
Q: my wife and I trying to buy a house. The inspection revealed a significant mold problem in the ... A: When buyers search for a house, Frank, THEY EXPECT the roof to be in livable condition. In fact, had ...
l	8/7/2006
Q: Long story short, my wife & I have a property in FL that we desperately want. We are closing on our ... A: Even when you DO have a job waiting, lenders will hesitate to finance your new property. The fact ...
Canceling our listing contract	8/7/2006
Q: First, I would like to say thank you for being a resource. We feel so stuck. We listed with agent ... A: I know you really don't care, Leanne, but, yes, H does have something invested, but your ...
Listing Agreement Canceling	8/7/2006
Q: I signed a 6 mo listing agreement with my agent. Unlike most posts, I think my agent has done a ... A: Anywhere on the listing agreement have the agent write, "This listing may be cancelled ...
Buying outright vs. a loan	8/6/2006
Q: My girlfriend and i have been together for a year, and we plan to get married. Her father recently ... A: To improve the status of your credit, I would get at least a loan equal to one/third of your ...
Poor Representation	8/4/2006
Q: I signed a contract with an agent to sell our home in May. The home is Nevada and I moved to ... A: Obviously, Cheri, they have not lived up to their listing agreement. Tberefore, it is cancellable. ...
Agent and Broker won't work with us	8/4/2006
Q: If we just wait out the remainder of our contract, is there anything they can hold us to within the ... A: As long as those people were not introduced to your property by your agent, you have nothing to ...
Agent and Broker won't work with us	8/4/2006
Q: Ok, this may seem a little long, but this "mess" has been going on a little while. In March we ... A: First of all, Bill, you have learned NEVER sign a listing for more than three months. I have never ...
dont know what i can do ...	8/3/2006
Q: I have a promblem,My father passed away over two years ago.He left his house to me and my cousin we ... A: Ordinarily, all you'd have to do was to engage a real estate attorney to file a suit for PARTITION. ...
Guest House not permitted and not disclosed	8/3/2006
Q: I bought my historic (1921) home 1 year ago, It was listed and shown as Main House with a guest ... A: The key to your question, Brenda, is the disclosures. If I were you I would contact the Realtor(s) ...
property tax and deceased property buying	8/2/2006
Q: I have been living in the house my Mother lived in my whole life of 37 years. She recently passed ... A: If you have a living trust, that means you are the new trustee. It also means the property's title ...
Firing my (buyers) agent while in escrow	8/2/2006
Q: hope you can help me see how ugly this might become. I am currently in escrow on a semi custom spec ... A: In real estate there is what they call, "the procuring cause," Ray. Unfortunately, SHE IS the one ...
Deed's of Trust signed by person without ownership	8/1/2006
Q: In 1998 my husband purchased a home and the original warranty deed was written granting the property ... A: Based on how you phrased it, Andrea, just as your husband and his ex were able to refi the property ...
Selling a home with existing lien on it	8/1/2006
Q: I live in Ohio. I am two payments away from having my mortgage paid in full. Ten years ago I ... A: You could put your house on the market even now . . . or later. It doesn't matter. When you get a ...
Please help with an unwated property split	7/31/2006
Q: I have a friend that is a same sex relationship (in Fl). She wants the relationship to be over, ... A: That's what filing a "partition" lawsuit is all about, Jessica. Your attorney knows all about it. He ...
Buying House of Deceased Owner	7/30/2006
Q: there! I'm buying a house where a mother and daughter owned the property and the daughter passed ... A: What seems to be the problem? Clearing title usually takes no longer than a week or two at most, ...
selling land	7/30/2006
Q: We own a 5 acre plot of land in Central Florida, that we inherited. We built our home on 1 acre ... A: Is it really worth the risk, Steve? A REAL ESTATE attorney would make sure you are doing it ...
Anyway to back out of contract?	7/28/2006
Q: I'm trying to buy a condo in Texas. We signed the standard TREC condo contract along with a third ... A: You said that the loan was denied because of appraisal problems? That means the property did not ...
quit claim	7/28/2006
Q: If I quit claim a home to someone with a mortgage owing, and they payoff mortgage, how do they ... A: When that quit-claim deed is registered in the county recorder, that's it. The new owner with his ...
Capital Gains on Owner-Occupied Two Family House	7/27/2006
Q: We will be living in our two family home for two years as of 2/1/07. We will have rented out the ... A: It applies to single-family homes and if a two-family property is involved, it would apply to half ...
Deed	7/27/2006
Q: I recently learned that in the early 1970s our family farm may have been placed in my name. At that ... A: All you have to do is to go to a title company, Chris, and ask them to check the line of title to ...
mortgage	7/26/2006
Q: I SPOKE TO A BANK THAT AGREED TO GIVE ME A LOAN, BUT MY FATHER IS GOING TO SELL IT FOR 117,000. THE ... A: Tell the bank to make it $129,000. That way, your father is permitted, according to IRS this year, ...
Title Troubles	7/26/2006
Q: We had an agent on our side as well. She really did take it off the market. The sign in the yard ... A: Well, I can think of two things: 1. Maybe someone else is on title with her and she was trying to ...
mortgage	7/25/2006
Q: I LIVE IN MN MOVING TO CHICAGO. CAN I GET A MORTGAGE LOAN FROM ILLINOIS EVEN THOUGH I DON'T HAVE A ... A: If your credit is very good, you can get a loan from any state. But you said that your father was ...
Firing your realtor (buyer)	7/25/2006
Q: well, thanks for that, i was in anycase going to hire an attorney but up and until reaching that ... A: You might want to go to the local Board of Realtors and ask to speak to the person who takes care of ...
Buying first Investment Property	7/25/2006
Q: What are some important questions I should ask the selling agent? Should I ask over the phone before ... A: There's a difference in real estate agents, Jodie. Many of them out there don't know very much more ...
Firing your realtor (buyer)	7/25/2006
Q: I am in the process of buying an apt and saw this really nice apt (thru a realtor) but now i am fed ... A: You still may be liable to your agent for his fee, whether you buy it through him or not. However, ...
Title Troubles	7/24/2006
Q: My husband and I have been looking for a home in Baton Rouge, La for over a month now. The market ... A: You just bucked up against a seller who can't make up her mind when Old Man Greed stares her in the ...
buying a home	7/24/2006
Q: my wife and i are buying a 2 family house and are in contract and just received our letter of ... A: Don't think there's anything underhanded going on here, John. The real estate agent is plain old ...
Question on selling inherited property	7/24/2006
Q: ..We have inherited a townhome that we've lived in for 20+ years. The owner passed away last year; ... A: If you live in it as your primary residence for two more years, you would then be eligible to ...
how to evict a co ower after giving a judgement to sale property	7/23/2006
Q: I went to court and won a judgement to have the property I co-own with another party. I want to ... A: Since this more of a legal problem than a real estate problem, I suggest you ask an attorney your ...
No final walk through with the buyer,	7/23/2006
Q: I had an investment condo, about 200 mi from my home, which sold. Escrow closed 7\12. When the condo ... A: You have a lot to learn in real estate, Scott. I am sure the purchase agreement said something like, ...
buying new home	7/23/2006
Q: Currently my income alone pays for the first house and all other bills. Would we be able to get a ... A: There's no way for me to know the answer to that, Tyson. I do not know the price of house you want ...
can i qualify for a mortgage?	7/23/2006
Q: my girlfriend and i are looking into buying our first home. most likely we can only afford a condo, ... A: I am sure it is the furthest thing from your mind, but one thing you should do AT THE TIME YOU BUY ...
Buying out parents	7/23/2006
Q: Two years ago, my husband and I bought a condo in California 50/50 with my parents. My husband and ... A: You may handle the transfer of title anyway you want, Lisa, but one way or another you ARE going to ...
buying preforeclosures	7/22/2006
Q: I would like to know the best way to find information about homes in preforeclosure, before they are ... A: You have to keep your eyes on the publications, Justin (newspapers, etc.) that publish the first ...
how to get an abstract	7/22/2006
Q: I am selling my home but cannot find the abstract to my house. I have refinanced 2 or 3 times and I ... A: You don't need your abstract at this time. Your Realtor will have it prior to meeting with you to ...
New Home Warranty	7/22/2006
Q: I closed on my new home in Feb. 2005. I bought directly from the developer. I first noticed a leak ... A: You should call in a roofing contractor to assess the amount of damage there is and if it indeed is ...
net estimate way off	7/22/2006
Q: I recently sold my home and my realtor estimated that I would receive between 10 and 15 ... A: Based on what you said, Jody, sounds like she's running a scam. In real estate, if it is not in ...
selling by owner	7/21/2006
Q: My husband and I are selling our home ourselves. We did obtain an attorney. We have a buyer. We ... A: You are in the process of learning two lessons, Kim. 1. A good Realtor is worth his/her weight in ...
QUICK DEED	7/21/2006
Q: I AM MOVING FROM MINNESOTA TO CHICAGO. MY FATHER IS GOING TO PURCHASE THE HOUSE FOR ME BECAUSE THE ... A: The term is QUIT-CLAIM DEED, Joy. If he quit-claims it to you, you would then have to get a new loan ...
Binding Contract	7/21/2006
Q: Well he wants his commission plus a admin fee or he's going to take me small claims court. He's ... A: He's bluffing you! You can go to the hardware store and buy two new locks to replace what you have ...
unconditional release	7/20/2006
Q: I have a property listed for 3.4ml with a real estate agency. They have sold it 2 times and both ... A: First, Scott, remember this: "In real estate, if it is not in writing, it was never said." ...
