What is a lot line adjustment? Is this an easy way to transfer property between neighbors? What goes into a lot line adjustment? Q: My neighbor owns his property with no liens and no disputes. We have reached an agreement for me to purchase part of it with cash. I have heard that a lot [...]
If I pay back taxes on a property do I own it? This reader wants to know how the system works and if he becomes the property owner when he pays back taxes. Q: If I pay the back taxes on a property do I own it? My parents are about to lose our family [...]
Are we now living in a Landlord Nation? If you look at who owns rental property in America, you might think that more people are renting than are owners, although that isn't the case. In addition to our primary residence, we own one and a half rental properties. That is, we own one by ourselves [...]
Ilyce appeared on WGN's Steve Cochran Show in Chicago recently, and was inundated by listeners who wanted to know how to appeal their property taxes. Here are three steps you shouldn't miss if you want to successfully appeal your property taxes. Q: I heard Ilyce on the radio recently talking about how to lower your property [...]
Millennial home buyers are buying up a storm of real estate. Finally. For the past decade, since the Great Recession forced so many Americans to put their lives on hold, the world of real estate has been praying for the arrival of Millennials on the home buying scene, to begin buying, selling, fixing up and [...]
With banks and bonds paying next to nothing in the way of interest on savings, more retirees are wondering if they should use their retirement savings to invest in real estate. These seniors are wondering if they should use their $1 million in retirement savings to invest in an income-producing property. There are some risks, [...]
Many homeowners ask if they should buy a new house before they sell their current home. Most people can't afford to own two homes at once, but there are many variables - such as your financial situation and housing needs - that can affect this answer. Q: I'm wondering if I should buy a new house before [...]
Q: I am a 55 and own a house in Chicago. I decided to change my career and to pursue a PhD beginning in the fall of 2018. Meanwhile, I just accepted a 1-year position in Seattle, and am not sure after my year away whether I will return to Chicago, stay in Seattle, or potentially [...]
Q: How do I find the best real estate agent? And, how do I choose which real estate agent to use? I'm learning a lot going through the process of "properly" selling my house. I interviewed five real estate agents the Saturday before last, and I was amazed by the range of differences in their [...]
How clean should you leave your house when selling? That's what this new homeowner wants to know after the sellers left a mess for her at move-in. Q: I want to know how clean should a seller leave a house after the closing? My husband and I recently took possession of our new home this past [...]
