Revocable vs irrevocable trust: which is better. The difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts and the purpose each serves in estate planning. Q: I am divorced and have two grown daughters. I am placing my house in a trust. My attorney is recommending an irrevocable trust. Which do you prefer, revocable or irrevocable and why? [...]
How do I verify details in an online real estate listing? This reader wants to avoid contacting listing agents after they got spammed with emails. Q: I am interested in selling a house in Cincinnati and moving to Maryland near D.C. I’d like to do this in the near term future but not immediately. A [...]
Should I tell my real estate agent how much I’m pre-approved for? This reader is worried the agent will tell the seller and they’ll hold out for a higher price. Q: Does a real estate agent need to get copies of our pre-approval letter from our lender before taking us to search for homes? My [...]
Real estate closings and remote online notarization in 2020. How real estate professionals are finalizing closings during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a follow up to a recent story on online notaries and remote online notarization, we received several letters and have some more information for our readers. Comment: I understand the need for online notaries. [...]
How can I promote my condo? This reader’s condo was listed for 15 months and they’re worried potential buyers weren’t aware of building improvements. Q: Most Realtors representing condo buyers don’t educate their buyers about condo reserve funding: The pros and cons of fully, partially or non-funding of reserves. My beachfront condo in Florida was [...]
What is the difference between a trust and a life estate? And is it easier to sell a home that's held in a trust or in a life estate? How do I find out if I am listed on a trust? Q: Not really a question as much as a comment on your story about [...]
How will the coronavirus pandemic impact the spring market? Unemployment claims, mortgage rates and home buying activity in the spring of 2020. It’s been another week of dreadful news about the economic repercussions of the COVID pandemic. And, while there have been slight improvements here or there, it’s all pretty dark. How Will the Coronavirus [...]
Moving during the coronavirus pandemic: what you need to know. Steps for safely planning your move to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Moving during the coronavirus pandemic when most neighborhoods are practicing social distancing is tricky, but it can be done if you take proper precautions to reduce the risk of exposing yourself [...]
How to insure a house in a living trust. This reader wants to know how insurance coverage works if policies are titled in the name of a living trust. Q: My insurance agent said the insurance company wants my policies (fire, wind and umbrella) titled in the name of my living trust. While doing some [...]
How do I take property out of an LLC? This reader wants to know how to take their house out of an LLC that’s in administrative dissolution. Q: I hope you can help me with this mess. I have an ex-partner who talked me into putting my house into a limited liability company (LLC) with [...]
