Is a transfer on death deed smart? Family wants to know how they should transfer ownership of an expensive home. Q: Do you think it smart to do a “transfer on death” deed on real estate we own? Our home is quite valuable and we want to leave it to our heirs. My home state, [...]
Why do HOAs have so much power? Q: What does the law say about an HOA rule that has not been enforced for years? What are the procedures the HOA board must take before they enforce the rule? Can a management company fine a homeowner $100 per day for not following rules? Or does it [...]
How can property go to a spouse after death? Brother gave his sister the deed and never put his wife on title to their home. Q: Our local newspaper printed one of your articles, “Joint Property Co-Owner Dies Without Will.” My brother recently passed away. He was married but never made the effort to put [...]
Q: I am a homeowner in my early 70s. We purchased our current home a little over a year ago in a rural area of Wisconsin. We are considering going solar in order to better control our electric bills. There are tax and rebate incentives that make the upgrade to our home lucrative on paper [...]
Loan payment due? Seller bought and flipped home quickly, confusing lenders about whether a loan payment was due. Q: I purchased a home on June 30th. I was made aware in loan documents and by the closing agent that my loan would be sold to another lender. Also, I received a letter in the [...]
Dementia and Real Estate: Caring for Dad in home. How can one reader keep her father in her home while still living independently with her family? Q: My parents own a five-acre parcel of land. My father is ill with dementia, and is living there alone. My mother assists him from a home she owns [...]
Thinking of selling your home by owner? A by owner home sale can be tricky - unless you know how to do it. Here's a successful by owner home sale story. Q: I enjoy reading your column in our local paper. I sold my dad’s house on Facebook in three days. No sign, agents or [...]
Renters: Who owns home the home we're renting? The home two renters are renting was recently sold in a sheriff's sale. Now they're wondering, who actually owns the home and what does it mean for them? Q: Let’s assume someone has a mortgage. Their home sells for one dollar at a sheriff’s sale. Who owns [...]
Elder fraud or elder abuse? Godson worries his family is trying to steal his godfather's money Q: I'm wondering if someone is trying to steal my godfather's money. It could be a case of elder fraud or elder abuse. Here's what's happening: My godfather was put into assisted living by his family. He has a [...]
Paying Estate Tax and Capital Gains Tax Heirs worry they could face double taxation and pay more estate tax and capital gains tax when selling to a relative Q: I have enjoyed your columns for many years and have a question about how to avoid overpaying estate tax and capital gains tax. We have a [...]
