You are here:

Buying or Selling a Home/Questions Answered by Expert Dick Dennis

SubjectDate Asked
fees for a new home2/9/2012
  Q: I just had a question about the costs of upgrading to a new house when you outgrow your current one. ...
  A: Starting a month after you closed your purchase and moved in you should have started to receive a ...
fees for a new home2/8/2012
  Q: I just had a question about the costs of upgrading to a new house when you outgrow your current one. ...
  A: In figuring out what your payment may be after paying $40,000, Lisa, the unpaid mortgage of $160,000 ...
fees for a new home2/8/2012
  Q: I just had a question about the costs of upgrading to a new house when you outgrow your current one. ...
  A: Of course, Lisa it'll depend upon the status of the real estate market at the time you decide to ...
Buying a house that is under a trust.2/2/2012
  Q: I recently made an offer for a house that is under a family trust. My offer is the only one on the ...
  A: You don't say if your "Real Estate Rep of 30 years" is a Realtor or real estate agent of any kind, ...
Buying a house that is under a trust.2/2/2012
  Q: I recently made an offer for a house that is under a family trust. My offer is the only one on the ...
  A: It really has nothing to do with any law in California, Nesrin. It has to do with the art of ...
California Land Contract1/25/2012
  Q: What if you have Land Contract and it is time to refinance but the property will not appraise for ...
  A: Then you go back to the seller and renegotiate your purchase price, SV. But be sure you have all the ...
Renting foreclosed home1/21/2012
  Q: I am currently in the state of NY. Is it legal to pay someone in a foreclosed home to sign over deed ...
  A: You got it all twisted, KB. If the owner-in-foreclosure signs over the house to you, then HE is ...
selling house while on social security1/19/2012
  Q: My mother and I bought a home in Oregon. She is on social security disability. We are now in CA due ...
  A: If you bought the property with your mother, does that mean the title of the house is in BOTH of ...
Foreclosure property1/13/2012
  Q: Mr. Dennis, I have asked you some questions earlier. Here are two more questions I forgot to ask: ...
  A: No, May. It is up to the buyer to COMPLETELY check the property to the buyer's satisfaction BEFORE ...
Permit Violation on Foreclosed Property1/13/2012
  Q: Mr. Dennis, I bought a as is foreclosed property in Jaconville, Fl on 20 Aug. 2011. AFter the ...
  A: As long as you knew the purchase of the property required a legitimate property inspector on a ...
Land Contract1/6/2012
  Q: We sold our house on land contract 4 years ago. The buyer is falling behind on payments. He wants ...
  A: To protect yourself, Jerry, I recommend you consult and use a REAL ESTATE attorney to execute the ...
Adverse possession1/5/2012
  Q: and Happy New year! I just read an article that states squatters are cashing in on a lot of land and ...
  A: One of the requirements for a successful adverse possession, Joe, is that the person who is trying ...
Land Contract1/5/2012
  Q: We sold our house on land contract 4 years ago. The buyer is falling behind on payments. He wants ...
  A: Before I can advise you, Jerry, I would need to know in which state the property is located. You ...
conditions undoing contract Kroatia12/29/2011
  Q: We wonder if you can tell us what the conditions are to undo a personal contract (not yet formal, ...
  A: There is an old saying in real estate, Helga: "If it is not in writing, it was never said." That ...
Backing out of a sale12/11/2011
  Q: I live in Ohio and am guardian for my 91 year old mother with Alzheimer's. I put her home up for ...
  A: You probably meant that the BUYER is a rich man who wants to rent it out . . ., right Marilyn? ...
Title Change Name at Closing11/14/2011
  Q: I am buying a house and my name is on the mortgage but the title will be recorded under my name and ...
  A: You have to be praised, Betty. You have no idea how many "friendships" have been broken and then a ...
Statute of Limitations - Real Estate Contract11/11/2011
  Q: Mr. Dennis, I’ve been scanning through your responses to real estate questions posed to you and ...
  A: The statute of limitations of contracts in AZ is 6 years, Lisa Sue, 4 years if the contract was ...
buying house we live in from mother11/7/2011
  Q: We need to either assume or get a new mortgage on the house we live in. We have been paying on this ...
  A: Since you are contemplating buying the house from your mother, and you apparently have had a good ...
Judgement From Creditor11/1/2011
  Q: I have a property that I own with a friend but she has been living there past several years.The ...
  A: The only creditor that may force you to sell would be a creditor that YOU owe money to, Bobbie. The ...
Judgement From Creditor10/31/2011
  Q: I have a property that I own with a friend but she has been living there past several years.The ...
  A: I'm not sure to what you are referring, Bobby. I never heard of Midland. But I do know that as long ...
null in void10/28/2011
  Q: i have a serious problem at the moment. till last week i was under the impression i have purchased a ...
  A: There are two things you must do at this time, Kelz, and that is to 1) contact the real estate agent ...
land contract10/26/2011
  Q: 11 years ago I put 21,000 down and signed a land contract. The seller was a realistate agent so I ...
  A: There is really only one thing you can do, Cindy, and that is get yourself a REAL ESTATE attorney ...
buying from builder10/18/2011
  Q: am going to buy a spec home from a builder and I don't plan to use a realtor. They are offering 3% ...
  A: Disregard any of that commission junk, James. It is only a device to help sell the property, I don't ...
first time buyer questions10/14/2011
  Q: which one is correct.realtors normally work for seller.realtor may never meet seller but seller will ...
  A: Ordinarily, Lori, Realtors who have the listing represent the seller, at least until and if another ...
bat infestation on newly purchsed home10/10/2011
  Q: We recently purchased a home and now find it is infested with bats, we did not have a home ...
  A: Sorry to disappoint you, Jennie, but an appraiser is not a home inspector and never the twain shall ...
Contracts and Deeds10/4/2011
  Q: I recently started a new ministry and while out looking for a building for our church I met a man ...
  A: First thing you must seriously consider, Karl, is that neighborhood. If you're just starting out ...
selling a home9/29/2011
  Q: Is it possible you could advise me, on how to sell a home, without losing the investment in the ...
  A: If you have a problem with your mortgage being larger than the value of your home, there is nothing ...
How can I retrieve my earnest money?9/14/2011
  Q: It is approaching one year, and I still have not received the earnest money, which is due to me ...
  A: Assuming your earnest money is $7,500 or less, Sharon, I would take the "other firm" to small claims ...
title company issued wrong title9/13/2011
  Q: I would greatly appreciate your 'wisdom' in understanding the following problem. I purchased a home ...
  A: As long as an impartial attorney is straightening things up -- and getting paid by the title company ...
Advice9/13/2011
  Q: I am trying to get back into the real estate investing field. I have a partner who has excellent ...
  A: Well, you cannot get much better credit than that, Rashad. So, I strongly suggest you treat him ...
title company issued wrong title9/12/2011
  Q: I would greatly appreciate your 'wisdom' in understanding the following problem. I purchased a home ...
  A: Permit me to tell you what happened to me about 20 years ago, Chris (has it been that long ago, ...
property purchase for family member9/1/2011
  Q: I plan to purchase a new mobile home for my daughter in another state. I will pay 100% in cash. Park ...
  A: Most likely, Mike, the ownership of the mobile home will be reflected on a document much like your ...
Buying a house8/21/2011
  Q: I am interested buying a house, listed for $209,000.00, on short sale. This same house was ...
  A: There is no way I could venture a price for you on the house you're interested, Jose. First, I would ...
MY DAUGHTER’S BOYFRIEND HAS STOLLEN HER/MY HOUSE8/15/2011
  Q: With in the past few months I transferred ownership of my house into my daughter’s name so that she ...
  A: The only thing you can do, Teri, at this time is to talk to a good local real estate attorney. This ...
Seller Disclosure8/10/2011
  Q: must a seller of a home flooded with raw sewage disclose this to a buyer on a Folsom, Ca disclosure ...
  A: You bet, Loren. The seller must disclose EVERYTHING the seller knows about the property and the real ...
closing date8/8/2011
  Q: when the contract says on or about aug 15 how much time do they have to close.are there a ...
  A: It really depends on how important the document is, Jerry. The key phrase here is "on or about" ...
Real Estate Companies?8/4/2011
  Q: How are you? I have 3 questions for you: Where would I go to apply for a loan to buy into a Real ...
  A: If you want to invest in ANY company, Susan, I would recommend you contact a stock brokerage of your ...
Buying a home8/1/2011
  Q: I was in Hightstown, NJ 08520 yesterday looking at a new home construction that I was interested in. ...
  A: You are smart to be skeptical at this point. You have not looked around enough. Whoever suggested ...
naca7/25/2011
  Q: .hope you can shed some light on this. i have relatives who want to buy a house. their credit is not ...
  A: Here is some light I can shed on NACA, James: It stands for Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of ...
Selling My Portion of the Deed & Mortgage7/23/2011
  Q: My father and I are in Rights of Surviorship with a house here in NY. There's a mortgage in both ...
  A: Yes, Joan, you may sell your interest in the property. But be aware that there is a clause in your ...
transfer of ownership7/22/2011
  Q: I own a home in new Jersey jointly with two other family members. One of them wants to "gift" her ...
  A: Maybe, yes, and yes, Eugene, in answer to your three questions. I recommend that 'A' consults with ...
Real Estate Deals7/20/2011
  Q: I hope this email finds you well. Do you know of any free websites or pay sites that will allow me ...
  A: First of all, Rashad, you CANNOT buy a HUD home without a licensed real estate broker or agent. ...
quit claim7/16/2011
  Q: My friend just told me about a quit claim she did with her two properties that were in foreclosure ...
  A: It's definitely seems like a scam, Maureen. In my opinion, Two states are noted for scams: Utah and ...
quit claim7/15/2011
  Q: My friend just told me about a quit claim she did with her two properties that were in foreclosure ...
  A: You said, "She had to give up the titles and the company is supposed to . . ." What company? It ...
Grant Deeds7/13/2011
  Q: After our CA home was refinanced, our 12-year-old Joint Tenancy was severed by the mortgage lender. ...
  A: Yes, you may, August, however, I would strongly recommend you talk to a good local estate attorney ...
To foreclose or not6/29/2011
  Q: My father past 3 years ago and his home has not sold, it is a 6 year old home, the issue is ...
  A: If you Google (Wikipedia) Rio Rico, Allyson, you'll find that at one time (up until 1970), Rio Rico ...
no-doc mortgage loan6/28/2011
  Q: I've been trying to find a company that offers no-doc mortgages. I read that there are some ...
  A: You better have EXCELLENT credit and income that is legitimate, Ben. Otherwise, you are wasting your ...
