The hidden costs of transitioning from renter to homeowner range from potential home repairs to remodeling and they add up quickly! Q: We are definitely ready to be done renting, as we need more space and a home that can accomodate dogs. We have one dog and and would love to add more. Factoring in [...]
What is a mechanic’s lien and is there one on your property? Had a falling out with a home contractor? Withheld payment? You may face some major repercussions in the form of a home lien. Q: How can I find out if there is a mechanic's lien on my property? A painter painted the house.But [...]
When your parent dies without a will, how do you claim ownership of their property? Even if you’ve been paying the property taxes, you may have to take more steps in order to put the title in your name. Q: My mother died five years ago without a will. I have been paying taxes on [...]
Buying a home as a single parent: What you need to consider before making the big move including school district and overall space. Q: I got divorced in October and have an eight year old child. When my "divorce apartment" lease was up, I bought in a town about 15 to 20 minutes away, in [...]
What’s the best way to transfer a home title to a family member who’s been living in the home? Hint: A quitclaim deed may not be sufficient enough. Q: Hi Ilyce and Sam! We have a question about what's the best way to transfer a home title to a family member who has been living [...]
No seller disclosure? A home buyer is worried about investing in a home where the seller refuses to provide a seller disclosure form. What are the liabilities? Q: We are first time home buyers and we liked a house which is 20 years old and looks to be in good condition except for kitchen appliance, [...]
Here’s how to confirm your mortgage is paid off. While it’s confusing to walk through the process of confirming your mortgage is paid off, you shouldn’t have to pay anyone to do it for you. Q: I live in Indiana. Who can I hire to call Fannie Mae to get the facts on the satisfaction [...]
Should you have a transfer on death deed, a living trust or both? For this reader, it may be best to pursue all options available to them. Q: My father signed a quit claim deed in 2008 for my mother to be sole owner of their mobile home. Now, in 2018, she put him as [...]
Buying your spouse out of the house is not unusual, but take some consideration before getting a loan do so. Q: My ex-husband wants money before he signs the house over to me. We have no mortgage on the home. I’d like to know if I can take home equity loan just to pay him [...]
What you need to consider before buying your first home later in life? From mortgage terms to tax deductions, there’s many decision to be made before buying your first home. Note: This post has been updated to reflect a correction to the amount of the 2018 State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction change in the [...]
