How to find old mortgage loan records? This homeowner wants to find proof of old mortgage payments made before they refinanced and modified their loan. Q: I purchased my home back in 2004 and got a mortgage with a lender that has since been purchased by one of the huge banks. I made all of [...]
Should I buy a house now or wait until 2020? New research from JCHS shows a strong housing market, but not without its challenges for homebuyers. Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) delivered an in-depth analysis of America’s housing market in its State of the Nation’s Housing 2019 report. And for those of [...]
What happens when past homeowners have unpaid back taxes? The home may become at risk for foreclosure if the new owner skipped title insurance. Q: I bought a home back in 2013. I received free and clear title to it. However this week I was served with papers for foreclosure due to the previous owner's [...]
Understanding HOA rules on home exchanges and rentals can be difficult. How can homeowners use sites like Airbnb without breaking their community agreement? Q: My HOA community has a "four-month minimum" rental restriction. I don't have a major problem with that. However, as a retiree, I belong to a home exchange group in order to [...]
Five easy grilling ideas to save money on your next cookout. You can host a great barbecue this summer even if you're on a budget. Grilling for a cookout full of loved ones is one of my favorite summer traditions. It’s a great time to catch up, watch the kids play and bask in the [...]
What do home sellers have to disclose to potential buyers? Being as honest as possible about persistent problems in the home is the best way to go. Q: A large bank of windows in our home leak from time to time. We can have very heavy rain or storm systems move through our area and [...]
Should you hire a family member to be your listing agent? A reader is concerned the house isn't being sold fast enough but is it her family member's fault? Q: The listing agent for my mom's beach house is my brother-in-law, so I'm stuck. He doesn't seem to either know how to market the property [...]
How do you deal with money in a relationship? Money causes stress in most romantic relationships, but to build a future couples need to talk about finances. Sign up for Ilyce Glink's Love, Money + Real Estate newsletter. This story was updated December 1, 2021 When should you tell a romantic partner how much money [...]
Should I get the promissory note after paying off my mortgage? You may not need a note stamped "canceled" but you do need other forms of proof. Q: I saved an article you wrote from 2015 which says that I should "get back the promissory note” I signed when I pay off my loan. And, [...]
Can I back out of a home contract for medical reasons? Despite signing all the paperwork, health issues have this homebuyer considering canceling the deal. Q: My wife and I have a contract to buy a home. All contingencies have been met. But, since late last year, my wife has had many operations leaving unhealed [...]