1031 property exchange	7/20/2006
Q: My mom wants to sell the house and move to a better area. Would I be able to do the 1031 after I ... A: If you're living in the house, there is no point in going for the 1031. While you're living there, ...
Non-disclosure of leaks	7/20/2006
Q: We are in the process of buying a home - we have come to find out, that the owners and real estate ... A: As long as Maryland has a law that says the seller must disclose EVERYTHING, then it appears that ...
When to sell	7/20/2006
Q: Me and my husband bought our first home almost a year ago. We knew when we bought it , it was by a ... A: Something tells me the people who sold you that house were ecstatic when the deal closed. Now you're ...
Binding Contract	7/20/2006
Q: Hey Dick, Please help! I’m in the process of selling my home and I’m extremely disappointed in my ... A: It is true, Marc. By not giving you a copy of the listing, he has flagrantly violated the Code of ...
Selling a Home in Foreclosure	7/19/2006
Q: My grandmother purchased a home for my cousin and my cousin was making the mortgage payments. Now, ... A: The foreclosure process in California is 111 days, however it seldom is less than 120. In whose ...
Purchase Agreement?	7/19/2006
Q: One more quick question. This buyer is making a huge deal about the situation. Is there anyway I ... A: When I come across those kind of people, I just tell them to go fly a kite. You signed a purchase ...
selling a house that's in a trust	7/19/2006
Q: My husband and I are recently married. We want to sell his former (paid off) home that is in a ... A: I know you most likely would want your own new house but you may be hit for a capital gains tax. ...
buying a home	7/19/2006
Q: I SIGNED A CONTRACT WITH A BUILDER FOR BUYING A HOME AND GAVE HIM EARNEST MONEY 7500 DOLLARS.THE ... A: You have more of a legal problem here than you do a real estate problem. Therefore, you should ...
1031 property exchange	7/18/2006
Q: My mom and I been living in the house for the last 10 years. We maintenance the house and still ... A: Why bother with a 1031, Vincent? Once you own the property you can live in it for two of the next ...
Selling property	7/18/2006
Q: Sorry if I said it wrong but, what I mean is I'm not trying to sell the property to my partner but ... A: You still have to do a lot split, Perry. Only this time, you do one that splits off the two and a ...
Purchased new home and owner will not vacate	7/18/2006
Q: We live in MA. and purchased a home 5 months ago. At closing the owner informed us that his new ... A: Remember this if nothing else, Mike: In real estate, if it is not in writing, it was never said! ...
Asbestos not disclosed	7/18/2006
Q: When the listing agent did an open house, a neighbor who has extensive experience in managing ... A: Your agent should have found out for you and told you. If you had no agent then the listing agent ...
selling my mobile home	7/18/2006
Q: We owe $55,384.02 on it and we are asking $60,000.It is a 30 year mortgage. We have had the house ... A: First thing you do is to get a release from your listing with that agent. After you do that, contact ...
foreclosure	7/18/2006
Q: I have a second mortgage property in which tenants have resided for almost two years. Payments have ... A: You already know this, Stacy, but you have no business being a landlord. For future reference, being ...
Buying a house	7/18/2006
Q: I am currently in talk with a man to purchase a townhouse, and and he is offering it as a ... A: Since you are new to real estate, I strongly recommend you consult with a local REAL ESTATE attorney ...
Buying land with brother	7/18/2006
Q: My brother and I are interested in purchasing a house on 52 acres of land. We both have families. My ... A: I would recommend you make a lot split. You will have to go through the paperwork with the county ...
1031 property exchange	7/17/2006
Q: My brothers own a home in Los Angeles. The basis of the house was $175,000.00. The FMV of the ... A: Once your brothers give you the house, your tax basis will be zilch. That's because that is how much ...
new property	7/17/2006
Q: my father passed away. in his trust it states that i am vested in his estate. what does this exactly ... A: You are not exactly asking a real estate question, Jon. You are asking an estate question. You ...
Selling property	7/17/2006
Q: my question is i own a property with someone else and would like to sell a portion of it for some ... A: You create a new warranty deed by stating on it that Perry Sandhu and Partner hereby deed XYZ ...
Custom Home vs Residential Home	7/17/2006
Q: Mr. Dennis, I recently moved to a small city from a lot larger city and it is my opinion that the ... A: One of the first clues I look for before I look to move into an area, Darnell, is to look at the ...
Ethics and law Question	7/16/2006
Q: We finally found a house we liked, our first house, and made an offer. The house had been on the ... A: Based on how you explained it, Michael, YOU BET there was something against the code of ethics! The ...
Home buying	7/16/2006
Q: My mother in law passed away and left her house to my wife and sisterin-law (the executer). If my ... A: You like to play dangerously, don't you? The county is going to catch up with you sooner or later. ...
buying a home before divorce is final	7/16/2006
Q: I entered into a contract for the purhcase of a home for my son in his home state of FL while he was ... A: The VA loan is to be used exclusively by the vet, except if he cannot qualify for the loan without ...
How to sell home without signature of spouse	7/16/2006
Q: Hell Mr. Dennis, My question concerns my sister who is going through a divorce. She was in the ... A: What's going on in Michigan? I've received so many questions regarding property there. Yes, I am ...
Asbestos not disclosed	7/16/2006
Q: We bought a house under probate sale. In the sales contract, it stated "as is without ... A: Most probates are sold that way, "as-is with no contingencies" but they should at least have given ...
ameriquest mortgage and the right to cancel	7/16/2006
Q: I have a question reguarding my right to cancel. I received a letter informing me that Ameriquest ... A: Are you sure you are understanding it correctly? If they say you have the right to cancel the ...
How do I relinquish co-ownership of a home with my sister	7/16/2006
Q: I am a co-owner of a home with my sister. The home was bought in 1997. I am in the military and ... A: Assuming your sister does have good credit, I would think that the lender would accept her as the ...
Vacant property insurance	7/15/2006
Q: You answered a question in regards to this before, but where do you find the brokers. We have a ... A: Do not go to the big companies (State Farm, Allstate, etc.) You should consult with an independent ...
sellers responsibilities	7/15/2006
Q: We are in the process of purchasing a house in PHX. Having trouble getting straight answers from ... A: The PHX building department should know what you need to know. However, in the course of buying a ...
Sell or hold on?	7/15/2006
Q: My wife and I recently bought a home in SW Florida in March 2006, the work situation has changed for ... A: Check to see what the market would be with a very knowledgeable real estate agent. Just be aware ...
Selling Half your Equity	7/15/2006
Q: We would like to sell half the equity in our home to my parents. We then plan to use the home as a ... A: Be aware, Mara, that if you do not watch and tend that property once you move out, you're letting ...
Realtors & For Sale by Owners	7/15/2006
Q: We have our house for sale through a realtor and have recently found two homes that are for sale by ... A: You are not locked onto that Realtor, Adam, especially if yours is not willing to negotiate a lower ...
five properties	7/15/2006
Q: these properties are located in Jackson, Mi If you could help me find someone to talk in person that ... A: I just read an Online article about how Michigan is really going down the tubes real-estate-wise the ...
buying before home is sold	7/14/2006
Q: It's me again, LOri. I am putting my home on the market Sept 1st. I want to be in a new home by ... A: If you have the funds to buy another house while you're trying to sell the one you have, then go ...
new vs old	7/14/2006
Q: I am female and divorcing, moving into my own place. I have been a homeowner for 28 yrs, not sure ... A: Looks like you're still a young'un, Lori, even after 28 years having been married and owning a home. ...
five properties	7/14/2006
Q: I have recently gotten into real estate and I purchased five houses on my credit line. I do not ... A: I am sorry you got into the rental business (yes, indeed it is a business like any other) before you ...
land sale	7/13/2006
Q: I will be buying 5 acres of land from my brother . where would I find a simple form to convey this ... A: You are asking for trouble, Joe, if you do not at least engage a real estate attorney to make sure ...
real estate agent	7/13/2006
Q: I live in town A. Would it be to my benefit to use a real estate agent in or near town A or another ... A: After 37 years in this business, Lori, I am sorry to say your husband has a misconception. Now who ...
House Refi or not	7/12/2006
Q: I recently inherited the house of the lady I was caregiver for. She still owes $50,000. It is ... A: It's up to you, Clyde. Would you rather continue with the payments you are making now, or would you ...
Salespersons duty of disclosure	7/12/2006
Q: I am a licensed salesperson. I represented a buyer in a residential home purchase transaction in ... A: Don't bother with an attorney, Jay, unless they can prove there's enough money in this for the ...
selling our home and purchasing another	7/12/2006
Q: How much should we expect to pay a real estate attorney for this service? Would it be unethical to ... A: It all depends on how much time the attorney will have spent on your transaction. I would suggest ...
Selling home	7/12/2006
Q: Dick, Thank you for such a quick response. Yes we did discuss the details verbally. We had the ... A: Yes, I had that feeling. For whatever reason, Dawn, if a Realtor slows down on his obligations in ...
Title Insurance	7/12/2006
Q: Mr. Dennis, My wife is considering purchasing a home in Ohio. She wants to go through the process ... A: First thing you have to look at, Tim, is IRC 121 in which you may exclude up to $250,000 in capital ...
Basis of sale of condo	7/11/2006
Q: We have a condo that we only visit a couple of weeks a year and it is rented seasonaly. We ... A: It is considered income property and therefore you should have been taking depreciation each year ...
