Dear Clients and Friends, The next-door neighbors convinced your aunt to sign over the deed to her house. Your stepfather’s long-lost son came to visit and walked away with a quitclaim deed to the family cottage. What do you do when you suspect someone did something “fishy” to … [Read more...] about Challenging a quitclaim deed
Real Estate
Selling a property “as is” still requires an honest seller
Dear Clients and Friends, A buyer who discovered that her new house was contaminated with mold can sue the seller, even though the house was purchased “as is” and the seller specifically said there might be mold in it, according to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. Catherine … [Read more...] about Selling a property “as is” still requires an honest seller
Seven things sellers do that can kill a sale
Dear Clients and Friends, The home market is still hot, but that doesn’t mean sellers can be demanding prima donnas. Certain mistakes can turn buyers off, cost you thousands of dollars, or even squash a deal altogether. Here are some of the top things that could dissuade … [Read more...] about Seven things sellers do that can kill a sale
Escrow cancellation considerations
Dear Clients and Friends, If and when you consider backing out of a real estate purchase agreement we suggest you consider the points set forth in this memo. Standard real estate contracts contain inspection and mortgage contingencies that allow buyers a limited amount of … [Read more...] about Escrow cancellation considerations
5 ways to avoid mortgage fraud on mortgage application
Dear Clients and Friends, There are all sorts of stories out there about predatory lenders being sued for fraud against homebuyers. On the other side of the coin, however, a study by CoreLogic found that fraud by mortgage applicants is also rising. According to the study, … [Read more...] about 5 ways to avoid mortgage fraud on mortgage application
Divorce and thoughts on selling the family home
Dear Clients and Friends, Aside from child custody, the most emotionally charged issue in a divorce is usually who gets to keep the house. For most couples, a house is their most valuable asset, and it has an enormous symbolic value as well. But while couples often … [Read more...] about Divorce and thoughts on selling the family home