Wife hopefully no power with deed6/24/2011
  Q: I live in MS, and have been married for 16 years. My wife's name is on the (JTWROS) deed to the ...
  A: As Shakespeare puts it, "The law's delay," Mike. That, of course, means that the process of anything ...
buying a bank owned home6/19/2011
  Q: its been hell buying this house. new laws and every week asking for more things to fax or sign. ...
  A: Sorry to read your plight, Ted, but what do you want ME to do? You should be working with a real ...
Title company dishonest6/17/2011
  Q: Ater you pay for a home with 100 percent cash and after you sign all the closing documents, how long ...
  A: Chances are, Susan, the title company is being square with you. Title ccmpanies have to account for ...
short sale/foreclosure6/16/2011
  Q: We would like to help a family member who has a mortgage that is considerably larger than the value ...
  A: As a broker, Nomi, I cannot make any suggestions that may smack of illegality. However, the family ...
title, deed6/15/2011
  Q: I purchased some land 15 years ago and paid off, before I put a mobile home on it. a few years after ...
  A: To make sure I understand you, Jan, you paid cash for the land, therefore, the real estate is ...
Buying House6/8/2011
  Q: Can I buy a house if my current house is in foreclosure. I have been told by family I can, but I ...
  A: Let's take this one step at a time, Karen. If your current house is in foreclosure, no doubt your ...
Title Search6/6/2011
  Q: I was wondering what all online resources can I utilize to do a title search myself? Thanks for the ...
  A: It depends what kind of title search you want, Upinder. A true title search actually checks every ...
modular deed transfer6/2/2011
  Q: 15 years ago friend was divorcing, he received modular homeand 2 acres in the divorce.(Not real ...
  A: First of all, Dawn, the land is in your name because that is all you really need. Because the ...
cash sale of house to father: do we need escrow?6/2/2011
  Q: I live in Southern California and my husband and I are in the process of buying a new home (now in ...
  A: Because I would want you to not have any problems down the line, Nathalie, I strongly suggest you ...
real estate loan & title5/26/2011
  Q: My partner & I (2 unmarried women)are refinancing our home. We want my partner's mother on the title ...
  A: The bank is full of beans, Kim. It is very simply done this way: After you get your loan with your ...
Gifting a home5/19/2011
  Q: My parents want to give me there home, I already live in the main housing area and they live in an ...
  A: If you want to make sure this doesn't blow up in your pocket book sometime in the future, Heather, ...
Selling home4/24/2011
  Q: If I sell my home and I have an existing mortgage, and a small lien on the house. Then when the ...
  A: No, it is not necessary to pay off ANYTHING, Dan, prior to getting the buyer. Who is feeding you ...
Property Line Issue4/10/2011
  Q: Dennis, I am a first time home buyer and I have made an offer on a home and then had an inspection ...
  A: There is one main reason why I wouldn't buy that property, Katie, and you hit lightly on it. And ...
Real estate contract: Exlclusive buyer agreement4/4/2011
  Q: My question involves real estate located in the State of: Oregon When My agent filled out the ...
  A: Surprisingly enough, Eddy, that is not an uncommon occurance in real estate documents. But in this ...
buying a house3/29/2011
  Q: Ok I am buying a house. I have signed all the agreements a papers for the contracts for buying the ...
  A: Since I have not seen the purchase agreement papers, Lisa, I cannot answer your question ...
Trust Sale of House to one of the siblings3/18/2011
  Q: Are there any legal and/or tax consequences to any of the siblings if one sibling buys the deceased ...
  A: This is a question for the attorney who created the trust, Patrick. Or you may consult with any good ...
house3/17/2011
  Q: How much incomes do one need to make to own a $350,000 house? ANSWER: Even though I expect my ...
  A: You are under a misunderstanding, Henry. Today, in this down market, banks expect you to have at ...
house3/17/2011
  Q: How much incomes do one need to make to own a $350,000 house? ANSWER: Even though I expect my ...
  A: Having good credit and a good job answers your first question, Henry. It sounds to me iike you are ...
house3/17/2011
  Q: How much incomes do one need to make to own a $350,000 house?
  A: Even though I expect my client buying a $350,000 property to make a minimum of between $112,000 and ...
Buying realestate without using my SSN"3/16/2011
  Q: How would I go about buying realestate in my corp name without using my SSN"
  A: This is really a question for your certified financial advisor, CPA or estate attorney, Bill. ...
Reducing the Price3/11/2011
  Q: I have a house for sale. The asking price is $124,900 and the property tax assessment is $114,700. ...
  A: You really must trust your Realtor, Tricia. There is no bonus that Realtors get for selling their ...
house under contract3/10/2011
  Q: i would like to no if you can put a house under contract before you go for the loan and if so how do ...
  A: You obviously are not working with a Realtor, Carla, because if you were you would not have sent me ...
Buying my mother in law's home.3/8/2011
  Q: My mother in law no longer wants her home and would like to sell it to my wife and me. We sold our ...
  A: It's a legitimate way of doing it, Andrew. By taking over your mother-in-law's mortgage will work in ...
No title on mobile home, cannot sell3/7/2011
  Q: Me and my ex-husband purchased a mobile home and two acres on Lay Lake approximately 3 1/2 years ...
  A: After you have asked the seller and the bank in certified letters and you get no response or an ...
Mom on SS and wants to sell her home3/1/2011
  Q: Will my mother be penalized for selling her home and not rebuying another one. Her home should sell ...
  A: No, Martha. As long as she has lived there for two of the last five years (and I am sure she has), ...
Title company2/26/2011
  Q: we r buying a bank owned home. Closing is set for Monday. About 10 days ago, i asked a question to ...
  A: In my opinion, Hakan, you're looking for a problem where one does not exist. You must realize that ...
foreclosure to short sale2/13/2011
  Q: Mr. Dennis, After making no payments and no progress with US Bank for 8 months, they ok'd a HAMP ...
  A: You simply find yourself a very knowledgeable Realtor with whom you list your property on a short ...
buying out a sibling2/10/2011
  Q: My brother and I are trustees for a my deceased mother's home. My brother wants to sell it and I ...
  A: You can do one of two ways, Fatisha. You can agree to hire a real estate appraiser and agree to ...
Selling or renting2/10/2011
  Q: We have a home on Cape Cod but want to retire out of the country...the selling market at the moment ...
  A: Yes, usually real estate management companies are listed in the yellow pages in such a category, ...
lien and judgment report2/8/2011
  Q: How do you tell which is a first or second lien when they are both done on the same day with the ...
  A: Yes, they may be recorded on the same day, Darrell, but if you will notice that one of them has a ...
Selling or renting2/6/2011
  Q: We have a home on Cape Cod but want to retire out of the country...the selling market at the moment ...
  A: What you need to do, Bunny, is to contact two or three trusted real estate management companies in ...
Do I own the contents of the home, too?2/3/2011
  Q: Greetings, Twenty years ago my Mom willed modest house/estate equally to her 3 children. However ...
  A: As long as the house is indeed in your name, Roger, you're right, no one can take the house from ...
lien on property1/25/2011
  Q: How do I know if I have lien on my property? Can I give it to my daughter without paying off the ...
  A: You can find out if you have a lien on your property by contacting a title company and they will ...
home sale to son1/22/2011
  Q: I am a 72 yr old widower. I currently have about a $25,000 mortgage on my approx $80,000 home and am ...
  A: Everything you mentioned, Larry, indicates you should be considering contacting an estate attorney ...
denied hm modification1/19/2011
  Q: What is a good direction for me to take I want to keep my home ,do to income reduction I have been ...
  A: As long as you continue to make your payments, Roger, they are going to believe that you can indeed ...
for sale by owner1/18/2011
  Q: Can you mortgage a house to someone if you already have a note on it that you are paying. I am in ...
  A: It's quite legal and proper, Richard, as long as it drawn up legal and proper. What he probably drew ...
Missouri Revised Statutes Code - § 516.030. — Disabilities--twenty-one years.1/17/2011
  Q: I am asking this question on behalf of my husband: A quit claim deed was used without my husband's ...
  A: A Missouri attorney would do a much better job, Chelle. After all, this is more of a law question in ...
buying a house1/13/2011
  Q: I want to own a Multi-Family house in the San Diego area. How does Mortgage work?
  A: You have posed a very simple question in a small sentence, Henry. But that simple question is going ...
bought/selling 4 BR house permitted for 3BR1/10/2011
  Q: Withing the last 45 days, I purchased a rather new 4 BR house in TN. The house was marketed and sold ...
  A: You need to contact a good local REAL ESTATE attorney and submit your plight to him, Jason. He will ...
Foreclosure Auction Court House -Ca.1/5/2011
  Q: Reading one of your answers to a lady about who to make Cashiers check out to is that still the ...
  A: Most trustees when they conduct the foreclosure sales for the lenders in California first require ...
buying in america1/4/2011
  Q: i am looking to buy a house in america but am a british citizen.will this present me with ...
  A: You must have your own special reason for wanting to buy in Detroit, Amartey, because Detroit is not ...
buying in america1/4/2011
  Q: i am looking to buy a house in america but am a british citizen.will this present me with ...
  A: Let's treat this as an ordinary first-time buyer in the U.S. situation, Amartey. You first must ...
septic/ bedroom mismatch on foreclosure1/3/2011
  Q: In August my husband and I found a 4 br 3 bath foreclosure we were interested in. It was and is bank ...
  A: According to government requirements, Jena, it is required that you have a licensed real estate ...
Unclear title12/31/2010
  Q: Lived with my girlfriend for last 12 years. Sadly she recently passed away. She owned the home we ...
  A: You said your girlfriend left the house to you, Biff. Well, it seems to me the probate will indicate ...
ecrow funds12/26/2010
  Q: any feed back will be greatly appreciated. I tried to purchase a "HUD home", according to my ...
  A: This looks like a scam, Nazario. The Realtor had her chance. She screwed up. Now get that real ...
Selling a trust property12/22/2010
  Q: I am the trustee for my late mother's trust, and the only remaining asset is her condominium in La ...
  A: Since your mother was the one who obtained the mortgage, Lian, you, as the trustee, should not have ...
buy or keep renting?12/20/2010
  Q: So here is my dilemma. My husband stays home with our two young children while he works on his ...
  A: Your key phrase is, ". . . when we don't know how long we will be living in this area," Lisa. And ...
contingency12/16/2010
  Q: we signed a contract to sell our house. The appraisal came lower than the price. The contract has a ...
  A: The other person basically said the same thing, David. I just cut through all the words he used in ...
contingency12/15/2010
  Q: we signed a contract to sell our house. The appraisal came lower than the price. The contract has a ...