Disclosure fraud	7/11/2006
Q: Mt ex-wife purchased a property in Ma. Disclosed in the advertizments and through the broker was ... A: If those items that were taken, Roy, were connected or attached to the property, it is considered ...
no permits/bad results on home inspection	7/11/2006
Q: Okay, this is a compicated situation. We have made an offer on an older home (60+ years old) with a ... A: Well, Ashley, you're either buying the house "as-is" or not. If you're buying the property as-is, ...
buying a home on a landcontract	7/10/2006
Q: can i buy a home on a landcontract for less than one thousand doen? A: It all depends on how good a negotiator you are, Tim. One thing you should know about is that a land ...
Just moved in our home	7/10/2006
Q: We closed on our house on June 30, 2006, we started moving in on July 4th ,we woke up on July 5th ... A: As long as you can prove that the previous owners knew of this problem, Karen, you should not have ...
Who needs to sign the title	7/10/2006
Q: Before I was married, my fiance and I bought a mobile home. We could not get financing so the ... A: In a divorce situation, Holly, no QUIT-CLAIM deed is necessary in selling the mobile home or ...
Earnest money dispute	7/10/2006
Q: Sorry to bother again, but since the title company has cashed/and is holding the funds, we would not ... A: You can't have it both ways, Jessica. You either go to small claims court to retrieve your earnest ...
Land Lease	7/10/2006
Q: My husband and I are looking to buy a vacation/rental home as an investment near the beach. Our plan ... A: Thirty three years have been used up on that land lease already. You will find that property with ...
Mortgage Fraud	7/10/2006
Q: Dennis, I brought 7 properties from a Broker through a friend, and when I went to sell the ... A: You have a legal matter here, Indigo. Do not delay, go get yourself a GOOD REAL ESTATE attorney. ...
Earnest money dispute	7/9/2006
Q: Recently my husband and I were in a contract to purchase a home. There were inspection issues that ... A: You did right, Jessica. Don't bother with the agent. Just take the matter to small claims court. ...
listing expired.. options?	7/9/2006
Q: i had my house listed with an agent for 6 months. they put it on the mls and then sat back. no open ... A: Yeah, they do that. I am sorry to say too many of the real estate agents out there have a weird ...
land financing	7/9/2006
Q: WE ARE SEMI-RETIRING IN JAN.07..LOOKING FOR SMALL ACREAGE IN NORTHERN ARKANSAS TO PURCHASE NOW, AND ... A: Quite frankly, Kathleen, you have two strikes against you in your goal for January: Your recent ...
collecting a finder's fee in new york	7/9/2006
Q: Does one have to have a real estate license, broker's license, or some other type of license in ... A: Just call up or sit down in the office of a REAL ESTATE attorney and ask. I cannot say for sure, for ...
selling a rental property	7/9/2006
Q: I have a tenant who recently signed a new lease on a property I own in New Mexico. Due to some ... A: If you sell the house, you're going to have to sell it as a rental. The property is going to change ...
Sell to my son?	7/8/2006
Q: Anotheras a co-trustee or successor-trustee, can or does my son receive any benefits that would ... A: I recommend you talk to that TRUST attorney or a CPA or a tax attorney or a tax expert of some kind. ...
Sell to my son?	7/8/2006
Q: My son lives in CA and I live in Nebraska. I am buying my home valued at approx. 150,000.00 and owe ... A: I am presuming you are not 62 yet, Marjie, so I won't discuss a reverse mortgage. I will go to what ...
Terminating Contract/Auction	7/7/2006
Q: I am a first time seller and have been very disappointed in our realtor. It took over a week to get ... A: I don't know where the property is located, Laura, but you definitely have grounds for cancelling ...
renting your house through section 8	7/7/2006
Q: for example what steps would i have to take to get in contact with someone to get my house rented ... A: Rather than having me go over what you must do to sign up for Section 8, Shani, go to the subject ...
A bad realtor	7/6/2006
Q: Our realtor won't help us. We have an offer and have agreed to it and the buyers agent wants to meet ... A: Based on what you have written, Jane, I wouldn't wait one more minute and send his company a notice ...
sell a house	7/6/2006
Q: My mother in law is in CA and almost done a litigation with her sister for the house. She's getting ... A: As long as she is the only one on the title of the property, she may sell it or do anything she ...
Can I buy a home without a Realtor	7/6/2006
Q: Wanted to find out can I legally, buy a home without a realtor in California, If the person selling ... A: Anyone may buy a home from the owner without a Realtor, Arnold. If the seller has his home listed ...
how do you sell your half of a house to the co-owner?	7/5/2006
Q: Dick, I am closing on a house that will be co-owned by a friend. When it comes time when one needs ... A: I would suggest you construct a written agreement that defines how you are to be paid for your ...
Getting my Good Faith Deposit Returned	7/5/2006
Q: How long should it take for a broker to return a good faith deposit after agreement of sale has been ... A: The seller must sign a release of that deposit, Shalae. If he does not sign it and have the money ...
foreclosure	7/5/2006
Q: my great aunt deeded her house over to her son several years ago, giving herself a lifetime right. ... A: What she has is a "life estate." You can see why, now, why your great aunt should not have given him ...
major repairs before selling a home	7/4/2006
Q: My disabled sister is on a limited income. She needs to sell her home in the FL panhandle. It's a ... A: Sorry to disappoint you (and your sister), Cindy, but none of what you mentioned pays for itself ...
found a home, what now?	7/3/2006
Q: My wife and I found a home we like. We called the realtor's number on the sign, he came out and ... A: It's a matter of ethics, Wade. You asked another Realtor to show you the house, yet you are going to ...
cancelling a listing agreement	7/3/2006
Q: My husband and I have been married for 2 months and both own a home. We found a home - are ... A: As long as your husband is the sole owner of his house, and he signed the listing agreement, then it ...
Real state agent	7/3/2006
Q: I'm trying to buy a house and I have a friend that says he is a real state agent. I'm not sure he is ... A: Yes, JuanCarlos. Here in California you can go to http://www.dre.ca.gov/ (The Department of Real ...
Joint tenency	7/2/2006
Q: My boyfriend and I purchased a home together, both names on the loan and title, 3 years ago. I was ... A: You're going to have to contact a REAL ESTATE attorney and force the partition sale of the property. ...
Closing	7/2/2006
Q: What are the essentials that I need to be aware of before accepting an offer and closing on the sale ... A: I believe in doing it professionally. Go out and interview some Realtors. After two or three ...
Quit Claim Deeds	7/2/2006
Q: 000 mortgage If i were to Quit Claim the place to some one how much more paper work would I have to ... A: Based on your question and how you phrased it, Terry, I strongly suggest you have a REAL ESTATE ...
capital gains / split 2yrs owner occupied	7/2/2006
Q: The purpose of this email is to see if I qualify to avoid being hit with capital gains. I purchased ... A: I suspect you asked this question of me once before, Wendy. I answered it this way: Yes, you may ...
quit claim mistake	7/2/2006
Q: My ailing mother quit claimed a piece of commercial property to me and I find that created a bad tax ... A: Yes, Jim, I have had this problem posed to me many times when people tried to skip going to a tax ...
sale of home/inheritance	7/1/2006
Q: my name is John. Earlier this year my father passed away and the family home in San Diego was sold ... A: I am not sure I understand your question. When the escrow closes, 30-45 days, that is when you ...
breaking contract	7/1/2006
Q: My wife and I are supposed to close on a home at the end of the month but I have some concerns. ... A: My guess is that this is your first home, Everett. Down through the years I have found that the ...
PURCHASING A DEED FROM A LENDING INSTITUTION	7/1/2006
Q: MY HUSBAND IS WANTING TO SELL LAND THAT HE RECIEVED IN A DIVORCE SETTLEMENT. HE CAN'T GET FULL ... A: As long as you make a legitimate offer to purchase that note and deed of trust (or mortgage), you ...
sale of home/inheritance	7/1/2006
Q: my name is John. Earlier this year my father passed away and the family home in San Diego was sold ... A: Who represented your interests? That is the person that should know the answer to your question. If ...
Appraisal for Selling my Home	7/1/2006
Q: I put my house on the market to sell. I have a Realtor and now my house has a contract for someone ... A: As long as a legitimate offer was made by the buyer with a valid earnest money deposit and the ...
Canceling a listing contract and selling to co-owner by quit claim deed	6/30/2006
Q: We are co-owners of a rental property. We wanted to sell the property and use our portion of the ... A: I suspect you already know the answer, Julie. Your listing no doubt gives you the answer: The ...
Windows	6/30/2006
Q: We are getting ready to sell our home in the next year. It is about 20 years old and are going to ... A: I would have to know what your house looks like, Tonja, but generally, I would say vinyl, double ...
Buying from a LIVING TRUST MEMBER	6/30/2006
Q: We are planning to buy a house. The Seller has died, but has created a living trust on his name. We ... A: If you are buying from a living trust, Kumar, the person who is a succeeding trustee is the person ...
credit problems	6/30/2006
Q: We had excellent credit before 9/11 caused job losses and we got heavily in CC debt. My husband is ... A: Some states have special "First Time Buyers" programs to help people buy their home. In some of ...
Selling a jointly owned house and land	6/28/2006
Q: My sister and I jointly own a house and 6 acres. We both want to sell this property in a couple ... A: My suggestion would be to first split the land, three for each of you. Check with the county ...
Selleing Contracts	6/28/2006
Q: We are currently selling our home and signed a contract with a listing agent/broker, but are ... A: You have no idea, Mike, how many questions I receive just like yours. What is happening is that ...
selling a house in a buyer's market	6/28/2006
Q: good day. I live here in N.VA and purchased a house about a year ago. We bought the house right at ... A: What you don't want to do, Bryan is PANIC! Values indeed may go down, but if you originally intended ...
