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
Real Estate
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
Easements
Dear Clients and Friends, An “easement” is a legal right of someone who doesn’t own a piece of property to use the property for a particular reason. Many properties have easements on them, so it’s important to know about them if you’re considering buying real estate. An … [Read more...] about Easements
Short-term rentals (like Airbnb) can create tax issues
Dear Clients and Friends, If you lease your home to someone for a week or two through Airbnb or any other short-term rental service, do you have to report the income on your taxes? Maybe! The answer can be complicated. In general, the key question is whether you lease … [Read more...] about Short-term rentals (like Airbnb) can create tax issues
Contingencies in Real Estate Purchase contracts
HAPPY HOLIDAYS MY FRIENDS AND TO A HAPPY-HEALTHY-WEALTHY 2018 AND MORE. Dear Clients and Friends, Once you have signed a Real Estate Purchase contract and transferred earnest money to your new escrow, it is best that you know how binding that contract is - there … [Read more...] about Contingencies in Real Estate Purchase contracts
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