  A: You can point out the reason why you do not have a transaction, David. Point it out to the agents ...
contingency12/14/2010
  Q: we signed a contract to sell our house. The appraisal came lower than the price. The contract has a ...
  A: It could mean that the contract is not valid . . . if the parties agree to that, David. At this ...
escrow funds12/13/2010
  Q: A while back we tried buying a cabin in Big Bear CA. It was when the bugs were attacking the ...
  A: Just contact the escrow office, Rhonda, or the Realtor that helped you buy the cabin. You should be ...
rent to own12/8/2010
  Q: We bought a house in MD for $280,000 plus closing fee 5 years ago. We put a huge downpayment, so we ...
  A: First thing you have to realize, Tomomi, is that chances are the price you would sell the house for ...
When is Under Contract Agreement Void11/18/2010
  Q: My house has been under contract since September 2010. Recently, the buyer asked for an additional ...
  A: In my opinion, Carol, you should call in a different Realtor (two or three would be nice). And ask ...
short sale11/17/2010
  Q: Husband and i are divorcing. He has decided to do a short sale on our home instead of foreclosure ...
  A: Just one word, Donna: Nope! When it comes to conveying the title to a buyer, it doesn't matter ...
Assumptions11/16/2010
  Q: I paid cash for 2 acres and a mobile home in Texas a few years back. I was young and did not know ...
  A: It doesn't make sense, Mr. Simmons. The person who sold you the land and the mobile home should have ...
owner financing with back taxes owed11/8/2010
  Q: I have found a house that the owner hasn't paid the taxes on in several years. I am not certain if ...
  A: Unless your credit is very good, Noah, and you can get a loan from a legitimate lender somewhere, I ...
owner financing with back taxes owed11/7/2010
  Q: I have found a house that the owner hasn't paid the taxes on in several years. I am not certain if ...
  A: Very simple, Noah. The transaction is expressed in a purchase agreement with the amount of down ...
parents home in foreclosure, has been list today11/4/2010
  Q: I have a situation where my aged parents are going to lose their home. The mortgage loan company ...
  A: The bank assumed you would buy your parents' house via a short sale transaction, Jim. Since the ...
property question11/4/2010
  Q: My father deeded his Pa property to me in September 2009. It should be noted that this deed stated ...
  A: Yes, I understand, Russ, that's why I am recommending talking to a real estate attorney. You see, ...
CFD insurance10/30/2010
  Q: I recently sold a rental home contract for deed. The gal purchasing the house got her own homeowners ...
  A: Yes, you're right, Steve. It is a lawyer question. But I can answer the best I can after 41 years in ...
Mobile Home question10/26/2010
  Q: My name is Lakeisha Brandon and I have a question. I am in a real bind. I have a mobile home which I ...
  A: What you need to do, Lakeisha, is to find a Realtor who has lots of experience with mobile homes and ...
septic system10/23/2010
  Q: I just bought my first home in Washington last week. All of our purchase documents, home inspection ...
  A: This is a case for super attorney, Kelly. First, your Realtor has errors and omissions insurance. ...
selling a home10/15/2010
  Q: In less than 3 yrs, my house will be paid for. I'm wondering if I can 'auction' it off. What I'm ...
  A: You don't say in what state the property is located, Joyce, therefore, I recommend you ask that ...
outstanding lien after close of escrow10/13/2010
  Q: I recently completed a short sale (i was the seller) here in California. It closed on August 13, ...
  A: In answering your questions as you posed them, the credit bureaus report what is reported to them by ...
short sale agreeent10/13/2010
  Q: A week ago we signed an agreement of sale on a short sale in NJ. Realtor told us that seller ...
  A: All that has to happen (or not happen in this case), Craig, is for you to not get your copy of ...
outstanding lien after close of escrow10/12/2010
  Q: I recently completed a short sale (i was the seller) here in California. It closed on August 13, ...
  A: Obviously, Eric, whoever handled the transaction for you didn't know his/her elbow from his/her toe. ...
purchase agreement10/5/2010
  Q: a family friend (beverly) is now moving out of her home and into a nursing home. She has decided to ...
  A: Before anything is done, Dom, my suggestion would be to write a very sincere, professional letter to ...
Finding a *true* sellers agent10/2/2010
  Q: So far I have sold three houses in my lifetime and yet to have a satisfactory experience with real ...
  A: All those marketing ideas you present are quite familiar to me, Christy. In fact, I know of a bunch ...
Inherited property9/27/2010
  Q: My sister & I jointly own a house (estimated value $65-75,000) that has been rented since '93 for ...
  A: Assuming you could qualify for a mortgage for 50% of the value of the property (the bank would send ...
Inherited property9/26/2010
  Q: My sister & I jointly own a house (estimated value $65-75,000) that has been rented since '93 for ...
  A: You could have her finance it for you, Barbara. This way it helps you with your financial bind. ...
Septic fraud9/22/2010
  Q: I purchased a house in November 2005 over Century 21. Allegedly there was a new septic system and ...
  A: First thing you're going to do, Sondra, is to consult with a real estate attorney. The attorney is ...
Transfering deed9/20/2010
  Q: My grandma died in 2004 and left her house to me,Her attorneys had misplaced the will and died a few ...
  A: First thing you must do, Michael, is to find yourself an estate attorney. Chances are very good that ...
inadaquate mobile home inspection9/20/2010
  Q: bought a mobile home in ct. in May 2010. Had inspection performed, concerns were mold as it had been ...
  A: A legitimate home inspector is insured against errors such as this, Sandra. First, contact that ...
Options for selling an unsaveable home9/19/2010
  Q: We bought a home in Texas 6 years ago. We knew the foundation had been repaired at that time. We ...
  A: Be aware, Jeannie, that the bank must accept your "giving" them the property. Most lenders require ...
Options for selling an unsaveable home9/18/2010
  Q: We bought a home in Texas 6 years ago. We knew the foundation had been repaired at that time. We ...
  A: Not knowing the value of the house does not help me to help you, Jeannie. It is obvious that the ...
Selling a home in Montana on Contract for Deed9/18/2010
  Q: If I determine to sell my home in Montana via contract for deed, what is the process? Is a title ...
  A: You need to treat the contract for deed like a regular purchase, Shawn, only the closing and title ...
covenance9/14/2010
  Q: I purchased my home 3 years ago in Wa. state. I was the first of many homes built in my subdivision. ...
  A: You may want to first contact the builder, Charles, and ask about their overlooking the covenant you ...
Selling share of house to other owners9/13/2010
  Q: My husband has 3 brothers who each own a 25% share of the house they grew up in. The 2 oldest ...
  A: First of all, Beth, it is best to hire a good real estate appraiser. Or the brothers may agree upon ...
Buy-out calculation9/5/2010
  Q: I co-own a residence in southern CA. and I am listed as a Tenant In Common on the deed. I currently ...
  A: Not unless the house was indeed being sold to a third party, Grant. Otherwise, whatever makes the ...
Short sale9/1/2010
  Q: I signed a purchase contract to buy a home in 3/2010. However, sellers backed out of our contract ...
  A: Difficult to say, Mike, when I am not there. Banks are now notorious for dragging short sale ...
inherited house without clear title8/27/2010
  Q: My husband and I have inherited a house that was knowingly purchased without clear title by his ...
  A: Why your husband's parents would accept a house without clear title is way beyond me, Debbie. Now ...
Young, naive, and taken for a $150,000 ride8/25/2010
  Q: My daughter and her husband (active duty Army) very recently purchased a home using his VA loan ...
  A: You don't say in what state the property is located, Ingrid, but in the main most of your complaints ...
Financing a property that's "as is"8/23/2010
  Q: I'm looking at a property that needs work. Here's the catch 22 ... the bank won't finance it, until ...
  A: Never, never do or pay for any work on a house until that house is in your name, Dennis. I could ...
bankruptcy and short sale8/22/2010
  Q: we put an offer on a home. The sellers are delinquent on the property. They filed for bankruptcy ...
  A: You should pose that question to a bankruptcy attorney, Belinda, to make sure you understand the ...
owner selling property, showings, renters rights8/21/2010
  Q: I have been a tenant at the same place for 16 years, 16 lease renewals, now the landlord is selling ...
  A: Based on what you said, Ann, my guess is that there is no law that says you COULD NOT be present ...
owner selling property, showings, renters rights8/21/2010
  Q: I have been a tenant at the same place for 16 years, 16 lease renewals, now the landlord is selling ...
  A: Obviously, Ann, the owner knows his landlord rules. He/she gave you sufficient notice so that the ...
MLS8/20/2010
  Q: I am planning a FSBO/FlatFee MLS What is the meaning of a "LOCAL" mls? And what makes a "local" mls ...
  A: For sale by owner flat fee would mean the multiple listing you'll be involved with will charge just ...
property with 3 years delinquit tax that will not be taken by the city until june of 20118/16/2010
  Q: I know there is a way to buy property for delinquent taxes before the city takes it over for auction ...
  A: Let me unconfuse you, Mae. In Oklahoma they use tax lien certificates. The county conducts a sale of ...
sell a multi unit8/14/2010
  Q: I own a six flat and a two flat on the same lot with my brother, sister, my wife and my sister in ...
  A: Assuming the five of you own the properties equally, your sister indeed would be responsible for ...
Title8/13/2010
  Q: Then it appears the original seller of the manufactured home committed a type of fraud? since the ...
  A: Based on how you presented your dilemma, Kim, you are now in Legal Remedy land. That means your next ...
Buying / Renting home after MHAP modification8/13/2010
  Q: I modified my current home about 8 mo ago (process started way before then) with the MHAP gov't ...
  A: Good luck, April, because your house-purchasing credit may not be as strong as a lender might ...
selling an FHA home8/12/2010
  Q: My mother bought a house 6 years ago with an FHA loan. She is now trying to sell to my sister. The ...
  A: When you buy a house "subject-to," you are buying it subject to the existing loan obligation(s). ...
title8/12/2010
  Q: My fiance' purchased a manufactured home over 10 years ago for $44,000. There was no written ...
  A: Oh boy, Kim, it appears your fiance may have been taken. Whenever you buy real estate of any kind it ...
selling an FHA home8/9/2010
  Q: My mother bought a house 6 years ago with an FHA loan. She is now trying to sell to my sister. The ...
  A: My guess is that your mother is selling to your sister and your SISTER IS NOT GOING TO LIVE IN the ...
Should I sell?8/7/2010
  Q: Heres my situation. My home is worth about $169,000. I owe $110,000 on the mortgage, and another ...
