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.
Refinancing a HELOC Loan After a Divorce
Refinancing a HELOC loan after a divorce. This reader wants to know about refinancing a home equity line of credit to remove an ex-spouse's name. Q: I got divorced about four years ago. The deed to the house was, and is, in my name alone, and has been from the time we bought it. During [...]
Seller Didn’t Disclose Water Damage, Now What?
Seller didn’t disclose water damage, now what? These homeowners moved in and found themselves with flooded basements from cracks, leaks and clogged drains. From time to time, we get a series of questions on the same topic. This week, everyone seems to have water on the brain. Literally. We’re running some of the questions and [...]
Using a Quitclaim Deed to Put Property in Living Trust
Using a quitclaim deed to put property in living trust. This homeowner has questions about signing a quitclaim deed to put property into her husband's living trust. Q: My husband used his inheritance to purchase our home outright. I signed a quitclaim deed to him to put the property into his living trust. The condition [...]
Is a Rental Property a Good Investment?
Is a rental property a good investment? This is what you need to know about buying, managing and maintaining a rental property. Q: I just finished reading your book, 100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask, cover to cover. I found the information fantastic and will be consulting the book often. Having had the [...]
What Is an Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement?
What is an exclusive buyer agency agreement? This homebuyer was asked to sign an agency agreement and wants to know the pros and cons of agency exclusivity. Q: We are looking for homes to buy and one of the real estate agents we interviewed wants us to sign an agency agreement form that will commit [...]
What You Need to Know About Buying a Home in 2019
What you need to know about buying a home in 2019. From low housing inventory to mortgage rate hikes, let these four tips be your guide. In the twenty-five years or so that we’ve been writing this column, we’ve started each new year with a look back at the year that was (in this case, [...]
10 Mistakes to Avoid When Renting an Apartment
Renting an apartment is tricky. There are at least 10 mistakes you should avoid making when you rent an apartment. If you can avoid making these mistakes, you'll save yourself time and money. When you rent an apartment for the first time, you're bound to make a mistake. In fact, research shows there are 10 [...]
How to Pick a New Neighborhood
How to pick a new neighborhood Most tenants looking for a place to rent will spend much of the time looking at what kind of space they’ll have inside the four walls of an apartment. That makes sense, since it’s what you will see daily, and there’s an important connection that needs to be made. [...]
How to Find a Great Landlord
How to find a great landlord - and a good apartment to rent Finding the right rental property can be very stressful. Renters spend most of their time searching for a rental unit that satisfies basic living needs, such as the size, look and location of the property. But if you don’t find a great [...]
How Do I Measure House Square Footage? What You Need to Know
How do I measure house square footage? Square footage is measured in surprising ways, and is done differently around the country, here’s what you need to know. Q: I'm buying a house in Pawling, NY. The measured indoor space (all rooms, closets, hallway, vestibule) equals 1,430 square feet while the house is listed at 1,680 [...]