VA LOAN GUIDELINES	6/28/2006
Q: I'm currently in the USAF and I'm stationed in Korea. As of May 2007 I'll be stationed in Hampton, ... A: I have never had a similar question posed to me before, Shannon. I have sold many, many VA homes, ...
capital gains	6/27/2006
Q: The purpose of this email is to see if I qualify to avoid being hit with capital gains. I purchased ... A: Under IRC 121, yes, you must live in your residence for two an aggregate time of two years out of ...
SELLING HOME TO A RELATIVE	6/27/2006
Q: WE WANT TO SELL OUR HOME TO MY WIFE'S SON. IT APPRAISED FOR MORE THAN WE OWE. WE WANT IT TO BE A ... A: If you want it to be a win-win for everyone, David, I suggest the following: Have three Realtors ...
Land Ownership......Is this a good idea?	6/27/2006
Q: Mr. Dennis, I have been out of college now for over a year and half, and I have a fairly ... A: If you are even ABLE to get a loan on that land, the most any bank would lend on it is MAYBE 50% of ...
Selling a house with a 2nd mortgage	6/27/2006
Q: I need to relocate for my job and sell my current home. I owe approximately 42,000 on a 1st ... A: You are responsible for the 1st AND 2nd mortgage, Melissa. The 1st and 2nd will become due and ...
Real Estate problem	6/27/2006
Q: My husband and I just moved, and purchased a used house. Trying to save money, we did not hire an ... A: There was a time, Sharon, when buyers would purchase houses, the old saying, "Let the buyer beware" ...
What are the tax benefits of mortgage interest	6/27/2006
Q: I've been told there is a tax write off when owning a home with a mortgage. If I paid $10,000 in ... A: If you pay $10,000 in yearly interest on your mortgage, Eric, you tax bracket will determine how ...
Sellor's Liabilities	6/26/2006
Q: My daughter and her husband just bought their first home in the Los Angeles area. Before escrow ... A: It sounds to me like the seller provided a Home Warranty program for a year (usually a minimum) in ...
Buying Investment (Rental) Properties	6/26/2006
Q: My husband and I have been considering buying rental property for investment. We want to buy a home, ... A: You ask a very deep question, Monica, that requires a very extensive reply. However, I do not have ...
buying and selling	6/25/2006
Q: I live in Maryland and am looking to buy a house in Florida to be closer to my family. What are the ... A: There is nothing wrong with selling your rental house as an investment property NOW, Linda. You ...
Voidable Contract?	6/24/2006
Q: Soon AFTER having had my offer accepted on a house, I learned (in casual conversation with the ... A: YOU BET, Kate. The Realtor was remiss in his/her job to advise you AT THE TIME YOU INSPECTED THE ...
Can i cancel the house with my deposit back	6/24/2006
Q: I don't know much about law. However, when I purchased the house, I sign with a contract that I ... A: They are taking advantage of you, Jessica! Every purchase is subject to the approval of the loan. ...
Transfer of Ownership	6/24/2006
Q: Mr. Dennis, My wife and I live in a home owned by her grandmother. Her grandmother recently passed ... A: No one can legally convey a title to property to someone else without having their name on title as ...
Can i cancel the house with my deposit back	6/24/2006
Q: I purchased the house in July 2005 and was done on April 2006. The reason I could not get the house ... A: You write a letter (or have someone do it for you) and send it to the PERSON who took your deposit ...
quit claim mistake	6/24/2006
Q: 4 years ago we purchased a home from a couple that was divorced. A Quit Claim deed was signed by ... A: If you actually paid for title insurance, YES, the title company should take care of this. And don't ...
disclosure	6/24/2006
Q: We bought a house two years ago. It was for sale by owner. The seller was very kind and showed us ... A: Write a letter to the seller (if you know where they now live) and advise them that you are going to ...
Sold Property	6/23/2006
Q: We heard from our attorney, and the Realtor who marketed our property. The attorney said we are ... A: Someone knew that sewer lien was going to go in BEFORE you bought the property and the seller and ...
A Seeler Breached Their Contract With Me	6/23/2006
Q: I have a house that me and my finace put an offer on she countered then we made another counter she ... A: If you still want that house, Doug, offer to pay half of that $7,000 if the seller will pay the ...
Sold Property	6/22/2006
Q: Three (3) years ago we sold our home in NJ and were represented by an attorney, as were the buyers. ... A: Keep after your attorney. Do not let him ignore you. Send him letters via certified mail. If you get ...
Name not on deed	6/22/2006
Q: The last time we refinanced our home, my name was left off of the deed to our house. (I think this ... A: Some states will allow the husband to sell the property without the wife be present. I am not sure ...
Selling real estate	6/22/2006
Q: Unfortunately I put a home on the market at the exact time buyers became scarce. My second home has ... A: I wish I had a remedy for you, Liz, other than you should have had the $249,900 price six months ...
I have a buyer now what?	6/22/2006
Q: I have a buyer for my home and I am going to sell it by owner. He is already approved for a ... A: I would need to know in what state the property is located. You can also go to a title company or ...
quit claim deed	6/22/2006
Q: My boyfriend and i live at a house that was owned by his brotherr and his mother. His brother just ... A: This is no time to worry about cost, if you want that house in your name. Go to a REAL ESTATE ...
Life Estate	6/21/2006
Q: My parents entered into a life estate with my 2 sisters, one brother and myself. My Mom has passed ... A: The only way your name may be removed from a deed with a life estate is for you to sign it over to ...
Agent trying to revoke accepted offer	6/21/2006
Q: My boyfriend and I bought some land for $85,000 in Washington and our offer was accepted yesterday. ... A: Based on what you have said in your note, you have an accepted offer. And that's that. It's up to ...
Bypass buying agent	6/21/2006
Q: Mr. Dick Dennis, I have been looking for a condo to purchase for several weeks now with a realtor. ... A: You may use any Realtor you want, Mike. But be aware if you deal directly with the seller or through ...
Abstract/Deed/Survey mixup	6/20/2006
Q: We recently listed our zero lot line for sale and upon listing it, realized that the deed and the ... A: Since you have your property sold, Steve, let the title company who is handling the sale take care ...
owner to owner	6/20/2006
Q: owner wants 10,000 downpayment and 1000.00 per month till loan of asking price of 150,000 is paid. ... A: That is not the proper way to conduct the sale of real estate. Way too many things can and quite ...
cancelling a listing agreement.	6/19/2006
Q: Im sure you have answered this question a million times, but I need some serious help. I am listed ... A: Do not hesitate, Shany. Do this: Send the office manager a letter everything that you have ...
Selling by Owner to Couple in England	6/19/2006
Q: We are selling our house by owner, and a couple in England has contacted us. Their friends came ... A: The property is in Illinois, Stacia. Anybody who buys property in Illinois must abide by the ...
Mobile Home Title	6/19/2006
Q: Six years ago we started buying a large double wide mobile home which is located on our acreage ... A: Whoever has your loan has the title. Just like your car. When the car is paid off, you get the title ...
Cancelling a contract selling a home	6/19/2006
Q: I signed a contract in the state of MO to sell my home. The original closing date was July7th hich ... A: If youi signed any amendments, changes and extensions, and as long as the buyers will want to buy ...
Rolling mobile home debt into new home	6/18/2006
Q: My wife and i live in a single wide mobile home in a park. We want to buy our first house. She had ... A: Try this idea: Go to your lender who has the loan on the mobile home. Tell them what you'd like to ...
Disclosure Statements	6/16/2006
Q: I am closing on a house next week. I called the local water & sewer company & was told that the ... A: I don't know how bad you want that house, Andi, but if it was me, I would tell the agent, escrow and ...
New Manufactured Home Closing Cost	6/15/2006
Q: The property is in Texas and we did have one other quote who was very similar. I just don't ... A: Then tell them you want to see a full accounting and reasons for the costs of all the closing costs ...
New Manufactured Home Closing Cost	6/15/2006
Q: Breakdown of my costs: Base price of home $144,000.00 Land $ 39,000.00 Improvements $ 17,185.00 ... A: Where is the property located, Mary? The base price of the home seems OK, but the rest seems a bit ...
undiscovered lien	6/15/2006
Q: Mr. Dennis. My husband and I recently purchased some property, and today I received, from the ... A: Assuming you got title insurance upon the purchase of the property, Heidi, you simply take it to the ...
House built on sewer easement	6/15/2006
Q: Will the Title Co. Attorney suffice for this process? Should I retain a separate attorney? Thank ... A: I suppose you could petition the utility to abandon the easement, but your house is too new for ...
House built on sewer easement	6/15/2006
Q: I've place a contract to purchase on a house. After the survey was performed, I learned the house ... A: If the utility company said they only need 5 feet, then have your attorney change the easement to ...
Selling Land	6/14/2006
Q: I am wondering about the commission for an agent when selling land. I know that it is between 4 ... A: Yes, Isabel, land is usually listed at 10%, except when it is priced into the millions. Then the ...
House Will Not Sell	6/14/2006
Q: Dennis: My questions are several and I appreciate your patience in answering them. Our home in ... A: 1. Your price is too high! Guaranteed. If you want to sell your house in today's BUYER'S market you ...
Purchasing home	6/14/2006
Q: Ok, Thank you..One more question..having a home is it a big tax deduction?Hi, I am single with no ... A: It depends on your tax bracket. Let's say you're in the 15% tax bracket. In owning a house you will ...
basement square footage	6/14/2006
Q: We are trying to price our house for sale. Should our basement price per square foot be the same as ... A: The basement is usually treated like the garage in many cases. The square feet of a home ONLY ...