  A: It's good that you have been making your payments on time, Ronn. As long as you have the funds to ...
short sale8/5/2010
  Q: I have been informed that my offer on a short sale will not be submitted to the lender, because the ...
  A: First of all, Bonnie, you DO have the right to have your offer to purchase to be presented to the ...
deliquent tax property8/4/2010
  Q: my sister wants to get her ex-husband off the title of the house she owns that he is living in. she ...
  A: This is a precarious thing to do, DW. You don't say in what state the property is located. Each ...
purchased business opportunity8/2/2010
  Q: my name is Wayne, and I live in Los Angeles, CA. My father puchased a business last December ...
  A: You know, Wayne? We real estate brokers must have at least two years under our belt before we can ...
Any recourse?7/26/2010
  Q: Mr. Dennis, My husband and I purchased a home in Sept 08 and now it is July 10. As first time ...
  A: What you have to do first, Dawn, is to assess the value of the work that has to be done. That means ...
Hud Sticker for a moblie home7/25/2010
  Q: My husband and i purchased a 1978 Champion Double Wide home @ 8 years ago. We have completely gutted ...
  A: It would be foolish for me to attempt to give you advice in this matter, Bryan, because as a ...
Land Contract7/22/2010
  Q: Sold home on land contract Aug. 08. Buyers now have a claim for wind damage. They do not have ...
  A: In most states, Vicky, should the buyer not make the payments agreed, the seller has to file a ...
Selling Property in CA that is in a Revocable Trust7/17/2010
  Q: Dick, My mom lives in the Palm Desert area and owns a condo outright that is in a Revocable Living ...
  A: You may be the main beneficiary, Lou, but I suspect your mother is the trustee. The trustee is the ...
Articles7/15/2010
  Q: I'm compiling, Pre-and Post-Retirement Tips for Librarians, for the American Library Association. ...
  A: Please note, Carol, that I have been a real estate broker since 1971. I doubt if I can help you if ...
questions about selling condo7/13/2010
  Q: My Mom owned her condo since 1973 in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. I was placed on the deed with her ...
  A: You will need to have a talk with an estate or probate attorney whether you like it or not, Melissa. ...
buying a home, closing put on hold.7/4/2010
  Q: I put an offer on a home at the end of May, and it was accepted by the selling bank on June 1st, ...
  A: Unfortunately, David, occurances such as this are more common than we would like to admit. If your ...
We have been sued after 1 year of closure on home6/26/2010
  Q: We sold a home and closed may 2009. Our realtor selling the home was told about some things about ...
  A: What you need to do, Wanda (I'm surprised your attorney didn't make this suggestion) is to advise ...
mortgage upsidedown6/26/2010
  Q: I have a double-wide on 10 acres currently worth about $60K with a mortgage of $138K. I am 62 and ...
  A: What they did, Richard, was to NOT change the amount of time he had to pay the mortgage off. It was ...
mortgage upsidedown6/26/2010
  Q: I have a double-wide on 10 acres currently worth about $60K with a mortgage of $138K. I am 62 and ...
  A: You are officially member in a very big club, Richard. My guess is that you bought your property ...
sell my mobile home6/21/2010
  Q: My husband and I own a mobile home in a mobile home park in north-central California. It has a ...
  A: First of all, Vikie, if you are not willing to pay 10% as a commission to a good Realtor, you had ...
sell my mobile home6/20/2010
  Q: My husband and I own a mobile home in a mobile home park in north-central California. It has a ...
  A: Yes, it does seem you have painted yourself into a corner, Vikie. But it can be solved. It is just ...
finished paying payments on modular home and 1.12 acre land and they have not got a Title for the manufactured home for me so now am I just SOL or is there something they have to do to fix this6/20/2010
  Q: In 1995 I purchased a Doublewide in Burke County Georgia from a elderly lady and her common law ...
  A: My bet, Tommy, is that there isn't one Georgia real estate agent in 20 that would be able to take ...
Someone trying to sell a house that's been sold??? maybe???6/18/2010
  Q: I responded to an ad on Craigslist for "owner will carry" list- ing; my creit is fabulous, but I ...
  A: Unfortunately, Ann, there are indeed a few real estate agents who are less than honest. What that ...
Name change/removal in property documents6/17/2010
  Q: Dennis, First of all, thank you for volunteering. My wife and I bought a condo in VA few years back ...
  A: There are two main ways of accomplishing that, Joseph. 1. You both sign a quit-claim deed giving ...
Problems with title for refinancing6/8/2010
  Q: I have been trying to refinance my home for the last year. The home was purchased from the bank ...
  A: I don't know in which state the property is located, Cathleen, but it would seem to me that the ...
home real estate listing6/2/2010
  Q: I've had my home for sale on the market for over a year and I'm taking it off the market for about ...
  A: I like your idea, Roger. However, you're going to have to make sure your listing with your present ...
Easement that prevents from building a pool6/2/2010
  Q: Good morning, My wife and I sold our townhouse last month. After a successful inspection, the ...
  A: If there was no reference to the buyer making the purchase subject to her being able to build a pool ...
breakinng contract5/29/2010
  Q: Heres the deal my parents are having a real hard time selling their house and they have lowered ...
  A: Something like this question is probably the most common I receive, Aaron. And it is because the ...
Price increase question5/16/2010
  Q: Dennis, My question is about the selling price of a house being increased. I have been watching ...
  A: You wouldn't believe it when banks tell us that they don't want to foreclose or keep their inventory ...
Get Rid off my property quickly...5/13/2010
  Q: I currently have a 3-unit building in Chicago. And I'm relocating, and I need to get rid of my ...
  A: I'm fine . . . and how are you. Robert? I would recommend you find a CCIM Realtor. That is a Realtor ...
Selling my mobile home5/12/2010
  Q: We own a 2 bedroom 1 bath mobile home which is paid off. We have had a realtor since 8/2009. We have ...
  A: My guess is that you may be missing a bet, Barbara. Why not have your Realtor sell it for whatever ...
upside down loan5/2/2010
  Q: I bought my home in 2005 at the peak of realestate values,I tried to sell my home 2 yrs later ...
  A: Would that I be able to help you the way I would want to, Terri, but unfortunately, the only way ...
Buying a home with bad credit4/22/2010
  Q: Is it possible to purchase a home with bad credit and a chapter 13 Bankruptcy process going on . I ...
  A: First thing I would do, John, is to ask two more bankruptcy attorneys about doing a Chapter 7, ...
sell house4/22/2010
  Q: We have a house we want to sell, but we got a government loan on it about 4-5 years ago. We tried to ...
  A: This sounds like a perfect opportunity for a lease/option, Shirley. As long as the tenants have been ...
2010 Laws on sale of realestate inherited4/22/2010
  Q: I live in Maryland if that makes a difference. In June 2007 my sister passed and she left her house, ...
  A: Yes. But the way the present real estate market has fallen, there is that possibility that the value ...
2010 Laws on sale of realestate inherited4/21/2010
  Q: I live in Maryland if that makes a difference. In June 2007 my sister passed and she left her house, ...
  A: Assuming the house was not your residence at any time, Howard, you and your mother inherited the ...
Any Recourse for Home Purchased with Dead Tree in Yard?4/19/2010
  Q: I purchased a home in January 2010 in Missouri -- middle of winter so no leaves on any trees. Now, ...
  A: As long as it was not revealed in the usual property condition documents, Chris, you first have to ...
Listing Agent Mal-Practice?4/13/2010
  Q: Dennis, I just recently made a offer on a house, and found out that another offer had been ...
  A: Multiple offers usually present a hassle, Justin. To add to the situation, the offer was presented ...
Home Modification Denied by Chase4/12/2010
  Q: Mr. Dennis, Thanks for your answer regarding my situation. Being away from the Country I read your ...
  A: I would hate to see your credit score drop drastically, Joao, but that is what would happen if you ...
Commercially zoned property/Qualify for residential loan?4/11/2010
  Q: My question comes in regards to residential loans for a commercially zoned property. I live in a ...
  A: Most likely, Frances, almost any bank you ask for a residential loan on a commercially zoned ...
buyer broker agreement4/8/2010
  Q: We recently signed a buyer broker agreement with an agent prior to making an offer on a home. The ...
  A: The key word in this, Rachel, is "exclusive." If you signed an exclusive buyer's broker listing ...
Buying a house that is zoned commercial4/7/2010
  Q: My wife and I have been looking at houses for the past 2 years. We recently made an offer on a house ...
  A: When you buy a property that is zoned higher than plain residential, you are buying a property with ...
Real Estate Sale prior to Probate4/4/2010
  Q: My grandfather and his former wife owned a single family home jointly. My Grandfather passed away ...
  A: Indeed quite a mess, Jay. And it all started when the property failed to go through probate and the ...
selling home; didn't get permits for remodeling3/31/2010
  Q: I've been searching for the 'right' way to go about this. I am selling my home. I remodeled it about ...
  A: If you list your property with a Realtor, Judy, make sure you disclose to him/her what you just ...
Mineral rights leasing while under contract3/30/2010
  Q: I am in the military and I am transferring soon, so I decided to review my title and contracts from ...
  A: While they still owned the property, Aaron, the previous owners may do what they want with it as ...
title3/26/2010
  Q: when I bought my mobile home i never received a title. i filed for bankruptcy and during this i ...
  A: Since you filed BK, Steve, you should ask your BK attorney these questions. He is the one that ...
Buying Partner Out Of Upside Down Mortgage3/23/2010
  Q: A friend and I purchased a home in Arizona in 2003. We originally purchased the home as Joint ...
  A: With just $6,000 difference between loan balance and property value, and in consideration half of ...
Unpaid property taxes without a mortgage3/23/2010
  Q: I know someone who is a few years behind in taxes. The house was willed to him and he has no ...
  A: If you want to buy the property from him, go right ahead, as long as he does want to sell it and he ...
No Money at Closing Time!3/20/2010
  Q: My wife and I were shocked when we were told that we would not get our money when we closed. Its ...
  A: You don't say in what state this is taking place, Bobster. But presuming this is an ordinary sale of ...
Selling a Home Under a Living Trust3/20/2010
  Q: My mother has a nice home in So. Cal. under a family trust. The trust documents list all 5 children ...
  A: First thing, no matter what, Brenda, is to get a goooood real estate attorney, or an estate ...
Getting keys at closing in Arizona3/20/2010
  Q: We're almost at the finish line in buying a home in Arizona. The main area of concern is getting the ...
  A: Don't get too heated, Rick. Let me answer your concerns as you presented them. Indeed, you do get ...
