Real Estate Columns
-
Buyers propose a do-it-yourself home inspection
Feb 21, 2021 6:00 AM - Q: We are buying a new home and have decided not to hire a home inspector. When we sold our previous home, my husband accompanied the buyers' home inspector to learn what inspectors do. Our Realtor advised us to hire a home inspector, but my husband says he can do it himself.
-
Association likely must pay to restore garage
Feb 20, 2021 7:00 AM - Q: I live in a condominium association. The roots of a tree located on the common elements of the association have damaged the concrete slab of the garage floor of my unit. Who is responsible for repairing the damage to the concrete slab?
-
Builder plays games with warranty
Feb 14, 2021 6:00 AM - Q: I purchased a new home less than one year ago and expected to be covered by the builder's warranty. But the builder refuses to repair any of the defects I've reported to him.
-
First condo board given opportunity to end long-term contracts
Feb 13, 2021 7:00 AM - Certain long-term contracts entered into by the developer may be canceled by the association. A provision in the law was enacted to deal, to some extent, with long-term "sweetheart" contracts between a developer and entities created by a developer.
-
West Chicago company sows the seeds for a bumper crop of gardeners
Feb 9, 2021 6:13 AM - The pandemic and harsh winter linger. But Ball Horticultural Co. in West Chicago is sowing the seeds for a bumper crop of gardeners.
-
Alleged collusion among agents and home inspectors
Feb 7, 2021 6:00 AM - Q: As an expert witness in construction-defect lawsuits, I see cases involving home inspectors who fail to disclose defects or who minimize the findings in their reports. One inspector confided that too many problems in his report might "kill" a sale, and the agents would no longer recommend him to buyers.
-
Past tenant has no financial obligation when lease expires
Feb 6, 2021 7:00 AM - Q: I signed a lease with a friend of mine about a year and a half ago for a condo in Chicago. When the year was up, I moved out but my friend stayed. Apparently he is no longer paying rent because he is getting letters from attorneys saying both him and I owe five months back rent.
-
Real estate agent can serve on the board
Feb 6, 2021 7:00 AM - Q: A real estate agent serves on our condominium association board. This real estate agent lists many units in the building, serving as an agent for unit owners in the association. Does this board member have a conflict of interest that would prevent him from serving on the board?
-
How to make your own storm windows
Feb 6, 2021 6:00 AM - Q: My house has double-pane windows, but I still plan to make and add some storm windows myself. How should I build them and are indoor or outdoor storm windows more energy efficient?
-
Sellers refuse to repair new damage
Jan 31, 2021 6:00 AM - Q: The sellers of the home we're buying hired a septic contractor to inspect and pump the sewage system. In the course of this work, they cut two sections from the front entry walkway to provide access to the tank. When they were done, they simply set the cut pieces into place in a way that is unsightly, uneven, and likely to trip someone.
Show 1-10 of 3,819
next »
bottom clear