Condominium and Co-op Insurance – Is there a difference?
Reader Question: Could you please address the relevant differences for co-op owners seeking adequate home insurance coverage? Are they…
Don’t Be Confused When It Comes to Condo Insurance
Condominium insurance is often misunderstood, and for good reason. Typically, owners are protected under two insurance policies: a…
What To Do When the Seller is a Realtor Who Gives You False Information About the House You Bought
I purchased a home that was advertised in the multiple-listing service to have off-street parking, and a photograph…
Why Your Home Appraisal May Be Lower Than You Think — and What You Can Do About It
With home prices on the rise, it’s easy to assume that property appraisal levels will increase accordingly. But…
Know Before You Owe Disclosure Forms
(Most states require sellers to fill out a disclosure form or disclose material facts about the property. To…
Condo Living Can Be Ideal Until … New Owners Take Over the Board
I’ve lived in a condominium for over 15 years, and overall, it has served me well. The building…
Homeowners Take Note: You May Have More Tax Deductions Than You Know
The 2016 tax year officially opened Jan. 19 when the Internal Revenue Service started accepting 2015 tax returns….
A Foreign Buyer Brings Complications to a Real Estate Deal
If you find a foreign buyer for your property, you may be concerned that selling to a non-U.S. citizen might complicate the closing process. Will additional paperwork be required? Will there be problems with clearing the buyer’s funds? Are there unusual challenges if the potential buyer intends to obtain a mortgage?
What is PMI insurance?
PMI or Private Mortgage Insurance insures lenders against losses when they have to foreclose and can only sell…
Sample Quitclaim Deed
Here is a sample quitclaim deed taken from the pages of The Complete Guide to Your Real Estate…
What Is the IRS Form 4506 Which I Might Be Asked to Sign at Closing?
What is the IRS Form 4506 which I might be asked to sign at closing? Form 4506 is…
Can I Ever Get Someone Else to Pay My Closing Costs for Me?
One of the most effective ways of avoiding one or more of your closing costs is to ask…
Will My Ex-Husband’s Debts Show Up on My Credit Report?
Your divorce decree does not relieve you from joint debts you incurred while married. You are responsible for…
Mortgage Payment Calculator
Use this handy calculator to figure payments on the loan you are considering.
Real Estate Links
Buyer Resources Seller Resources Escrow and Closing Resources Real Estate Professionals State and Regional Title Associations Buyer Resources…
What Happens When Your Rental Is Being Converted Into a Condo?
Do you live in an apartment building that is going to be converted to a condominium? If so, are you at risk of being evicted? Or is this your unanticipated chance to finally become a homeowner? Many cities where land is scarce and housing is hard to find have developers who are clamoring to find established rental buildings that are suitable for conversion.
Closing and Settlement Q&A
“Closing” or settlement or “escrow” is listed as one of the top ten problem areas that occurs in…
Will I Have to File a State Income Tax Return?
There are currently seven states which do not require you to file a state income tax return. States…