David Myers
-
A reverse mortgage shouldn't be used to pay for long-term care policyOct 10, 2014 12:01 am - Many homeowners should reject offers to take a reverse mortgage against their home in order to pay for long-term care insurance. Q. Several months ago, you wrote about t...
-
Local zoning laws can limit homeowners' property rightsOct 03, 2014 12:01 am - Q. We have a small home that sits on a very large lot. The mortgage is paid off, but we live on a modest fixed income, so we'd like to get some extra monthly cash. Would...
-
Buyer's inspection contingency beats out seller's 'as is' clauseSep 26, 2014 12:01 am - Offering a home "as is" doesn't automatically let the seller keep a buyer's deposit if an inspection turns up unexpected problems. Q. I am a longtime reader of your colu...
-
Active-duty soldiers, vets alike get new housing help from Capitol HillSep 10, 2014 1:01 am - Five large banks have agreed to streamline the process that allows military personnel to reduce the interest rate on home loans and other debt, the latest in a string of...
-
Heir must be careful when preparing will for out-of-state parentsSep 05, 2014 12:01 am - Older homeowners often ask their grown children to help draft a will or living trust, but problems can arise if parents live in one state and the kids live in another. Q...
-
Don't get frazzled when lightning strikesAug 22, 2014 12:01 am - Most homeowners insurance policies will cover damage caused by lightning, but there are exceptions to the rule. Q. If a lightning bolt strikes our home, would it be cove...
-
How buyers can protect their deposits if a home sale turns sourAug 15, 2014 12:01 am - There are a few options homebuyers should consider to bolster their chances of getting their good-faith deposit back if the proposed transaction falls apart. Q. We had a...
-
Co-investing in real estate can raise sticky problemsAug 08, 2014 12:01 am - Buying a house or rental property with someone else, even if a sibling, always is a complex task. It's often complicated when one owner wants to sell but the other doesn...
-
Why sellers shouldn't attend their own open houseAug 01, 2014 12:01 am - Nearly every agent agrees it's a bad idea for sellers to hang around when their home is shown to prospective buyers. Q. We listed our home with a real estate agent a few...
-
New roomies should sign a contract before moving in togetherJul 25, 2014 12:01 am - Whether buying a home with someone else or simply renting an apartment, it's important to establish basic rules to help avoid a nasty court battle later. Q. My buddy and...