Selling a mobile home	6/14/2006
Q: I have been desperately trying to sell my mobile home for 2yrs. now. No realtor will help us ... A: Unfortunately, Nicole, mobile homes sell the slowest when the market turns like it has. When the ...
Buying our Apartment from our Landlady	6/13/2006
Q: We have been renting the lower level of a two story house and have talked to our land lady about ... A: You apparently live in a duplex or a double, Nick. I doubt very much that you can buy your half of ...
Gettin Started	6/13/2006
Q: I am interested in getting in real estate. I am 23 years old, married, and in the U.S Navy. I have ... A: First of all, Markus, you should have at least six months funds on which to live while you go to ...
Unethical, Dishonest Broker Coerces Us into a No Win Situation	6/13/2006
Q: Unethical, Dishonest Broker Coerces Us into a No Win Situation The real estate problem that I’ve ... A: Since I do not know what your contract with IB/A says, I cannot address that, but ordinarily the ...
BUYING A OWNER FINANCE HOME	6/13/2006
Q: WHEN BUYING A OWNER FINANCED HOME WHAT IN THE KEY THING I SHOULD MAKE SURE IS IN MY LEASE AS A BUY ... A: Doesn't make sense, Erricka. If you're buying an owner financed home, why is there a lease in the ...
Paint	6/11/2006
Q: We have removed wall hangings and brackets from our walls inpreparing for sale and our move. What ... A: If the areas in question can take sanding, then do it. Then repaint. That's all you can do. For ...
Purchasing home for $1	6/9/2006
Q: I have been told that it is legal for a family member to purchase a house for only a $1, almost as a ... A: When there is no specific value placed on a property, a monetary consideration of a dollar or ten is ...
Buyer's Agent	6/8/2006
Q: I recently signed an agreement with a real estate broker to act as my buyer's agent to help me find ... A: Simply get him to give you a WRITTEN release from that buyer's agency agreement. If he/she refuses ...
lending a second mortgage	6/7/2006
Q: I am live in Florida. I know that the risk is high. The people buying my home have been my renters ... A: If you think you have problems now with those tenants, just wait until they leave the property after ...
Property Status?	6/7/2006
Q: For some time I've been passing a single family home in an upscale area that appears to be abandoned ... A: I'd be willing to bet, Steve, that it is either in probate or the property is in trust with a bank, ...
lending a second mortgage	6/6/2006
Q: I am in the process of selling my home. The person buying my home can only get an 80% loan and has ... A: Since you did not tell me in what state you are located, I can only talk in generalities. Be aware ...
Buying FSBO when you have been working with an agent	6/5/2006
Q: So, you feel that even though I know I can facilitate this purchase on my own that the agent I have ... A: Not necessarily, Dan. You did not indicate that you could facilitate the purchase on your own. Do ...
easements & right-of-ways	6/5/2006
Q: I need to know the difference between an easement and a right-of-way. My neighbor wishes to put a ... A: There is no difference, Ben. In fact, the definition of a right-of-way is an easement over one ...
Purchasing Land	6/4/2006
Q: My mother owns some land, she wants to sell it to us, we need to know how to do this with the least ... A: If you want to make sure it is done right and you won't have any problems in the future (you'd be ...
Selling a parcel off	6/3/2006
Q: We have several acres. Our mortgage balance is approximately 50% of appraised value. We want to ... A: I presume your "several" acres are not splittable, Sharon. In that case, you go to the mortgage ...
Help, Serious problem no one else knows	6/1/2006
Q: I recently was given property from a family member and had it rezoned, I then went to a dealer and ... A: When you were given the property, you should have immediately bought title insurance on the ...
marketing & selling high end property	5/30/2006
Q: PA. Visit www.geocities.com/denton763 to see photos. The agent has been emailing other agents to ... A: Coincidence. I am writing and editing my next edition of The Landed Gentry, my monthly publication. ...
avoiding probate	5/29/2006
Q: My father recently died at 83. His wife, 75 now owns the family home free & clear. Others have ... A: Better yet, you all pitch in and hire a real estate attorney or an estate attorney and do a ...
deed	5/28/2006
Q: in NYS, can I be added to my boyfriend's deed without getting a new mortgage in both of our names ? ... A: Yes. But your boyfriend is still prime responsibility for paying the mortgage. He can execute a ...
Selling a portion of my property	5/28/2006
Q: My neighbor approached my husband and I about purchasing a portion of our backyard to put up a ... A: First of all, Darany, you better contact the zoning commission or the planning board of your city or ...
Buying a previous rented property	5/25/2006
Q: We are buying a home that still has renters in it. We are closing in a few days and want to ... A: There are two sure ways of getting the tenants out of there, Chris. #1 - Tell your agent that if the ...
contengency offer	5/25/2006
Q: is it better to sell your home first or make a contegency offer on the new home you want and then ... A: It is always better to put your house in escrow so that you are not at the mercy of the seller of ...
Buying forclosure in Midwest	5/24/2006
Q: This is all preliminary as I havent even been inside the property yet. But assuming everything is in ... A: Because I would want a 10% cap rate on this property, I would therefore offer no more than $31,500. ...
Buying forclosure in Midwest	5/24/2006
Q: I understand that buying foreclosed property doesent automatically mean a good deal but I live in ... A: Tell me what the rents would be on the property, what size are the units? How many bedrooms? Baths? ...
Buying a Pre-Built house, Or Buy a land, Construct by Contractors	5/24/2006
Q: I appreciate your time and replying to my question. I expected an answer interms of Numbers ... A: I am sorry, Sunny, that I cannot provide you with numbers in this case because I am not familiar ...
Caceling our Realtor (Selling Agent) Contract	5/24/2006
Q: I signed an exclusive selling agrement with my Realtor to sell my house for 6 months duration, as ... A: First, Prasad, I would say the fact that you had 35-40 showings in three months, to me, means your ...
post-purchase repair issue	5/24/2006
Q: My wife and I just bought a home in Missouri, part of the disclosure from the seller concerned the ... A: Presuming you are still able to contact the sellers, I would communicate (preferably in writing and ...
Buying a Pre-Built house, Or Buy a land, Construct by Contractors	5/23/2006
Q: I found a place or some one who can solve my million $$$$$$$$$$ question. I recently bought a ... A: One thing you're going to have to learn, Sunny, is that you cannot let past lost opportunities get ...
Selling Half of Our Cottage	5/22/2006
Q: My wife and I presently own a cottage in Michigan that friends of ours would like to buy-into. We ... A: If you are definitely tearing down the house, Zvonko, I would recommend you put together a package ...
home deeds that would transfer to the State	5/21/2006
Q: Scenario: For somebody who owns their home outright, I offer to pay their annual home taxes in ... A: This needs to be done in a contract, will or a living trust. If it is done, I would suggest that you ...
Mortgage Mess	5/20/2006
Q: About three years ago my husband and I wanted to purchase a house but our credit was not very ... A: Do it this way, Kate: You get a revocable living trust! Yes, it costs some attorney money, but based ...
land contract	5/19/2006
Q: Do you know what would be involved in doing this (forms ect...) or anything else that I would need? A: In Michigan, Wayne, land contracts are the main instruments for debt on real estate. So, I would ...
land contract	5/19/2006
Q: Can a land contract be assummed or transfered from the current person to another person. I live in ... A: As far as I am concerned, Wayne, I would say yes. However, it may depend on what it says or doesn't ...
Buying a home with boyfriend	5/16/2006
Q: My boyfriend and i are going to be buying a home together. Since i have a co-op i am selling, and ... A: First thing you should do, Cindy, is to go with your boyfriend to a REAL ESTATE attorney to put ...
disclosure statements	5/15/2006
Q: I recently purchased a home in which the seller disclosed exactly the following--"Back left corner ... A: Absolutely not, Randal. There is no more "buyer-beware." Virtually every state in the union has laws ...
SELLING/ QUIT CLAIM DEED	5/11/2006
Q: I BOUGHT MY HOUSE A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO, WITH MY FIANCE. MY CREDIT WAS STRONGER THAN HIS SHO THE ... A: You have no choice, Sekeyi but to consult a REAL ESTATE attorney and have your property PARTITIONED. ...
Quit Claim Deed	5/5/2006
Q: My husband and I purchased a home for his parents that they had been leasing for 17 years. Due to ... A: There are two ways (actually three) to handle this, Misty. I prefer the third one. Never use the ...
Too Sticky? Buying into a house...	5/4/2006
Q: Dick, We'd appreciate the input of an expert on our potentially sticky situation. My fiance, Jed, ... A: I like to make things simple, Alyssa. Since the grandparents own the house outright, why not have ...
You wanted to know	5/2/2006
Q: Awhile ago I asked you a question about adding someone to a deed and then obtaining a mortgage. ... A: Glad you took care of your problem to your satisfaction. The thing is, every generation thinks they ...
Home ownership after marriage	5/1/2006
Q: In the state of South Carolina, does a spouse automatically have ownership of a home once they are ... A: In most states, Pam, it must specifically say the first spouse has deeded title to the second ...
breach and backkup	5/1/2006
Q: This is looooong-We live in NJ and listed our house for $1,199,999.99 and within the first week had ... A: The way I see it, once you decided the accept the 1.2 offer and sue the first guy for the ...
Contract Cancellation	4/27/2006
Q: I meant to ask and forgot on something you brought up. It was brought to my attention that within ... A: That is correct: After the expiration or cancellation of the listing the agent is supposed to give ...
