Legality of real estate drone use still up in the air
Q: We have just started selling our house and our real estate agent wants to take aerial pictures using a drone. It sounds interesting but we don't want to get...
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Agent’s closing gift to buyer won’t violate real estate law
Q: I recently got my license as a real estate agent and have a question about the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. I just completed a transaction and settlement is...
How to deal with insurance contractors after a fire
Q: My husband and I own a rental property that was insured for $287,000. When the last tenant moved out, we spiffed it up and put it on the market...
Tax credits available for certain energy-efficient upgrades
Q: We plan to add a new room to our house by the end of this year, at a cost of about $60,000. What are the tax consequences, if any?...
Oral contracts can be difficult to enforce
Q: Does a real estate contract have to be in writing or is an oral contract valid and enforceable? A: State laws differ, but from my experience, the answer is...
When it comes to office write-off, size may matter
Q: I moonlight as a consultant and use one room in my home as my office. I have read that to be able to take a home office deduction, my...
Talk to lender rather than skip mortgage payments
Q: Can a mortgage company's mistake cost me big bucks? I was told an audit uncovered a shortage in my escrow balance. To make up for the shortage, I must...
In some areas, earthquake insurance might be worth the cost
Q: I have a town home that is paid off in California. I am worried if an earthquake hits I will lose my entire investment. How do I adequately insure...
Loan preapproval shows commitment, and lender should guarantee privacy
Q: What happens to all the private information that we give to a mortgage company when applying for a mortgage preapproval, such as your Social Security number, tax returns, etc.?...
Double-check that your property deed is recorded
Q: I had a house that I sold, and the buyers used a hard-money loan. I asked my title lady to give me a copy of the HUD report showing...