Property Taxes on Investment Property: What happens when you switch your primary residence for your investment property? Q: We read your column Real Estate Matters in our local paper and it has really helped us. We live in the Washington, D.C. area. Here’s our problem. We have owned a duplex since 1989. We live on [...]
Condo parking space problem? What do you do if your neighbor's car is too big for their parking space? Q: My condo building was built around 30 years ago. The access to the parking area is in a Z shape and our parking spaces are perpendicular to the sidewalk. As I understand it, a parking [...]
Realtor wants to end lease early. But not pay penalties. Q: I am an 80-year old semi-retired Realtor for 28 years. I recently rented an apartment in a rental apartment building managed by a professional management company. After a month in the apartment, I had medical issues come up requiring me to leave and move [...]
When do I have to pay capital gains tax on real estate? What's included when calculating the cost basis for his home and what costs of sale count. Q: I have a couple of capital gains tax questions regarding upgrades to my home. First, I had $400 worth of bushes installed last spring in my [...]
Transferring a car title varies from state to state in the United States, and each state has its own process and requirements. Below, I'll provide a general overview of how to transfer a car title, and I'll also list the DMV website for each state where you can find more detailed information and specific instructions. [...]
Thinking of buying a vacation home with IRA Funds? Watch out for higher fees when purchasing a vacation home in a self-directed IRA I listen to you every Sunday morning on WGN and I have a question. I'm thinking of buying a vacation home with IRA funds. Can I do that? A: The short answer [...]
FSBO Selling A Home Fast Q: I'm a FSBO selling a home fast in Colorado. Do you have any tips or suggestions on how to do it quickly and efficiently? I've already tried listing it on some popular real estate websites, but I haven't had much luck. I'm thinking about working with a local real [...]
Family Money Home Renovation: Brother Fails to Pull His Fair Share in Home Renovation Q: I entered into a contract with my brother to renovate a house. The agreement was that we would be reimbursed for what we paid to renovate the home and then split the profit equally. The house was a disaster. I [...]
Home Smoking Policies: What do your homeowner association rules say? Q: Our condo already prohibits any smoking in common areas or on balconies. Now the homeowner association (HOA) is considering demanding that smokers seal/close their air return vents -- where smoke can easily pass from one unit to another. Also it may demand that smokers [...]
Capital gains tax on inherited property? Q: My husband died and I am the beneficiary of his trust, which was transferred to me. Basically everything he owned is in the trust, including our home. I transferred the title to the home into my name. I took no money out of the trust and I didn’t [...]