Contract Cancellation	4/27/2006
Q: I am in So. Calif. I put my house on the market mid January of this year with a reputable realtor. ... A: In real estate, if it is not written, it was never said. Please keep that in mind. Her promise to ...
two friends buy a home together	4/25/2006
Q: My friend and I want to buy a house together. I have 3 more payments on my chapter 13 bankruptcy ... A: I really shudder when someone asks me a question similar to yours. The way to handle your situation ...
Selling home--running out of time, help!	4/21/2006
Q: Good afternoon, I am currently living in my home that I am trying to sell and my wife has received a ... A: Gee, Brian, it sounds like 1991 all over again. One thing I strongly suggest is DO NOT PANIC! I ...
Buying a house as an unmarried couple	3/24/2006
Q: My fiance and I are getting ready to close on a house. We both have equal incomes and plan to make ... A: The fact that he wants to draw up a "separate contract as to my rights to the house if something ...
selling before foreclosure	3/1/2006
Q: I have been playing beat the clock trying to sell my house before the mortgage company could ... A: What you need to do Mary, is to call them again, only this time talk to the actual lender. Chances ...
Cooling off period?	2/22/2006
Q: My parents are looking to buy new construction in FL or SC in a Dell Web community. Would you please ... A: I would start with the department of real estate in each of those states unless you have a real ...
selling home	2/20/2006
Q: myi am looking to relocate, but in order for me to buy another home i have to sell my home. what do ... A: All of the above, Anthony. If it was me, I would go to the location I'd like to live and get real ...
how to buy pre-foreclosure	2/19/2006
Q: How to buy pre-froreclosure homes before they become foreclosed? A: It is a very laborious job, Olga. Like anything worthwhile. You first have to get access to the list ...
Disclosure Horror	2/18/2006
Q: My husband and I have been in a lack of disclosure horror story. The house we purchesed is 5 years ... A: The fact that the seller was a Realtor should help you substantially, Gellia. You first have to ...
Ownership after a marriage	2/18/2006
Q: Could you please explain the differences between Warranty Deed, Grant Deed, and Quit Claim Deed and ... A: Depending on the state, the Warranty Deed and the Grant Deed are virtually the same. Just a ...
Adding somebody to deed	2/15/2006
Q: August before last, my Mom and I bought a house in a new development. The first property tax will ... A: Very simple, Heather. Do it this way: Jane Doe hereby deeds xyz property to Jane Doe and Heather ...
Home Sales	2/14/2006
Q: Wow, this was great information thank you. For my first foreclosure investment I was going to go ... A: Just be patient, Miguel. You will soon have your pick on which property you want to pick up. If you ...
Home Sales	2/13/2006
Q: I have been looking into purchasing some foreclose properites. While doing my research I notice ... A: You will soon see a whole slew of foreclosures around. I don't know in what state you live, Miguel, ...
New Home Purchase	2/13/2006
Q: My husband and I signed a purchase contract late 2005 to buy a NEW Home from a local builder. We ... A: I thought I answered this one already, Vanessa. But here goes again. Try to sell the NEW house. ...
House Is Falling Down Around Me and (Maybe) Un-Sellable.	2/11/2006
Q: I got my house and 1/2 acre land in my divorce, and it's paid for. We had gotten the property in a ... A: Based on what you have said, I might be interested in helping you, Karen. I have seen many of these ...
New Career	2/10/2006
Q: Dick- I just passed the state exam and am now licensed as a sales associate here in FL (Orlando to ... A: I do wish you well, Adam, because it is going to be rough. You are coming into the business at a ...
offers w/ contingencies	2/6/2006
Q: I am in the process of selling my home through FSBO. I have some interested parties, one in ... A: Yes, Matt. This kind of selling is done all the time in a market that favors the buyer . . . now. ...
Lender won't give me information to avoid foreclosure	1/30/2006
Q: I am in the process of a messy divorce. My soon to be exhusband did not make house payments and the ... A: Based on what you said, Sharie, you have only one choice and that is present your dilemma to your ...
Foreclosure & liens	1/30/2006
Q: I read your answer about liens that carry over with a foreclosure if bought on the courthouse steps ... A: In Washington State, Steve, the lien is called a mortgage. The predominant method of foreclosure is ...
2 questions	1/25/2006
Q: What is the differance between a broker and an agent? Thanks, Teresa (I chose you because of the ... A: A broker is an agent, too. However, in most states a broker is for whom a licensed salesman or agent ...
Taking over son's payment and home	1/18/2006
Q: Here is my problem. My 41 year old single son purchased a new home for approximately $145,000 in 10 ... A: This property now becomes an investment for you and your wife. It is not treated like your house ...
Property Conveyance re Boundary Line Agreement	1/12/2006
Q: Greetings . . . An adjacent residential neighbor and I recently learned that a survey conducted ... A: I thought that there was no field in real estate that I did not have knowledge, Phil, but alas, you ...
Property with Liens	1/5/2006
Q: I am the Owner of a home in California that went into foreclosure. During this time I was put on a ... A: Of course, Joelle, I don't know what you did (other than not make your payments) with the lender, ...
General Information	1/4/2006
Q: My first question is, is it true that a brother, father, uncle, who has served in the armed forces ... A: Question 1: No. The vet must be one of the buyers, at least. And the property must be in his name, ...
Real Estate Marketing	1/3/2006
Q: My wife and I are thinking about starting a small business. Our idea came about when we remembered ... A: I don't know what part of our world you live in, Steve, but here in southern California flyers are ...
Question	12/18/2005
Q: I'm wondering were would I find information on homes that are behind in taxes? Or that are ... A: I think someone has been pulling your chain, Sammie. But let me answer the questions which are ...
Real Estate Investing	11/8/2005
Q: Hey Dick, I am very interested to begin investing in real estate. I am interested in ... A: Depends where you live, Niall, but I suggest you take your time because the market is going to come ...
How to make money?	10/4/2005
Q: My first property that I bought was a two family property in the city of Fall River Massachusetts. ... A: You're doing well, Michael, but you don't know it. First of all, you must realize making mortgage ...
Exclusive or Multiple RE Listing?	10/1/2005
Q: What are the advantages/disadvantages of listing a home for sale exclusively with one broker, or ... A: They're both the same . . . usually. When you have an exclusive listing with a Realtor, he/she is a ...
Thanks a few more questions	9/28/2005
Q: My parents are 76 and 77. The price of the sale of the house would aprx ,190,00. Fair Market value. ... A: If your parents don't need additional income, then dismiss the idea of reverse mortgages. ...
is this a good deal	9/28/2005
Q: my parents were approached by the catholic diocese to sell there propery to them,,the agreement ... A: I would have to know how old your parents are. The idea is to know how long they expect to live. For ...
joint ownership	9/23/2005
Q: A friend of mine approached me with an offer to purchase a home. She would like to pull equity out ... A: I'm agin it! It seems to me like your friend is too impatient, Erika, for two reasons. 1. I ...
Should my husband and I file Bankrupcty on Excellent Credit??	9/22/2005
Q: We own a home valued at $252,000.00. We are on our second term with a realtor but cannot even sell ... A: It's starting. Before everybody else gets into the same line you are, I would recommend you put an ...
Developers	9/11/2005
Q: Im currently selling timeshare for Westgate Resorts in Orlando and expect to be liscenced in a month ... A: I have no interest in time shares, Adam. If you BELIEVE in them, then proceed. You gotta believe in ...
Binding Home Contract	8/21/2005
Q: We selling our home buy-owner in Texas, and received two offers on our home this weekend. We ... A: When there are two offers, Nathan, neither one is valid until the counter offer from the seller or ...
Training in Real Estate	7/25/2005
Q: I am a licensed acupuncturist residing in Nashville, TN., interested in learning how to buy/sell ... A: Not necessarily, Mike. Nothing says you have to get a license in order to make money in real estate. ...
Can they do that??	7/13/2005
Q: Remember me? The one with the cluster$^*!! in Florida? So, after I took your advise to get a lawyer, ... A: I would do one of two things, Moya: 1. Sue the loan company and title company they used. That's big ...
purchase agreement auction	7/7/2005
Q: Mr. Dennis, I recently purchased a home in Ohio via auction. I undertand that it is as is. ... A: Make lemonade out of that lemon. Put an ad in the papers, put up flyers, put out signs offering a ...
disclosure	6/30/2005
Q: CA 1 1/2 yrs. ago. It has recently been converted to "condo". I was informed at the time of ... A: You not only should go after the real estate company, Esther, but also the Title company. You should ...
home	6/25/2005
Q: think about buying land between S. Riverside county to N. San Diego county, and put manufactured ... A: Number 3 is most important. First, you go and find a lender who will help you with your plans. It ...
partition and mortgage	6/13/2005
Q: Followup To Question - Hi again, Dick! You've helped me before. I'm the one in Michigan who ... A: If I remember correctly, Moya, we are talking about a condo. Therefore you bought it free and clear ...
partition and mortgage	6/12/2005
Q: Dick! You've helped me before. I'm the one in Michigan who co-owns a home in Florida with someone. ... A: Yes, Moya, your interests are at risk. No doubt. Are you making the payments on the original first ...
partition and mortgage	6/11/2005
Q: Dick! You've helped me before. I'm the one in Michigan who co-owns a home in Florida with someone. ... A: She certainly has a lot of nerve, Moya! I suggest you send her a certified letter in which you point ...
Mr. Dennis, My wife and...	6/7/2005
Q: Mr. Dennis, My wife and I have just begun looking for a new house and, like most people, we want to ... A: It is typical, Scott, for younger couples, when they finally decide to own their own home, want to ...
