Always check your homeowners association fees and amenities before buying a home. Be sure there are no additional homeowners association fees or dues you have to pay before using common elements, like a community swimming pool, spa or workout facility. Do homeowners association fees provide access to a swimming pool and spa - but we [...]
Q: I am reading your book, Buy Close, Move In!, and it doesn't say anything about property lines. I found out that the property line is actually half way through the yard on a property I want to buy because I went to city hall to check permits. But now I want to back out [...]
Q: I am a real estate agent in Georgia and I live in Roswell. I sold my home very quickly and am looking for a home under $300,000 in this area. I have made five offers in the last two weeks. Unfortunately they have been under full price and I have lost all of them. [...]
A new report from the Brookings Institution contains alarming data about children and foreclosure. The foreclosure crisis will impact eight million children by the time it's all over. And as usual, providing personal finance advice, real estate advice and consumer advice on the Ilyce Glink Show April 22, 2012 on WSB Radio. Last week we [...]
First-quarter 2012 earnings reports are being released all week. What's the news for investment and how does it continue to affect homeowners and the housing market? The first-quarter corporate earnings reports for 2012 are rolling in and the week has included some surprises on both the upside and the down. With last week's news that [...]
Q: Do you ever address strategic default on rental property? I owe $135,000 and the property is worth only $65,000. A: Strategic default – hardly any topic in real estate raises hackles quite like this one. If your property is worth less than you owe, and whatever reason, you can't get a loan modification that [...]
Q: How many years should you keep your income tax returns in case of an audit? A: You should keep your tax returns a minimum of 7 years. The IRS can come back and audit you for any reason up to 3 years from the filing date, but has the right to go back further [...]
Q: I have a possible buyer for my home and am selling it by myself. There is no agent involved on either side of the transaction. What are my responsibilities as a home seller? Are there any disclosures I have to make? There is no mortgage on the house. A: How fortunate you are to [...]
Q: You had mentioned on one of your shows that there would be a refinancing program coming available for FHA homeowners who have paid on time but are underwater with mortgage value. Do you have any more information as to when this will happen and who to contact to refinance? Also, do you know what [...]
Child identity theft protection is a hot button issue as predators look to take advantage of your child's clean history and credit score. Are you checking your kid's credit report and taking the proper precautions? Also the $25 billion mortgage settlement is finally approved. And as usual, providing personal finance advice, real estate advice and [...]
