Edith Lank
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Don't worry that Zillow will tank your home saleJan 06, 2018 5:00 am - Q. I have a question about appraisals and home values. Our house is appraised for tax purposes at a lower value than the house next door, which has greater square footag...
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Finding the bargains when shopping for a houseDec 30, 2017 5:00 am - Q. We are just starting out, and we can afford to buy a home if we can find a bargain. But we don't want to make a mistake and end up with problems. We'd appreciate any ...
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Judgment problem causes sticky situationDec 23, 2017 6:00 am - Q. Five siblings have a contract to sell their father's house that they inherited. One has a judgment against him. The broker says the house can't close without that jud...
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This week, the short answer is 'Consult a CPA'Dec 16, 2017 5:00 am - I try to hold the "see a lawyer" responses down to once a week, but this week's questions all can be answered simply as "consult a CPA." Q. My mother-in-law sold her hou...
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With deed in hand, you officially become 'owner'Dec 09, 2017 5:34 am - Q. To settle a bet, I'd like to know: When exactly does homeownership transfer? Is it when the new deed is entered in the public records office? A. Way back when few peo...
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Once a duplex, not always a duplex, it seemsDec 02, 2017 6:00 am - Q. I own a house in the city in an area that is older but still has mainly single-family dwellings. Years ago, the house was a duplex, but walls were removed to make it ...
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Readers offer corrections on closing proceduresNov 25, 2017 5:00 am - It's my own fault. I'm breaking the rule I made maybe 40 years ago that says to stay away from items about real estate closings. The settlement procedures in which selle...
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How long to wait before reducing the priceNov 17, 2017 5:00 am - Q. You have advised that a house priced right will sell, and if it is not selling, it could be priced too high for the market. Obviously, all situations are unique, but ...
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It's wise to change locks after the closingNov 11, 2017 5:00 am - Q. When you wrote about real estate closings, one of the things you did not mention was to change the locks, or have the lock cylinders changed, so that the old keys no ...
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Family may need two lawyers to sell grandfather's houseNov 04, 2017 6:00 am - Q. My father-in-law is moving from his home of 60 years to assisted living. One of his grandchildren wants to buy the house, possibly in a cash deal. What is the best wa...