We’ve all heard home-buying horror stories. Sellers backing out or financing falling through can quickly kill a deal. But these snags don’t hold a candle to buying a “stigmatized” home. A home where paranormal activity, suicide, murder, cult activity or other misfortunes and crimes took place could be categorized as a stigmatized property. In real
Buyers and sellers sometimes have the option of entering into a dual agency relationship with their real estate agent. Although this is not necessarily a problem, you should be aware of exactly what a dual real estate agency means and the restrictions it can place on your agent. What is a dual real estate agency?
One of renting’s major benefits is that you don’t have to worry about upkeep, maintenance and expensive repairs. So when things go bad – your dishwasher stops working, the roof is leaking or the bugs just won’t go away – your first call is usually your landlord. But how do you know what’s really their responsibility
If you’ve searched for a new place to live recently, you’ve likely seen the Equal Housing Opportunity logo (an equal sign inside a house) on a landlord’s, real estate agent’s or lender’s paperwork. But the Fair Housing Act is more than just a logo. It’s a federal law designed to protect renters and buyers from
By Leigh Raper Savvy consumers know that companies do all kinds of things to increase the bottom line. Airlines, for instance, charge for a checked bag, while others tack on fees for extra leg room. And cereal companies keep costs down by putting fewer flakes in the same size of box. But renters sometimes forget their
Ready to buy that ski cabin or lake house? Renting it out while you’re not using it is a great way to make it happen – but not so fast. Lender rules may not allow it, so here’s what you need to know. Loan types and their rules The first step to financing your vacation home is understanding
Among the dozens of records that serve to inform or disclose to the buyer significant knowledge about the property, the title report is one of the most important. It documents ownership, vesting, and detail regarding anything recorded against the home, such as liens, encroachments, or easements. The title company compiles the report from a search of
By Barry Bridges Winter brings many pleasures unique to the season, including holiday get-togethers, warm flannel bedsheets, and football viewing parties. Unfortunately, winter also has its share of perils. Ask anyone who’s ever suffered through the flu or gotten their tongue stuck to a frozen metal pole. Many homeowners face a particular set of perils in
By Stephanie Reid Whether you’re a die-hard Trump fan, proudly tout #ImWithHer, or are taking the third-party approach, chances are you haven’t kept your presidential preference a secret. While some folks limit the political discourse to the dinner table, others are a bit more outspoken. But what are the private homeowners’ rights when it comes
By Stephanie Reid Whether you’re a die-hard Trump fan, proudly tout #ImWithHer, or are taking the third-party approach, chances are you haven’t kept your presidential preference a secret. While some folks limit the political discourse to the dinner table, others are a bit more outspoken. But what are the private homeowners’ rights when it comes