Closing on a house3/19/2010
  Q: I live in Dallas,Texas and recently purchased a newly built house. I had put my security deposit on ...
  A: My suggestion would be to contact your local (or closest one) USGA Rural Development office. They ...
lien on property3/18/2010
  Q: I hope you can help. We just found out that the house we are to close on in less than a week has a ...
  A: Apparently, Julie, your attorney is not a real estate attorney. Title companies are insurance ...
Setting closing date several months out3/17/2010
  Q: My husband and I are currently renting an apartment in NC and plan on moving to Oxford, MS in ...
  A: It certainly can be done, Gillian . . . if the seller is willing. My guess the agent for the Oxford ...
Bank is suing title for my mortgage3/16/2010
  Q: Here is our background. Husband and I bought the home in 2002 using our bank as our lender. In 2005 ...
  A: Since you did not say in which state you are located, Jennifer, I believe you should hire a REAL ...
Buying a home at foreclosure auction in CA.3/15/2010
  Q: I plan on bidding on a house at a foreclosure auction in the next couple of days. I see you did ...
  A: As I probably answered six years ago, Beth, when you are the winning bid on an auction for a house, ...
Can a CDPE help me as a Buyer?3/11/2010
  Q: ...I am an eventual perspective homebuyer in the Tampa, FL area. I have just today learned about ...
  A: To help you in this matter, John, I have contacted a CDPE Realtor in the southern greater ...
purchasing house3/9/2010
  Q: I have an outstanding stud. loan which is in default. For this reason, my husband is building a ...
  A: Yes, I did get that feeling from before, Kathy. I had the feeling that trust had been eroded in your ...
purchasing house3/9/2010
  Q: I have an outstanding stud. loan which is in default. For this reason, my husband is building a ...
  A: This doesn't seem right, Kathy. Do I get the impression you are not your husband's first wife? It is ...
lease purchase3/8/2010
  Q: this man is selling me a house for 20,000 dn. and 500 a month he says they owe 80,000 still on the ...
  A: You haven't given me enough information, Roger, in order for me to give you an intelligent answer. ...
Contract Contingency3/8/2010
  Q: We signed the contract on a house and put down our earnest money. After the inspection we found out ...
  A: Very simple, Erin. Just contact the MANAGER of the office of the listing agent and present your ...
Business trust deposit time?3/5/2010
  Q: Commercial bank received doposit for private business trust 2/26/2010. The deposit creates an ESCROW ...
  A: This does not seem to be a real estate question, Robert, but if this refers to an ongoing ...
home sale advertising3/5/2010
  Q: If a home plus outbuildings and land is listed with a realtor, the listing is posted MLS, can the ...
  A: As long as your offer gives the seller what was listed in the listing, Jean, and as long as there is ...
Joint ownership of house3/3/2010
  Q: My brother and I inherited my Dad's house when he passed. We live on Long Island. I want to now sell ...
  A: The terminology I am sure you mean, Kathy, is either "tenants in common" or "joint tenants." Those ...
Stay or go?3/2/2010
  Q: I own a house (actually the bank does) in western Canada but I am sure this question would apply to ...
  A: If you've been reading about what has been going on south of your border, you should be getting a ...
sewer system2/27/2010
  Q: Most houses I see on MLS listing have sewer-public system, while few others have sewer-storm system. ...
  A: I'm surprised you didn't get the answer from your real estate agent, hyhl. In my part of the world ...
Consequences of walking from a commercial mortgage in New Mexico2/25/2010
  Q: We have a commercial mortgage in New Mexico for a commercial building that was planned to either ...
  A: Interesting that you asked that question, Marilyn. On page 4 of the March issue of my monthly real ...
Listing Contract2/20/2010
  Q: We recently signed a "listing contract" with a realtor. The selling price was not listed in the ...
  A: You have no lising, G Deluxe. Further, to protect yourself I suggest you contact the broker (the ...
Bought a 4 bedroom house with a 3 bedroom septic system...what to do?2/19/2010
  Q: We bought a 4 bedroom house and while we applied for a construction permit, we were informed that ...
  A: You don't say in what state or county you're located, Liz, but let me answer the five questions the ...
Inherited Condo2/14/2010
  Q: This is a tough one. My father passed away at the end of June. He was survived by his wife. He owned ...
  A: First of all, Martina, I want to make sure when you meant the condo was "vacant and under contract" ...
Title problem2/10/2010
  Q: We are buying a REO property in CA and already signed docs, our lender ready to fund the loan but ...
  A: The way it's going, Stella, you may not get the house anyway, and if you don't you REALLLLY got a ...
Selling a house2/9/2010
  Q: I live in Texas, and I was engaged last year and me and my fiance bought a house together and both ...
  A: Nope! That title company person was trying to cover their behind because someone shouldn't have ...
Selling a house2/9/2010
  Q: I live in Texas, and I was engaged last year and me and my fiance bought a house together and both ...
  A: Based on how you presented the problem, David, it would seem to me you have a very good court case ...
Title problem2/7/2010
  Q: We are buying a REO property in CA and already signed docs, our lender ready to fund the loan but ...
  A: Most likely a Realtor had the listing on that REO and that Realtor will not get paid unless this ...
Trapped in a vicious cycle with bad selling agency.2/5/2010
  Q: Attempting to sell my condo with a nationally known company has gone seriously off-track and I seem ...
  A: I can assure you, Robin, that you are not familiar with "the process." After all, this is your very ...
Trapped in a vicious cycle with bad selling agency.2/5/2010
  Q: Attempting to sell my condo with a nationally known company has gone seriously off-track and I seem ...
  A: Each state has a real estate commission (the name probably varies in each) to which you can ...
Trapped in a vicious cycle with bad selling agency.2/4/2010
  Q: Attempting to sell my condo with a nationally known company has gone seriously off-track and I seem ...
  A: Based on what you wrote, Robin, I hope you still have a way to contact that person who wanted to buy ...
Mortgage2/2/2010
  Q: This is related to the question you answered. ...
  A: Missouri is a RECOURSE state, John. That means if the debt is recourse, you are personally liable ...
Capital gain on a two-family house1/29/2010
  Q: Dennies, When one sells a 2-family house one-half of which was occupied by the owner, and the second ...
  A: They are different, Mike. The %500,000 (for husband and wife, filing jointly) can be used only for ...
Capital gain on a two-family house1/29/2010
  Q: Dennies, When one sells a 2-family house one-half of which was occupied by the owner, and the second ...
  A: When you own a two-family dwelling, Mike, you treat the rental part just like any business . . . in ...
goverment homes1/29/2010
  Q: My wife and I went through the government loan to build use a house for our family. During the ...
  A: Since it is a government insured home (assume so since they financed it), you should go to the ...
Disclosure by a seller1/27/2010
  Q: In my state, the seller must fill out a detailed questionnaire about what he/she knows about the ...
  A: Like you indicated, Richard, just about every state requires the seller to reveal everything he ...
Cancel Contract in Virginia1/26/2010
  Q: I signed a contract with Ryan Homes in August 2009 to purchase a condo that was supposed to be ...
  A: You've been very patient, Jae, . . . and naive. Sometimes being patient allows the other party to ...
Sell inherited land w/out all siblings' involvement?1/26/2010
  Q: Dennis, Do multiple heirs (siblings) all have to sign a contract in order to sell Florida land left ...
  A: You need to have John sign a Power of Attorney specifically for the business of disposing of that ...
Land Contract problems1/25/2010
  Q: Back in April of 09' I purchased a home on a land contract. I don't have the best credit due to ...
  A: Land contracts are the primary way of owning and conveying property in Michigan, Norm. But what is a ...
sell now?1/24/2010
  Q: Scenario: I own a townhome in Issaquah, WA that I bought back 2006 for $377K and it's been an ...
  A: Using the first option may be the best, Machi, since it is an investment and not your residence. ...
Backup offer unsigned, short sale relisted1/23/2010
  Q: Mr. Dennis, I am involved in what seems to me to be an unusual real estate situation, and while I ...
  A: It is obvious that your agent is not that experienced, especially with short sales. The seller ...
revocable trust1/20/2010
  Q: A couple gets married in Florida. One of the spouses buys a home for cash with their life savings. ...
  A: As long as the home was purchased ALL CASH, Steve, it would seem that the husband would not have a ...
Short Sale1/16/2010
  Q: We refinanced our mortgage several times, however, the last time was hard money loan, no cash out. ...
  A: Deficiency judgments in Oregon are allowed, Steven, but very rarely done. If you were to abandone ...
forfeited deposit on a real estate sale that didn't close1/14/2010
  Q: I was selling my house in Long Island, New York. I went to contract in June 2009 with a buyer. The ...
  A: The deposit is exactly where it should be, Melanie. Your broker CAN NOT release the deposit to ...
forfeited deposit on a real estate sale that didn't close1/13/2010
  Q: I was selling my house in Long Island, New York. I went to contract in June 2009 with a buyer. The ...
  A: You would need to consult with a REAL ESTATE attorney, Melanie. That person knows the laws and ...
acquired house through tax deed1/11/2010
  Q: A friend lost his house to an investor who paid $189 for his house from the "Chief Deputy Treasurer ...
  A: It depends in which state the property is located, Connie. Since you did not tell me where the ...
Selling a Co-bought, Upside Down home1/8/2010
  Q: A buddy of mine and I bought a home roughly 2 years ago and now he wants out. We were of the ...
  A: My guess, Andy, is that this guy is listening to someone he shouldn't be. However, the first thing ...
maryland short sale properties1/8/2010
  Q: my fiance purchased a short sale the property came with a washer, dryer, stove and refrigerator. ...
  A: that's the way it is with home warranty companies tammy go out and buy a new stove and write it up ...
Title Company error on HUD1/8/2010
  Q: The title company made a HUGE error on our HUD. The HUD showed property taxes of about $3,000 and ...
  A: Yes, Rosemary. Go to the title company with your complaint AND your lender! Both should have known ...
Purchase home from mother1/7/2010
  Q: My wife and 4 children live in the house I grew up in with my mother. My name and hers is on the ...
  A: First question answer: yes. But now you should ask your brothers to make sure what you are doing is ...
Purchase home from mother1/7/2010
  Q: My wife and 4 children live in the house I grew up in with my mother. My name and hers is on the ...
  A: Let me assume, Edward, that you own the house in which you live equally with your mother. If there ...
brokers trust account1/3/2010
  Q: i am going through the real estate school live course and am stuck on a problem and was wondering if ...
  A: B. Ryan. What must be done is for the broker to prepare a release form for the buyer and seller to ...
transfer of real property1/3/2010
  Q: the recording in instruments that encumber or transfer real property accomplishes all of the ...