Title Search	5/31/2005
Q: As Personal Rep named in my Mothers Will, I am trying to sell her property to one of the heirs. ... A: Jack, don't skimp if you want to make sure it is done right. Make up a purchase agreement and that ...
selling with a mortgage	5/14/2005
Q: I've asked you questions before and you've helped. I consulted with an attorney as you advised. I'm ... A: Moya. Yes, as I believe I said, the other person can mortgage her/his half all they want. But that's ...
transfer property from my mother to me	5/5/2005
Q: my mother and i own a home in joint tenancy. how to we transfer the property to me...grant deed or ... A: Since you are both on title as joint tenancy, Eileen, that means you most likely came into title on ...
Contract property that has been resold 5 times	5/1/2005
Q: I have recently paid off a property that I live on that was bought on contract from Party D, I ... A: This is not going to be simple, Barbra. But you must be patient as it plays itself out. Or, you will ...
House upgrades	4/28/2005
Q: I am sorry, but Lisa Carey wasn't able to answer your question Hi...thanks for taking the time to ... A: First of all, Danny, who is Lisa Carey (at the top of this message)? You have asked some pretty ...
Buying a condo in MA	4/27/2005
Q: I'm in the market to purchase real estate. The way I understand is that once I make the purchase, ... A: As you no doubt know, Hank, if you are not a licensed real estate agent, you may not legally collect ...
selling house	4/17/2005
Q: I have been disabled by a heart by-pass and now diabetis, I no longer can work and I own my own home ... A: Get a Living Trust, Deb. Very simply, you deed the house to the trust. You are the trustee. Your son ...
Buying Home from relocation Company	4/11/2005
Q: We are in the process of buying a home in PA and found out while in the midst of making our offer ... A: Sorry, Anne, I have no way of knowing what you are talking about. What terms? What risks? What are ...
Buying a home from a friend	4/4/2005
Q: We are buying a mobile home from a friend. I used examples of contracts from different sites but am ... A: It depends on the state, but in most places a mobile home is treated in the same category as a motor ...
Deed	3/29/2005
Q: Followup To Question - Dick, Finally, the guy that can answer my questions! I live in Michigan and ... A: The reason why the mortgage company would not respond to you is because your name is not on the ...
condo development	3/20/2005
Q: We are in a difficult situation and are unsure of our options. Two years ago we entered into a ... A: It is obvious, Mary, that they DO WANT YOU to pull out of your agreement so they can sell that condo ...
Deed	3/19/2005
Q: Dick, Finally, the guy that can answer my questions! I live in Michigan and co-own a home in Florida ... A: Just make sure, Moya, that you hire a REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY. That's why those two that you talked to ...
Buying Home From Grandmother	3/19/2005
Q: My husband, mother and I live and rent my grandmother's home. We want to buy the home from her. ... A: Apparently, Kristen, the refinance lender is using the value of the property as their protection and ...
Deed	3/19/2005
Q: Dick, Finally, the guy that can answer my questions! I live in Michigan and co-own a home in Florida ... A: You go and hire that lawyer—but FAST! Moya, if your name is not on that deed then they are trying to ...
Follow-Up: Growth Paths / Real Estate Investments	3/6/2005
Q: I agree it's wise not to expect to make quick money in real estate. I have ~$25K equity in 2 of the ... A: One main thing you must realize, Mike, is that when you own rentals you are in business. ...
Growth Paths / Real Estate Investments	3/2/2005
Q: My wife & I are 35 & hope to grow our moderate net worth thru real estate investing. Ideally we want ... A: First thing, Mike, you're going to have to realize that the flurry of real estate sales is in the ...
selling manufactured home	3/2/2005
Q: We bought my father's house from him last year - we had agreed on a price of $65k (it is a 22 year ... A: What the appraiser probably did, Anne, was to first compare the value of the land with other ...
Proceeds Made After Sale	3/1/2005
Q: We are selling our home. If sold around the asking price, and after closing costs and agent ... A: Internal Revenue Code 121 says you do not have to pay any capital gains tax on your home as long as ...
How can I enforce a signed contract?	2/26/2005
Q: On 1/27/05, seller and buyer (me) signed a written contract for the sale and purchase of a vacant ... A: It is called "specific performance," Gil. That is what an attorney must do for you. As part of ...
How can I enforce a signed contract?	2/26/2005
Q: On 1/27/05, seller and buyer (me) signed a written contract for the sale and purchase of a vacant ... A: Then you better keep on looking for a true REAL ESTATE attorney, Gil. First of all, the attorney ...
Furnished vs Unfurnished	2/26/2005
Q: I have a question about how to prepare a house for sale. Unfortunately, I am in Scotland, and the ... A: well, David, you've asked someone who believes in allowing the potential buyer to do his own ...
Disclosure	2/21/2005
Q: I'm thinking of listing my home for sale in the near future. I live in Maryland. I renovated my ... A: What you should say in your contract, Scott, is something like: "Seller is not aware of any ...
Office Building Purchase / Exchange	2/9/2005
Q: I've run a consulting business the past few years with a 50-50 partner. We own (thru a separate ... A: Since you feel it's a bad idea to have your client as a partner, and since you'd prefer to keep your ...
Who needs to sign grant deed?	1/31/2005
Q: My husband is in a partnership with his sister and her husband for their duplex. Before we married I ... A: There are a few ways to handle this, Lee. The first and preferable way is to put your husband's ...
Manuafactured Houses	1/25/2005
Q: My wife and I are recent retirees who have moved to the South from New York. We are looking to ... A: Mind you, Dan, this is strictly my opinion. But you defintely should go an inspect a manufactured ...
Limited Warranty Deed	12/31/2004
Q: If a limited warranty deed is issued on a sale by foreclosure, how can one convert the deed to a ... A: I'm going to assume the foreclosure was a sale from/by a bank or government entity. I don't see why ...
After the sale problem	12/14/2004
Q: My question concerns an elderly relative that recently sold her home in Pennsylvania. The closing ... A: Unless it is a local regulation or law, I cannot understand why a previous owner would be ...
Curb Appeal	12/13/2004
Q: What elements are in Curb Appeal? what is the most important aspect of Curb Appeal? What are some ... A: Actually, Levi, you can answer that question yourself this way: If you were looking for a house to ...
Buying my Mom's house	11/27/2004
Q: I am a 50 year old married man living in south Alabama. I own a home here but I am going to sell it ... A: First of all, Duane, if you have lived in and owned your home for two of the five years prior to ...
First Offers	11/11/2004
Q: is there a rule of thumb about how much to take off the asking price when making a first offer? I ... A: Ordinarily, Katie, your Realtor should be advising you as to what is a valid offer where you might ...
Easements	11/11/2004
Q: Im thinking of adding on to my garage to make it 3-car. To do this I will either need to purchase a ... A: Owning the land, Jim. Also, I recommend checking with the proper local government agencies to make ...
Quitclaim deed ?????	11/1/2004
Q: He did not follow through with his agreement with her on paying the mortgage so she is looking for a ... A: You are not exactly clear with your mother's situation, Jake, but I am going to assume that your ...
purchase nightmare	10/30/2004
Q: Dennis, I have a question about a home I signed a purchase agreement on. I live in the state of ... A: Not having seen the paperwork, Lori, my first impression is yes and yes. But you're going to have to ...
home buyers rights	10/28/2004
Q: We recently purchased a single family home. The sellers requested that we allow them to rent from us ... A: Your Realtor is incompetent! Kristen, At no time do you ever make any kind of agreement without all ...
foreclosure	10/26/2004
Q: I live in the state of Minnesota. My husband and I are interested in purchusing a house that is ... A: In the state of Minnesota, Linda, it can be a deed of trust or a mortgage. Also, it can be ...
Buying & Selling a Home at the same Time	10/25/2004
Q: We are ready to move to a bigger house, but need to sell our current house in order to afford a new ... A: There are two suggestions for you, Richard. One is to go make your offer on the house you want ...
I have good property for sale	10/22/2004
Q: We have three pieces of property for sale . I contacted a local realtor listed with allExpert and ... A: Yes, Dr. Rodgers, I do believe something can be done in a comparatively short time. However, please ...
real estate listings etc for state of arizona?	10/19/2004
Q: I have a couple of questions that maybe you can help me with please? I was wondering if you know ... A: If ABC Company buys XYZ Company they usually buy all listings, existing sales in escrow, office ...
Title of a home	10/13/2004
Q: I live in california, But thought maybe you would have some info for me on this subject anyway. My ... A: As a CA real estate broker, I thought I might be able to help you. However, it appears you have so ...
tax liens, MLS	9/25/2004
Q: what are tax liens and where can i get info about it? do you know a MLS website? A: Tax liens, Terrell, is what a county tacks onto a property when the owner has not kept current with ...
INSURANCE ON A VACANT HOUSE	9/24/2004
Q: YOU TOLD JANICE THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANIES DO NOT WANT TO INSURE A VACANT HOUSE. WHAT ABOUT A ... A: Yes, try it. It depends on your agent and how much business you have given him/her. As for a ...
Commission after agreement expires.	9/7/2004
Q: What if they list with a new realtor who closes the sale with the couple.My parents had an agreement ... A: Then all bets are off! The new Realtor gets the benefit of any commissions. Any notices by the first ...
