In most cases, estate executors need not become landlords

Q.As executor of an estate, I am trying to sell a duplex. The upper unit is now occupied, but the lower one is not. Would having a tenant in the lower unit make the house more or less attractive to prospective buyers?

A. Someone who wants to live in the house would prefer a vacant unit. An investor would rather see both units leased to dependable tenants. So, the answer is a firm “who knows?”

Unless you have some property management experience — and even if you do — you could end up with problems by taking on the headaches of being a landlord. As executor, you should probably concentrate on simply selling the property and winding up the estate.

Q. I been on time with my payments and have a good income, but I needed a couple thousand dollars when refinancing my home. One of my wealthy friends advanced me the money (20 $100 bills).

The loan officer was very upset, almost abusive. He demanded to know where I got the money. I told him a friend. He wanted to see paperwork.

A lawyer has told me that my friend could give me up to $10,000 a year with no paperwork, and the loan is between us. My friend did the same when I bought the house in 1986, but no one questioned it.

What gives? What's wrong with this as long as it is under $10,000 in any calendar year?

A. Actually, the limit was $13,000 in 2010, and it meant that someone could give you that much during the year with no gift taxes or paperwork due. It had nothing to do with mortgage lending.

These days, banks have to follow much tighter regulations than they did in 1986. And they have strict guidelines about documenting the money that pays for closing costs. That's just the way it is.

Q. I am in college, graduating in May and have a good job offer. I will move back to my parents' house for a while to build up more money.