  A: With all due respect to you, Ryan, YOU are taking this test and it is YOU that should be looking up ...
BUYING A HOUSE12/30/2009
  Q: Dennis. We live in Little Rock, Arkansas and my husband and i are first time home buyers. We are at ...
  A: I still say they are treating you like dirt just because your husband doesn't have the best credit ...
BUYING A HOUSE12/30/2009
  Q: Dennis. We live in Little Rock, Arkansas and my husband and i are first time home buyers. We are at ...
  A: Yes, Annette, this is merely another way of a lender making it so that they don't have to abide by ...
Moving out of state12/29/2009
  Q: We might be moving from Illinois to Arizona. We curretnly own a home with a morgage,. I there any ...
  A: Moving, especially to an out-of-state location, is one of life's most stressful events, Janice. It ...
Offer to purchase12/29/2009
  Q: We made an offer on a property that wasn't accepted this past September. We made our offer amount ...
  A: As long as you have not executed some kind of buyer's listing agreement, Vicki, go right ahead and ...
Subdividing land with pre-existing convenant12/28/2009
  Q: My sister owns a beautiful home in Maine on 11-1/2 acres. With the depressed economy and need to ...
  A: If there is some kind of covenant connected with her property that forbids your sister from dividing ...
Life Tenant12/26/2009
  Q: I am a life tenant. My 2 sons will inherit my home when I die. But, now, I would like to sell my ...
  A: A life tenant is the same as life estate, Arlene. This you probably know already. Some time in the ...
Foreclosure12/22/2009
  Q: Dennis, my question is I have the mortgage in my name only, but my wife's name is on deed, closing ...
  A: If you, as your wife's legally designated POA, signed the mortgage documents, Alistair, then, yes, ...
Foreclosure12/22/2009
  Q: Dennis, my question is I have the mortgage in my name only, but my wife's name is on deed, closing ...
  A: Your wife need not worry about deficiency on your house, Alistair, as long as she was not on the ...
buying a home12/20/2009
  Q: I just bought a house last month and the owner promised to fix the garage opener for him because ...
  A: This is really not a real estate problem, Chang. However it is very simple to adjust. I am sure you ...
"Settler Rights"?12/17/2009
  Q: Mr. Dennis, We have a piece of property aside from our own home that is for sale about a hundred ...
  A: That is a bunch of baloney, Elizabeth. I strongly suggest you contact a real estate attorney who ...
Buying my Moms house.12/16/2009
  Q: My mother and i agreed to 40,000. She said a check for 15,000 would pay off the mortgage. Then she ...
  A: Well, if you don't want to wait, Jason, I would suggest you use your favorite lender to make your ...
Discount broker has terminated our relationship12/14/2009
  Q: Dennis, We have been working with a discount Realtor with whom we have had a signed agreement that ...
  A: A buyer's listing agreement, Jim, is similar to a seller's listing agreement, only the buyer is ...
Discount broker has terminated our relationship12/14/2009
  Q: Dennis, We have been working with a discount Realtor with whom we have had a signed agreement that ...
  A: Cheap as cheap does, Jim. I suppose she can do as she chooses, but don't worry about having to pay ...
Proceeds on a sale of a home12/10/2009
  Q: We recently sold a house which was in both my mother and sister's name. Since they live outside the ...
  A: This is no longer a real estate matter, Karen. It's probably should be handled by an estate attorney ...
purchasing land to put mobile home on12/7/2009
  Q: My husband and I have a mobile home that we own outright, but we have been renting space in a park. ...
  A: First of all, Leanne, you need to own the land on which you intend to put your mobile home before ...
Foreclosed mobile home purchase12/5/2009
  Q: I need to find a lender. I found my dream house, a mobile home on land. The problem is that it was ...
  A: Try this one, Mary: They are in Vancouver, WA. MH Loans. Just go online and contact them. ...
Joint Ownership12/4/2009
  Q: I actually own my home with a friend. We bought our home about 5 years ago. My friend now wishes ...
  A: You didn't say if both of you are responsible for the mortgage, Noeleen. So, I will address your ...
Chase Home Modification Trial Finished12/1/2009
  Q: Mr. Dennis I bought my house in 2005 for 420k. I still owe 336k. The house today would cost 190k. ...
  A: As you probably know by now, you bought your house at almost the top of the real estate market in ...
Recourse after a sale is done11/28/2009
  Q: My cousin just bought a Stucco home in NM that wast severally cracked but was told by both the ...
  A: First, Jim, your cousin should have received a property condition report (of some kind, depending on ...
Getting out of sale11/23/2009
  Q: My husband and I have been trying to purchase a home since the month of August. Our contract was ...
  A: The bank is playing games with you, Maria, because of the tight money out there. The government is ...
Land Recombination Issue11/18/2009
  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 nightmare11/17/2009
  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 damage11/14/2009
  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 Assumption11/11/2009
  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 inspection11/10/2009
  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 home11/8/2009
  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 Questions11/6/2009
  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 Questions11/6/2009
  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 Agent11/5/2009
  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 Agent11/5/2009
  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 Easement10/29/2009
  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 tenant10/27/2009
  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;Texas10/24/2009
  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;Texas10/23/2009
  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 Trust10/21/2009
  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.com10/18/2009
  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 disclosures10/15/2009
  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 investment10/12/2009
  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 houses10/9/2009
  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 remodel10/6/2009
  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 remodel10/6/2009
  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 FHA10/6/2009
  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 llc10/2/2009
  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 ...
zoning9/28/2009
  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 sale9/26/2009
  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 Taxes9/25/2009
  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 Transaction9/23/2009
  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 home9/19/2009
  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 sales9/16/2009
  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 Loans9/9/2009
  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 home9/9/2009
  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 property9/3/2009
  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 ...
Condos9/2/2009
  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 ...
Appraisal8/31/2009
  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 loan8/31/2009
  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 loan8/30/2009
  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 as8/30/2009
  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 statement8/29/2009
  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 statement8/29/2009
  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" property8/29/2009
  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 financing8/27/2009
  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 REFUND8/27/2009
  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 title8/23/2009
  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 ended8/21/2009
  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 agent8/20/2009
  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 Restrictions8/16/2009
  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 Restrictions8/16/2009
  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 Question8/16/2009
  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 transaction8/14/2009
  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 purchase8/13/2009
  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 Worries8/11/2009
  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 House8/10/2009
  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 taxes8/9/2009
  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 taxes8/8/2009
  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 ...
lien8/7/2009
  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 Oblilgations8/6/2009
  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 house8/4/2009
  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 FSBO8/4/2009
  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 ...
Q8/3/2009
  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 house7/30/2009
  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 property7/29/2009
  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 ...
foreclosure7/26/2009
  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 ...
Bats7/24/2009
  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 deed7/24/2009
  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 others7/23/2009
  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 House7/20/2009
  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 house7/19/2009
  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 home7/19/2009
  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 house7/18/2009
  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 questions7/13/2009
  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 title7/8/2009
  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 foreclosure7/8/2009
  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 foreclosure7/7/2009
  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 title7/6/2009
  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 estate7/2/2009
  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 purchase6/30/2009
  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 selling6/29/2009
  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 commercial6/25/2009
  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 home6/24/2009
  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 problems6/23/2009
  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 title6/22/2009
  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 son6/17/2009
  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 Estate6/13/2009
  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 Estate6/12/2009
  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 Estate6/12/2009
  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 mortgage6/10/2009
  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 title6/10/2009
  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 home6/9/2009
  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 HOA6/7/2009
  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 relative6/5/2009
  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 relative6/5/2009
  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 home6/5/2009
  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 property6/2/2009
  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 house6/1/2009
  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 Underwriting5/27/2009
  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 contract5/26/2009
  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 2nd5/25/2009
  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 ...
MLS5/24/2009
  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 loan5/22/2009
  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 BUY5/19/2009
  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 properties5/19/2009
  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 ...
termites5/18/2009
  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 ...
termites5/17/2009
  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 Minor5/14/2009
  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 Houses5/14/2009
  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 purchase5/11/2009
  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 mortgage5/10/2009
  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 ca5/9/2009
  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 Deposit5/7/2009
  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 mortgage5/7/2009
  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 home5/6/2009
  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 Lien5/5/2009
  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 Estate5/5/2009
  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 home5/2/2009
  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 Question4/25/2009
  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. ...
quitclaim4/22/2009
  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 Persentage4/19/2009
  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 taxes4/13/2009
  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 advisability4/13/2009
  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 advisability4/13/2009
  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 property4/11/2009
  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 MONEY4/7/2009
  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 search4/3/2009
  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 worth4/1/2009
  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 Transfer3/31/2009
  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 daughter3/29/2009
  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 disclosures3/26/2009
  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 Security3/20/2009
  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 acceptance3/19/2009
  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 Contract3/17/2009
  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 ...
foreclosure3/17/2009
  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 Offer3/14/2009
  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 Sale3/4/2009
  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 weeks3/3/2009
  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 ohio3/3/2009
  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 2nd2/26/2009
  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 2nd2/26/2009
  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 2nd2/25/2009
  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 property2/24/2009
  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 Offer2/23/2009
  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 wall2/22/2009
  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 Offer2/20/2009
  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 Ownership2/18/2009
  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 sale2/17/2009
  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 Foreclose2/1/2009
  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 Contract1/31/2009
  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 development1/29/2009
  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 development1/29/2009
  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 Sale1/29/2009
  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 home1/27/2009
  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 remorse1/25/2009
  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 selling1/25/2009
  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 title1/22/2009
  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 clients1/20/2009
  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 title1/18/2009
  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 property1/14/2009
  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 purchase1/11/2009
  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 home1/10/2009
  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 property1/8/2009
  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 Disclosure1/7/2009
  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 owner1/6/2009
  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 Estate1/3/2009
  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 Estate1/2/2009
  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 Sale12/30/2008
  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 home12/21/2008
  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 Money12/20/2008
  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 Issue12/14/2008
  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 Issue12/13/2008
  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 reg12/12/2008
  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 ...
commission12/9/2008
  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 siblings12/9/2008
  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 ...
commission12/5/2008
  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 estate12/3/2008
  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 estate12/3/2008
  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 Properties12/3/2008
  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 out11/26/2008
  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 out11/25/2008
  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 law11/24/2008
  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 Name11/24/2008
  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 Name11/24/2008
  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 Name11/23/2008
  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 Paperwork11/20/2008
  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 Closing11/18/2008
  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 ...
selling11/17/2008
  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 house11/14/2008
  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 house11/14/2008
  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 estate11/11/2008
  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 closing11/11/2008
  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 sale11/10/2008
  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 Family11/10/2008
  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 Property11/7/2008
  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 Mortgage11/2/2008
  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 Common11/1/2008
  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 son11/1/2008
  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 ...
permits10/30/2008
  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 pa10/29/2008
  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 pa10/28/2008
  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 pa10/28/2008
  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 mortgage10/25/2008
  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 situation10/23/2008
  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 Mortgage10/22/2008
  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 situation10/22/2008
  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 relatives10/21/2008
  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 Estate10/21/2008
  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 property10/21/2008
  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 foreclosure10/21/2008
  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 property10/20/2008
  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 both10/20/2008
  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 California10/20/2008
  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 issues10/17/2008
  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 Estate10/17/2008
  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 rental10/15/2008
  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 ...