Commission after agreement expires.	9/7/2004
Q: My parents had an agreement with a listing agent and it recently expired. They were not happy with ... A: Depends, Jim. In the listing agreement there usually is a paragraph or clause that stipulates the ...
quit/quick claim refinance	9/5/2004
Q: I am in the process of selling my unit and the prosepective buyer asked if I would be willing to do ... A: I have been known to be very creative with my real estate ideas, Margaret, but this one is a lulu. ...
buying a rental property	8/24/2004
Q: I am a first time house buyer. I found one house with good price. The problem is that it is a rental ... A: In your second paragraph, you stated, "problem is that it is a rental property of the state CA, city ...
buying a rental property	8/23/2004
Q: I am a first time house buyer. I found one house with good price. The problem is that it is a rental ... A: Here is a better idea, Robin. Buy the house TO LIVE IN! Why you ask? Because if you live in YOUR ...
open house	8/18/2004
Q: My friends have recently gotten back into home construcion after a lull of a few years. They have ... A: I think you have the right idea, Jo. When people come to see open houses, they really do not want ...
Renting property	8/11/2004
Q: My mother-in-law has a home in Hampton, Va and she wants to create a new lease for the residents. ... A: I strongly suggest you have a real estate attorney or Realtor who is familiar with Virginia ...
verbal agreement to accept our written agreement	8/4/2004
Q: My husband has been looking for homes 300 miles away from where we currently live. We are moving due ... A: There is a basic saying in real estate, Melanie: "If it is not in writing, it was never said." ...
Relocating/Buying 2nd home	8/3/2004
Q: My husband may be relocating from Calif to Ohio in the next 2 years. We currently owe $175,000 on a ... A: You don't say what your present interest rate is, Sue. But I am going to assume it is lower than the ...
real state price cut	8/1/2004
Q: I am a first time buyer, I wana buy a condo in Southern California (Orange County). I can see that ... A: Your question is not uncommon, Frank. There are people today in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who are ...
title not clear after home was purchased	7/29/2004
Q: I was just informed by a well known bank that the home we just purchased may not have had clear ... A: Yes, Shell, you can! When you bought that house, you got title insurance. That means if there is ...
Family Trust	7/27/2004
Q: Can you give me information and advice on buying a family summer vacation house and putting it into ... A: Yes, Walt, a trust is set up just as you choose. With the names of the trustees and their ...
R.E. in California	7/19/2004
Q: I have never own a home (and nobody from my immediate family has either). Based on my great credit ... A: Since I have been a California broker for 33 years, Michael, perhaps I can help you. Yes, I have ...
Inherited Lease with New House	7/1/2004
Q: I read that you can answer ?'s that most can't, so I hope you can help me. My parents just recently ... A: It sounds like you bought the property WITHOUT a Realtor or an attorney. Either one would have read ...
Getting deed on my name	6/21/2004
Q: Originally my dad had his house willed to his nine children but I took care of him the last two ... A: If you sold the house already, the attorney should have taken care of the title. That's part of his ...
Owner Finance	6/18/2004
Q: I have vacant land that I am selling in Tennessee (FSBO). I have a buyer and they want me to finance ... A: With a deed of trust, Danny, you need to have the buyer also sign a Promissory note. The note ...
Quick Deeds	6/16/2004
Q: I recently was married and would like to just change my name on my home deed. Not add my husband at ... A: No, Mary. You execute a "Warranty Deed" (assuming you are not in a state that uses a "Grant Deed" ...
Quit claim deeds	6/15/2004
Q: Would it be better for me to get a quit claim deed, or a warranty deed from my father. He is going ... A: A warranty deed is always cleaner, Ron, and more defined rather than a quit-claim. However, in the ...
Lease Purchase Plans	5/31/2004
Q: Are there any drawbacks concerning Lease/Purchase options? They just seem like the way to go as ... A: Lease options are a very good way for someone who doesn't have the funds to deposit as down payment ...
Owing more than home is worth	5/18/2004
Q: My husband has been called out to Iraq for 18 months and we want to sell our home so I can be closer ... A: In situations such as yours, Jodi, (they call it being upside down) there is what they call "short ...
PROFIT	5/17/2004
Q: I HAVE A VERY BASIC QUESTION. EVERYONE WILL SAY HOW REAL ESTATE IS SUCH A GREAT INVESTMENT, TAX ... A: Well, Tim, it seems you are forgetting the IRS factor. Because you will have lived in your condo ...
Home For Sale - Insurance for Vacant Home	5/3/2004
Q: I have a huge problem. My parents both passed away. I am trying to sell their house. The insurance ... A: Yes, Janice, that's what insurance companies do. They try to eliminate any slight chance that they ...
foreclosure auctions	5/1/2004
Q: I hope you can help me with this ? about auctions on forclosed homes in California. What liens are a ... A: You've come to the right guy, Vicky. I've been involved in foreclosures here in California (and a ...
deeds	4/29/2004
Q: my ex-boyfreind walked out 6 months ago. my name is on the house and bills. his name is on the deed ... A: You don't mention anything about whose name is on the mortgage, Cheryl. I am going to assume both ...
buying a condo	4/22/2004
Q: One year ago we executed an accepted offer on a 9th floor condo with a view of the state capitol ... A: Why not keep the unit you agreed to buy, that is keep your OPTION to buy it. If it'll be a year ...
Quitclaim Deeds	4/12/2004
Q: My friend has a mortgage on the property. The mortgage is held by a financial institution in ... A: If the property is a rental, HE SHOULD KEEP IT! However, if he is just one of those guys who would ...
Quitclaim Deeds	4/11/2004
Q: Mr. Dennis, I have a friend who is the mortgage holder on a property that is tied up in a legal ... A: I'm afraid you got your words twisted, Bob. You said your friend is the MORTGAGE HOLDER, yet you ...
real estate contract	4/9/2004
Q: We are in So. CA. We are having a new house built, which will be ready in August. We signed a ... A: I'm a southern California real estate broker, Lisa . . . . for 33 years. So, what I tell you here is ...
buying/selling	3/31/2004
Q: i am a homeowner who is thinking about buying, fixing up and re-selling another house for a profit. ... A: That sounds very improbable. In fact, downright untrue. Your friend is showing her/his ignorance. ...
question on real estate	3/25/2004
Q: I have several home improvement website I market heavily on the internet, generating 4600-5000 ... A: That's exactly what I do here in my neck of the woods—hard copies, though. I write, edit and publish ...
tenancy in common	3/17/2004
Q: I live in a home owned by my mom and her six sisters. My mom is deceased and her sisters want to ... A: I'm going to assume, Samantha, that your Mom willed or deeded her interest in that house to you. ...
Should I co-sign a mortgage for my son?	3/7/2004
Q: My 30 year old son wants to buy his first house in a year or so and wants me to co-sign. His credit ... A: If he's "somewhat irresponsible and immature," you'd be foolish to take the risk. If he should stop ...
Selling co-owned home	3/4/2004
Q: My house has been on the market for 1 year. The co-owner has abandoned the house and property for ... A: Jack. If you don't want to lose your 50% interest to a foreclosure, Jack, you MUST make ALL the ...
Real Estate	2/21/2004
Q: I am 20 yrs old and I am really interested in getting into the real estate business. I am a junior ... A: Yes, David, it definitely is possible. And you are at a great age, too. Therefore, you have plenty ...
Commission Question	1/15/2004
Q: I own a home with some acreage in upstate NY. I was recently approached by an architect claiming he ... A: Strictly ILLEGAL, Jon. ALL STATES require a real estate license in order to collect a fee for ...
Commission Question	1/15/2004
Q: I own a home with some acreage in upstate NY. I was recently approached by an architect claiming he ... A: Strictly ILLEGAL, Jon. ALL STATES require a real estate license in order to collect a fee for ...
Who Owns A Property?/Property Watching	1/14/2004
Q: Mr. Dennis, I recently found out (too late, unfortunately, to do anything about it) that my ... A: You said it sold before you could do anything about it, Lorena, yet you say WE sold it. I'll just ...
Foreclosure sale	1/6/2004
Q: Homeowner died, two daughters inherited. Disagreed. Didn't make any housepayments so first ... A: If you are the winning bid at the foreclosure auction, CJ, you get the property free and clear ...
lien	12/28/2003
Q: This is quite a complicated story. I will try to make it as simple as I can. We put our house up ... A: To answer your questions, Julie: No, no one can attach anything to your property without taking you ...
Buying home from owner who wants to avoid capital gains?	12/10/2003
Q: I am a first time user of the AllExperts website, drawn here because I cannot find the answers I ... A: Assuming this is already a rental property and this is not her primary residence for the past two ...
realtor taking clommission without us selling	12/9/2003
Q: Please help, we are so afraid. We are a disabled couple and put our home up for sale. In the ... A: First of all, Julie, it's true that if a buyer makes an offer to buy the property AS LISTED, and you ...
Quick Claim Deeds	11/25/2003
Q: MI wishes to process a "Quick Claim Deed" that will transfer ownership of her real property to her ... A: Before we go any further, Mike, the document to which you refer is called "Quit Claim Deed." You are ...
Real estate investing	11/25/2003
Q: My wife and I have purchased and sold a house or 2 as our primary residence, but never as an ... A: The best place to start, Scott, is somewhere hear where you live . . . as close as possible because ...
Delinquent tax properties	11/15/2003
Q: and thanks for offering to help me: My question is this. If I purchase a property through a ... A: The property tax (it is the state's administered by the local government) is ALWAYS the first lien ...
Ameridream/Niahmiah	11/10/2003
Q: Dennis, I am interested in buying a townhouse just outside of Charlotte, NC. I'm a single mom and ... A: Yes, Bonnie. Check with HUD (search HUD on the Internet). Recently they initiated a program in which ...

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