When it comes to quitclaimed land, as in this reader's case, you won't have legal ownership of the title if your relative didn't have legal ownership to begin with. Q: My husband's mother inherited land from a family member and isn't allowed to sell it. We moved onto an acre of it with a mobile [...]
When it comes to joint ownership and estate planning, it's important to understand whether you own the property as tenants in common or tenants with rights of survivorship. Q: I have a question. My brother and I got an apartment together nine years ago. We are joint owners. He was never married but has four [...]
Medicaid can penalize you for selling assets, like a second home, for less than they're worth. An attorney can help find the best solution for you and your family. Q: My parents own two homes, one is their primary residence, and the other belonged to my mother’s parents which she received upon their death. Both [...]
A will, living trust and power of attorney are all useful documents to have in your estate plan. Which documents are right for you can depend on your situation and the size of your estate. Q: I would like to express my appreciation to you for your reply and guidance to a previous question some [...]
If you can't locate the documents releasing your from your mortgage, your settlement agent or an attorney should be able to help. Q: Back in 2004 I refinanced my house with Taylor Bean & Whitaker. My mortgage was not fraudulent but was purchased by Bank of America. The title search on my house came up [...]
How joint ownership affects capital gains tax. Joint homeownership affects who pays capital gains tax when you sell, the cost depends on several factors. Q: I own my house, free and clear in Arizona, together with my two sons. If I sell, the capital gains tax is 15 percent. Do we each have to pay [...]
[amazon_link asins='1524763438,0812927427,0061944874,0812925319' template='ProductCarousel' store='thinkglink-20' marketplace='US' link_id='36d9a71b-d934-11e7-aeaa-1552dd5cb7bf']While Chapter 7 bankruptcy clears your obligations to pay debts that you owe, it won't clear a lien your lender has on your property. Q: I went through Chapter 7 discharge but the bank will not release the lien on my home. What can I do? A: There is at [...]
In most states, estranged spouses are entitled to a portion of their spouse's estate. Protecting your assets, as in this reader's case, can be complicated but an estate attorney can help. Q: I was married in 2010. My husband left me in 2014. In 2015, I purchased a house. I have four daughters, none with [...]
While there are several different types of real estate agents, each state has its own set of laws regarding how real estate agents may interact with buyers and sellers. Q: As a Realtor in Florida, I read your articles in our local paper (Sarasota Herald/Tribune). I think you should have clarified that each state has [...]
During a mortgage refinance, it's usually normal for your new lender to become the first mortgagee on your homeonwer's insurance policy before finalizing the refinance. Q: Should a mortgage broker or a lender name themselves as the first mortgagee on a homeowner’s insurance policy without first completing the underwriting process, appraisal and funding the loan [...]