Quitclaim10/14/2008
  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 House10/13/2008
  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 Assessments10/12/2008
  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 Assessments10/10/2008
  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 Estate10/9/2008
  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 Home10/8/2008
  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 OWNER10/8/2008
  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 sold10/7/2008
  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 deed10/1/2008
  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 Modification9/28/2008
  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 states9/28/2008
  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 Therein9/27/2008
  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 Therein9/26/2008
  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 Mortgage9/25/2008
  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 Sale9/24/2008
  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 issue9/23/2008
  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 Title9/22/2008
  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 NJ9/22/2008
  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 NJ9/22/2008
  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 foreclosure9/21/2008
  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 foreclosure9/20/2008
  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 estate9/19/2008
  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 park9/17/2008
  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 child9/16/2008
  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 house9/15/2008
  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 sales9/15/2008
  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 Realtor9/14/2008
  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 Realtor9/13/2008
  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 on9/12/2008
  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 separation9/8/2008
  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 down9/6/2008
  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 down9/6/2008
  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 ESTATE9/5/2008
  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 System9/1/2008
  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 house8/29/2008
  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 Damage8/28/2008
  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 Damage8/28/2008
  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 estate8/27/2008
  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 Home8/23/2008
  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 house8/17/2008
  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 house8/17/2008
  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 brother8/16/2008
  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 taxes8/15/2008
  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 ...
downpayment8/15/2008
  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 contract8/12/2008
  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, ...
Lien8/7/2008
  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 mess8/6/2008
  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 taxes8/5/2008
  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 deed8/4/2008
  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 deed8/4/2008
  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 foreclosure8/2/2008
  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 contract8/1/2008
  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 contract8/1/2008
  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 money7/31/2008
  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 sell7/30/2008
  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 lot7/26/2008
  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 Fees7/22/2008
  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 sale7/21/2008
  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 sale7/21/2008
  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, nv7/20/2008
  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 equity7/19/2008
  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 contract7/19/2008
  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 broker7/17/2008
  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 residence7/16/2008
  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 law7/15/2008
  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 contract7/15/2008
  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 issues7/15/2008
  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 inspection7/14/2008
  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 Home7/13/2008
  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 liens7/10/2008
  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 Home7/7/2008
  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 Property7/6/2008
  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 MESS7/6/2008
  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 Closing7/5/2008
  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 sick7/3/2008
  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 nebraska6/27/2008
  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 floclosure6/26/2008
  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 repayment6/24/2008
  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 land6/20/2008
  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 Texas6/19/2008
  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 Texas6/19/2008
  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 Texas6/19/2008
  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 Sale6/17/2008
  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 home6/17/2008
  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 home6/17/2008
  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 property6/12/2008
  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 line6/12/2008
  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/homeownership6/11/2008
  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 defect6/10/2008
  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 ...
Radon6/9/2008
  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 ...
cosigning6/8/2008
  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 ...
Radon6/7/2008
  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 ...
Radon6/7/2008
  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 acreage6/6/2008
  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 acreage6/6/2008
  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 ...
mortgagenotes6/4/2008
  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 condo6/4/2008
  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 contract6/3/2008
  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 member5/31/2008
  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's5/30/2008
  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 home5/28/2008
  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 judgement5/27/2008
  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 mortgage5/27/2008
  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 contract5/25/2008
  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 estate5/24/2008
  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 nonrelative5/24/2008
  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 estate5/22/2008
  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 Buy5/21/2008
  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 home5/19/2008
  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 Trust5/19/2008
  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-lien5/14/2008
  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 Money5/13/2008
  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 contract5/8/2008
  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 listings5/7/2008
  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 title5/6/2008
  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 Modification5/2/2008
  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 Modification5/1/2008
  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 Sale4/30/2008
  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 Sale4/30/2008
  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 investing4/25/2008
  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 question4/25/2008
  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 investing4/25/2008
  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 Deed4/23/2008
  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 mortgage4/22/2008
  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 mortgage4/22/2008
  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 contract4/22/2008
  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 mortgage4/21/2008
  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 date4/14/2008
  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 lease4/10/2008
  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 transaction3/31/2008
  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 mobile3/25/2008
  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 liability3/20/2008
  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 duplex3/20/2008
  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 trust3/17/2008
  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...Frustrated3/17/2008
  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 Property3/16/2008
  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 home3/3/2008
  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 Refund2/29/2008
  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 fraud2/24/2008
  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 score2/24/2008
  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 ...
Preforeclosure2/21/2008
  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 partition2/14/2008
  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 investing2/6/2008
  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 appraise2/4/2008
  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 title1/19/2008
  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 problem1/18/2008
  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 deed1/14/2008
  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 sale1/9/2008
  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 question1/8/2008
  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 out1/7/2008
  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 home1/2/2008
  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 property12/24/2007
  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 marriage12/22/2007
  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 ...
foreclosure12/14/2007
  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 House12/13/2007
  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 ...
foreclosure12/13/2007
  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 house12/11/2007
  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 House12/10/2007
  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 Woes12/8/2007
  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 question12/7/2007
  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. Septic12/7/2007
  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 Nightmare12/6/2007
  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 Trust12/6/2007
  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 house12/3/2007
  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 Law11/27/2007
  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 title11/26/2007
  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 deed11/19/2007
  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 wife11/15/2007
  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 stipulations11/14/2007
  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 deposit11/8/2007
  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 ...
Selling11/7/2007
  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 deed11/2/2007
  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 disrepair10/17/2007
  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 builder10/7/2007
  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 Home10/2/2007
  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 issue10/1/2007
  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 Estate9/30/2007
  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 SELL9/28/2007
  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 Contract9/27/2007
  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 contract9/25/2007
  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 89/22/2007
  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 Tenants9/18/2007
  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 relative9/18/2007
  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 Extension9/18/2007
  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 Tenants9/17/2007
  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 estate9/15/2007
  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 land9/15/2007
  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 problems9/14/2007
  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 overseas9/14/2007
  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 ...
Foreclosure9/10/2007
  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 Properties9/8/2007
  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 info9/8/2007
  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 deed9/7/2007
  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 pendens9/4/2007
  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 repo9/2/2007
  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 mortgage8/30/2007
  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 trust8/29/2007
  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 home8/27/2007
  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-foreclosure8/27/2007
  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 refund8/27/2007
  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 Probate8/26/2007
  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 Assessments8/22/2007
  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 Property8/22/2007
  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 Property8/21/2007
  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 Property8/21/2007
  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 rented8/21/2007
  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 CA8/21/2007
  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?Agent8/20/2007
  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 sell8/17/2007
  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 ...
Question8/17/2007
  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 siblings8/17/2007
  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 Home8/9/2007
  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 agreeement8/1/2007
  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 Title7/31/2007
  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 property7/30/2007
  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 Title7/26/2007
  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 home7/25/2007
  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 Rico7/19/2007
  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 property7/13/2007
  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 land7/13/2007
  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 Sale7/12/2007
  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 deeds7/11/2007
  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 transfer7/10/2007
  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 deed7/7/2007
  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 home7/5/2007
  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 buying7/5/2007
  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 buying7/4/2007
  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 assessment7/2/2007
  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 Transfer6/29/2007
  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 villa6/25/2007
  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 Limbo6/23/2007
  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 deed6/10/2007
  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. ...
foreclosure6/8/2007
  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 seperated6/6/2007
  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 contract5/29/2007
  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 home5/28/2007
  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 selling5/27/2007
  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 selling5/26/2007
  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 home5/24/2007
  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 title5/11/2007
  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 mortgage5/9/2007
  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 restriction5/2/2007
  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 Residential4/29/2007
  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 ownership4/24/2007
  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 ...
Partnership4/23/2007
  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 items4/21/2007
  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 ...
Principal4/21/2007
  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 o4/20/2007
  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 Claim4/19/2007
  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 does4/12/2007
  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 deeds4/6/2007
  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 land4/3/2007
  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 good3/28/2007
  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" Question3/17/2007
  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 deed3/14/2007
  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 ...
quit3/10/2007
  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 ...
quit3/9/2007
  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 Home3/7/2007
  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 PA3/7/2007
  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 Implications3/6/2007
  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 SALE3/4/2007
  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 Foreclosure3/1/2007
  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 question2/28/2007
  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 issues2/27/2007
  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 issues2/27/2007
  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 property2/26/2007
  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 date2/17/2007
  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 home2/10/2007
  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 trust2/8/2007
  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 Support2/8/2007
  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 land2/5/2007
  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 gift1/27/2007
  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 realtor1/26/2007
  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 time1/21/2007
  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 sour1/20/2007
  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 ownership1/18/2007
  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 house1/18/2007
  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 estate1/17/2007
  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 Deed1/15/2007
  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 consideration1/10/2007
  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 ...
mortage1/9/2007
  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 ...
mortage1/9/2007
  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 ...
mortage1/8/2007
  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 selling1/4/2007
  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 selling1/4/2007
  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 partner1/2/2007
  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-forclosure1/1/2007
  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 owner12/28/2006
  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 deed12/27/2006
  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 days12/14/2006
  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 buyer12/13/2006
  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 Woes12/11/2006
  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 Contract12/6/2006
  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 house11/30/2006
  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 house11/29/2006
  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 house11/29/2006
  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 settlement11/29/2006
  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 Search11/28/2006
  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 Search11/28/2006
  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 Size11/20/2006
  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 Neighbor11/12/2006
  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 it11/10/2006
  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 contract11/6/2006
  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 deed11/1/2006
  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 properties10/30/2006
  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 deed10/27/2006
  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 house10/26/2006
  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 property10/25/2006
  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 ...
earnestmoney10/22/2006
  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 Money10/21/2006
  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 cancellation10/21/2006
  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 house10/19/2006
  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 contract10/17/2006
  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 RELEASED10/12/2006
  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 RELEASED10/11/2006
  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 ...
deposit10/8/2006
  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 home10/6/2006
  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 ...
deed10/2/2006
  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 property9/28/2006
  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 trust9/27/2006
  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 Issue9/26/2006
  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-ownership9/26/2006
  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-ownership9/25/2006
  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 Realtor9/23/2006
  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 estate9/23/2006
  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 situation9/22/2006
  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 courthouse9/21/2006
  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 Mortgage9/19/2006
  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 title9/15/2006
  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 Fees9/15/2006
  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 contract9/14/2006
  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 exchange9/12/2006
  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 loan9/11/2006
  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 Contract9/8/2006
  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 contract9/6/2006
  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 contract9/6/2006
  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 house9/6/2006
  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 Contract9/5/2006
  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 homes9/4/2006
  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 home9/2/2006
  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 date9/1/2006
  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 Estate8/31/2006
  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 properties8/30/2006
  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 ...
