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.
Is Title Insurance a Waste of Money?
Is title insurance a waste of money? The title company handling the purchase offered it and the homebuyer wants to know if it’s really necessary. Q: Have you ever heard of an "enhanced title?" A friend of mine is buying a home and the title company handling her purchase is offering that to her. I [...]
How to Approach Neighbors to Buy Their House
How to approach neighbors to buy their house. This reader thinks neighbors might move out in the next decade and wants to indicate interest in buying the home. Q: I live in a suburb of Chicago and have two neighbors across the street who I have met a couple of times at block parties. Both [...]
What Happens When a Will and a Quitclaim Deed Conflict?
What happens when a will and a quitclaim deed conflict? She quitclaimed her interest in the home when they split, but he never changed his will. Q: My friend prepared his will and specified that his house would go to his girlfriend. She had contributed money to the upkeep while they were together. At the [...]
Buying a House in Another State: How to View the Property Without Visiting
Buying a house in another state: How to view the property without visiting. This homebuyer doesn’t want to make the trip if it’s not for an active listing. Q: Can you give me any advice on how to make it easier to look for a house when you live in a different state? I live [...]
Buying a House That Had Work Done Without a Permit
Buying a house that had work done without a permit: What you need to know. This owner wants to know how they should proceed when sellers had work done on the home without a permit. Q: I've always been told that when buying a house I should ask to see any building permits to make [...]
How to Resolve Title Issues
How to resolve title issues. This reader sold one property but the closing attorney used the legal description for two and they need to get it fixed. Q: Earlier this year, I sold my house through a real estate company. I then moved next door to a rental home I own. A few months later, [...]
What to Know About Transferring Property to Beneficiaries
What to know about transferring property to beneficiaries. This reader wants to know if it’s better to transfer the title or go through probate. Q: I’ve enjoyed reading your recent article in our local newspaper on the differences between using a will and a quitclaim deed in order to pass property to heirs or family [...]
Is Mortgage Interest Deductible in 2020?
Is mortgage interest deductible in 2020? These homeowners have always deducted mortgage interest but their tax software is rejecting the entry this year. Q: Is mortgage interest still deductible on our federal income taxes? Is there something new that I am not aware of? Is there some reason to not have a mortgage that is [...]
How to Find the Best Lender for Your Mortgage Refinance
How to find the best lender for your mortgage refinance. This is what lenders are looking for and how to get the best deal on your mortgage refinance. Q: Is it possible for you to refer me to a mortgage lender? I'm a single woman who would like to refinance the condominium I’ve lived in [...]
How to Sell a Farm Property in 2020
How to sell a farm property in 2020. This reader had it listed with two different agents and doesn’t feel like they made an effort to make the sale. Q: I own a large farm that I have been trying to sell. I have had cattle, we do hay and have a hunting lease. But [...]