Is this Homeowners Association (HOA) Good or Bad? Q: I am writing to you in response to the article that I read "Homeowner Association (HOA) Resident Offers Potential Solutions to Board Member Shortage." I have to agree with the article. Being on the board is dangerous these days. However, I have to admit that I [...]
Is This Homeowner Association (HOA) Compliant with State Law Q: We live in a high-rise downtown Chicago. Although the building is well maintained, there are issues with transparency and perceived conflicts with state law and our homeowners association (HOA) condo declaration and bylaws. We are wondering if our interpretation is incorrect. Every time we ask, [...]
Beneficial Ownership Information Report: Do I have to file it? Q: I am the secretary of the board of directors of a homeowners association. Our management company is telling us that we have to file the Beneficial Ownership Information report required by the U.S. Treasury Department. We are a not-for-profit entity, and the board are [...]
Is homeowners insurance required for all homes? Can the homeowners association require the owners to buy a separate insurance policy? Q: I read your column in our local Florida newspaper. In my development, all of the homes are attached townhomes. I recently got an email from our community’s management company that said homeowners' insurance was [...]
Refinance Adds Years To Mortgage Payoff Q: My husband and I refinanced our home in 2010. Years later, our mortgage was sold to another lender. I was slow on this but I noticed that the maturity date of the new account is showing 8 years beyond when our original mortgage was to end. I've tried [...]
How to Evict My Brother. A reader wants to know how to evict her brother who hasn't paid rent in 13 years. Q: I'm wondering how to evict my brother. We own a house that has been converted into two apartments. My brother has been living in one of them for 13 years. He has [...]
What is a 1099S Form? Who do I get it from? Q: What is a 1099S form? I just sold my house and moved into a 55+ community. The community had an entrance fee. And, I now pay rent on my apartment every month. I want to be prepared for filing my 2024 taxes. My [...]
Paying Off Mortgage: House in Trust Q: I watched one of your videos about paying off your mortgage and I have a question. I have a living revocable trust and my home has been titled in the name of the trust. My mortgage will be paid off soon. Let’s say I die. and at that [...]
How to Pick a Home Inspector Q: I need to know how to pick a home inspector. On your website, you stated that people need to research the person they hire to do a home inspection. Can you please provide the methodology and resources with which to do this. Most websites are populated with 'ringers' [...]
Estate Plan Mistake Q: I'm wondering if my husband made an estate plan mistake. He died without a will. We have one son and when my husband passed, my son and I signed an agreement that said if I sold any of the properties, we’d both need to agree to the sale. When I sold [...]
