Have real estate questions? Here, you’ll find helpful articles and other resources that cover issues related to real estate, buying, selling, financing, refinancing, credit and debt, insurance, second homes, vacation homes, real estate investment, new construction, and renovation.
Selling a House in Disrepair: Tax Implications
Selling a house in disrepair: tax implications. This reader wants to know how selling a rundown family home will affect their income taxes. Q: I recently received title to a home from my brother by quitclaim deed. He purchased the home in 1982 from my parents who at the time were in financial trouble. My [...]
How Do Water Leak Detectors Work?
How do water leak detectors work? How new technology uses artificial intelligence to detect water leaks and prevent water infiltration. Several months ago, we went to the Housewares show in Chicago. There were a couple of companies showing off their latest technology for detecting water leaks in homes. What Causes Water Infiltration? Water infiltration is [...]
Can a Surviving Spouse Sell the House?
Can a surviving spouse sell the house? This reader wants to know if they can sell the property if they’re on the house deed but not the mortgage. Q: My wife passed away last year and she was on the mortgage to the home and on the title to the house deed. I’m not on [...]
Is a Land Swap a Good Way to Clear Up Boundary Line Issues?
Is a land swap a good way to clear up boundary line issues? This reader wants help figuring out how to resolve boundary line issues from an old land survey. Is a Land Swap a Good Way to Clear Up Boundary Line Issues from a Land Survey? Q: We own a large lot in Massachusetts [...]
What Are My Rights If My Name Is on a Deed?
What are my rights if my name is on a deed? My father put my name on the deed to his home but when he died his widow sold the house without me, now what? Q: Before my father died he added my name to the deed on his house which was mortgage free. He [...]
If I Pay Taxes on a Property Do I Own It?
If I pay taxes on a property do I own it? This reader paid real estate taxes on a boyfriend’s home and wants to know if they have a claim to the property. Q: I live with my boyfriend and have been with him for about 12 years. We have two children. He bought a [...]
I Bought a House With Problems Not Disclosed, Now What?
I bought a house with problems not disclosed, now what? This new homeowner found out about a major insurance claim for tornado damage after closing. Q: My husband and I bought a home two years ago and we had a multitude of problems. First, the real estate agent forgot to offer us a walk-thru until [...]
What Are the Property Tax Implications of Dissolving an LLC?
What are the property tax implications of dissolving an LLC? How will taxes be affected if this reader dissolves the LLC the rental property is held in? What Are the Property Tax Implications of Dissolving an LLC Q: I own a rental property that I put into a limited liability company (LLC). Now, I’m planning [...]
What Does a Home Inspector Do?
What does a home inspector do? This home seller thinks the requests a buyer made after the home inspection are unreasonable. Q: I enjoyed your column today in the Sunday Chicago Tribune. In your experience, have you come across buyers trying to use their home inspector to assert that there are many problems with a [...]
Buyer Representation Agreements: How Do They Work?
Buyer representation agreements: how do they work? This reader points out that some states have real estate laws that regulate buyer agency agreements. Q: I saw your recent article on exclusive buyer agents and buyer agency agreements that discussed an agent that required the homebuyer to sign an agreement for the showing. I feel your [...]