Real Estate Columns
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Know the scope and limits of home inspection
Jan 22, 2023 7:00 AM - Q: What exactly are home inspectors required to inspect, and what are they not required to inspect? It seems some inspectors include decks, pools and spas, while others do not.
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Association needs to have one voice dealing with contractors
Jan 20, 2023 6:00 AM - Q: A couple of contractors for the association have indicated they will no longer bid for future work with the association. The stated reason is they have received contradictory comments and instructions from various board members. What can we do to avoid this conflict in the future?
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Permit peril: Will new owners have to restore converted garage bedroom to original use?
Jan 14, 2023 7:00 AM - New homeowners received noticed that their garage was converted to a bedroom without a building permit by the previous owners. The new owners failed to require an "as-built" permit. Will they have to tear out the conversion?
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Can an association police your car's plate registration?
Jan 13, 2023 7:00 AM - A condominium board passes a rule that allows them to levy fines against residents who have expired licensed plates and park in the association's common element parking lot. Is this fine enforceable?
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Taking flight: A new business model helped DuPage Airport Authority and NAI Hiffman a success
Jan 9, 2023 1:24 PM - When a technology park didn't work out, DuPage Airport Authority and NAI Hiffman went a new direction, turning DuPage Business Center into a manufacturing and warehousing development.
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Lien is invalid if homeowner was not notified
Jan 6, 2023 7:00 AM - Q: My husband and I hired someone to do some repairs around our house. This included some roof repair, painting and the replacement of many cedar boards. Although we had a few disagreements along the way, the work was eventually done to our satisfaction and the contractor was paid in full. Now, six months after the work was done, we have received a mechanics lien notice from a local lumberyard demanding $2,800 for the lumber used to repair our home.
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Board responsibilities go beyond keeping assessments low
Jan 6, 2023 6:00 AM - Q: The board of our condominium association thinks its primary responsibility is to keep monthly assessments low and to avoid special assessments. I would like to know what you think of that.
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Home inspections in a hot market
Jan 1, 2023 6:00 AM - Q: In a past article, you wrote: "It is the height of professional irresponsibility for any real estate agent to advise a client against having a home inspection." In most cases, I would agree with your advice. But in a hot market, purchase offers that call for a home inspection are often rejected by sellers.
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Punish the disobedient owner, not the dog
Dec 30, 2022 7:00 AM - Q: There is a dog walking area set up in our association to serve a large number of dogs. Bags and a trash can are provided for disposal of dog waste. The association's rules, and a sign posted at the dog walk area, instruct residents to dispose of dog waste.
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Buyer complains about home inspector
Dec 25, 2022 7:00 AM - Q: We hired a home inspector to check out our house before we bought it. His report indicated no problems, but after closing the deal we discovered many problems: The pool heater did not work: $2,900. The clothes washer had bad bearings: $450. The kitchen sink leaked: $250.
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