Recision8/29/2006
  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 title8/28/2006
  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 title8/26/2006
  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 broken8/26/2006
  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 estate8/25/2006
  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 Home8/25/2006
  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 construction8/25/2006
  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 HOME8/25/2006
  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 house8/24/2006
  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 Selling8/22/2006
  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 Partner8/22/2006
  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 remorse8/21/2006
  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 Problem8/21/2006
  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 deposit8/20/2006
  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 land8/20/2006
  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 deposit8/19/2006
  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 arrangement8/17/2006
  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 home8/16/2006
  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 bad8/15/2006
  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 California8/15/2006
  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 house8/14/2006
  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 NYC8/13/2006
  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 property8/11/2006
  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 contract8/10/2006
  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 missed8/10/2006
  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-resident8/10/2006
  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 ...
selling8/10/2006
  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 contract8/10/2006
  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 house8/10/2006
  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 Closing8/9/2006
  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 inspection8/9/2006
  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 ...
l8/7/2006
  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 contract8/7/2006
  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 Canceling8/7/2006
  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 loan8/6/2006
  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 Representation8/4/2006
  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 us8/4/2006
  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 us8/4/2006
  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 disclosed8/3/2006
  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 buying8/2/2006
  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 escrow8/2/2006
  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 ownership8/1/2006
  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 it8/1/2006
  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 split7/31/2006
  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 Owner7/30/2006
  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 land7/30/2006
  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 claim7/28/2006
  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 House7/27/2006
  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 ...
Deed7/27/2006
  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 ...
mortgage7/26/2006
  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 Troubles7/26/2006
  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 ...
mortgage7/25/2006
  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 Property7/25/2006
  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 Troubles7/24/2006
  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 home7/24/2006
  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 property7/24/2006
  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 property7/23/2006
  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 home7/23/2006
  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 parents7/23/2006
  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 preforeclosures7/22/2006
  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 abstract7/22/2006
  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 Warranty7/22/2006
  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 off7/22/2006
  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 owner7/21/2006
  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 DEED7/21/2006
  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 Contract7/21/2006
  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 release7/20/2006
  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 exchange7/20/2006
  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 leaks7/20/2006
  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 sell7/20/2006
  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 Contract7/20/2006
  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 Foreclosure7/19/2006
  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 trust7/19/2006
  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 home7/19/2006
  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 exchange7/18/2006
  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 property7/18/2006
  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 vacate7/18/2006
  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 disclosed7/18/2006
  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 home7/18/2006
  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 ...
foreclosure7/18/2006
  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 house7/18/2006
  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 brother7/18/2006
  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 exchange7/17/2006
  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 property7/17/2006
  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 property7/17/2006
  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 Home7/17/2006
  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 Question7/16/2006
  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 buying7/16/2006
  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 final7/16/2006
  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 spouse7/16/2006
  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 disclosed7/16/2006
  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 cancel7/16/2006
  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 sister7/16/2006
  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 insurance7/15/2006
  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 responsibilities7/15/2006
  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 Equity7/15/2006
  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 Owners7/15/2006
  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 properties7/15/2006
  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 sold7/14/2006
  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 old7/14/2006
  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 properties7/14/2006
  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 sale7/13/2006
  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 agent7/13/2006
  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 not7/12/2006
  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 disclosure7/12/2006
  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 another7/12/2006
  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 home7/12/2006
  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 Insurance7/12/2006
  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 condo7/11/2006
  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 fraud7/11/2006
  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 inspection7/11/2006
  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 landcontract7/10/2006
  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 home7/10/2006
  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 title7/10/2006
  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 dispute7/10/2006
  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 Lease7/10/2006
  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 Fraud7/10/2006
  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 dispute7/9/2006
  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 financing7/9/2006
  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 york7/9/2006
  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 property7/9/2006
  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/Auction7/7/2006
  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 87/7/2006
  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 realtor7/6/2006
  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 house7/6/2006
  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 Realtor7/6/2006
  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 Returned7/5/2006
  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 ...
foreclosure7/5/2006
  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 home7/4/2006
  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 agreement7/3/2006
  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 agent7/3/2006
  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 tenency7/2/2006
  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. ...
Closing7/2/2006
  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 Deeds7/2/2006
  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 occupied7/2/2006
  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 mistake7/2/2006
  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/inheritance7/1/2006
  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 contract7/1/2006
  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 INSTITUTION7/1/2006
  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/inheritance7/1/2006
  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 Home7/1/2006
  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 deed6/30/2006
  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 ...
Windows6/30/2006
  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 MEMBER6/30/2006
  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 problems6/30/2006
  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 land6/28/2006
  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 Contracts6/28/2006
  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 market6/28/2006
  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 GUIDELINES6/28/2006
  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 gains6/27/2006
  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 RELATIVE6/27/2006
  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 mortgage6/27/2006
  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 problem6/27/2006
  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 interest6/27/2006
  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 Liabilities6/26/2006
  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) Properties6/26/2006
  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 selling6/25/2006
  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 back6/24/2006
  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 Ownership6/24/2006
  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 back6/24/2006
  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 mistake6/24/2006
  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 ...
disclosure6/24/2006
  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 Property6/23/2006
  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 Me6/23/2006
  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 Property6/22/2006
  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 deed6/22/2006
  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 estate6/22/2006
  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 deed6/22/2006
  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 Estate6/21/2006
  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 offer6/21/2006
  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 agent6/21/2006
  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 mixup6/20/2006
  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 owner6/20/2006
  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 England6/19/2006
  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 Title6/19/2006
  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 home6/19/2006
  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 home6/18/2006
  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 Statements6/16/2006
  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 Cost6/15/2006
  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 Cost6/15/2006
  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 lien6/15/2006
  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 easement6/15/2006
  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 easement6/15/2006
  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 Land6/14/2006
  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 Sell6/14/2006
  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 home6/14/2006
  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 footage6/14/2006
  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 home6/14/2006
  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 Landlady6/13/2006
  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 Started6/13/2006
  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 Situation6/13/2006
  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 HOME6/13/2006
  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 ...
Paint6/11/2006
  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 $16/9/2006
  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 Agent6/8/2006
  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 mortgage6/7/2006
  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 mortgage6/6/2006
  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 agent6/5/2006
  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-ways6/5/2006
  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 Land6/4/2006
  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 off6/3/2006
  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 knows6/1/2006
  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 property5/30/2006
  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 probate5/29/2006
  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 ...
deed5/28/2006
  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 property5/28/2006
  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 property5/25/2006
  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 offer5/25/2006
  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 Midwest5/24/2006
  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 Midwest5/24/2006
  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 Contractors5/24/2006
  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) Contract5/24/2006
  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 issue5/24/2006
  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 Contractors5/23/2006
  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 Cottage5/22/2006
  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 State5/21/2006
  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 Mess5/20/2006
  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 contract5/19/2006
  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 contract5/19/2006
  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 boyfriend5/16/2006
  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 statements5/15/2006
  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 DEED5/11/2006
  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 Deed5/5/2006
  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 know5/2/2006
  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 marriage5/1/2006
  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 backkup5/1/2006
  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 Cancellation4/27/2006
  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 Cancellation4/27/2006
  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 together4/25/2006
  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 couple3/24/2006
  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 foreclosure3/1/2006
  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 home2/20/2006
  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-foreclosure2/19/2006
  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 Horror2/18/2006
  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 marriage2/18/2006
  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 deed2/15/2006
  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 Sales2/14/2006
  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 Sales2/13/2006
  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 Purchase2/13/2006
  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 Career2/10/2006
  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/ contingencies2/6/2006
  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 foreclosure1/30/2006
  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 & liens1/30/2006
  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 questions1/25/2006
  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 home1/18/2006
  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 Agreement1/12/2006
  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 Liens1/5/2006
  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 Information1/4/2006
  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 Marketing1/3/2006
  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 ...
Question12/18/2005
  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 Investing11/8/2005
  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 questions9/28/2005
  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 deal9/28/2005
  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 ownership9/23/2005
  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 $252,000.00. We are on our second term with a realtor but cannot even sell ...
  A: It's starting. Before everybody else gets into the same line you are, I would recommend you put an ...
Developers9/11/2005
  Q: Im currently selling timeshare for Westgate Resorts in Orlando and expect to be liscenced in a month ...
  A: I have no interest in time shares, Adam. If you BELIEVE in them, then proceed. You gotta believe in ...
Binding Home Contract8/21/2005
  Q: We selling our home buy-owner in Texas, and received two offers on our home this weekend. We ...
  A: When there are two offers, Nathan, neither one is valid until the counter offer from the seller or ...
Training in Real Estate7/25/2005
  Q: I am a licensed acupuncturist residing in Nashville, TN., interested in learning how to buy/sell ...
  A: Not necessarily, Mike. Nothing says you have to get a license in order to make money in real estate. ...
Can they do that??7/13/2005
  Q: Remember me? The one with the cluster$^*!! 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 auction7/7/2005
  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 ...
disclosure6/30/2005
  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 ...
home6/25/2005
  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 mortgage6/13/2005
  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 mortgage6/12/2005
  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 mortgage6/11/2005
  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 Search5/31/2005
  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 mortgage5/14/2005
  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 me5/5/2005
  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 times5/1/2005
  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 upgrades4/28/2005
  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 MA4/27/2005
  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 house4/17/2005
  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 Company4/11/2005
  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 friend4/4/2005
  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 ...
Deed3/29/2005
  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 development3/20/2005
  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 ...
Deed3/19/2005
  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 Grandmother3/19/2005
  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 ...
Deed3/19/2005
  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 Investments3/6/2005
  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 Investments3/2/2005
  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 home3/2/2005
  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 Sale3/1/2005
  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 ...