Who is liable when a tree falls on neighbor’s property?
Q: When I was reading your recent article on homeowners insurance, I thought I’d share what I was surprised to learn last year. My son’s neighbor’s tree fell on his...
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You paid off your mortgage. What happens next?
Q: I recently paid off my mortgage and received a Certificate of Satisfaction from my lender that was recorded with the District of Columbia County Recorder. This certificate stated that...
You’re never too old to buy your own home
Q: I am almost 61 years old and single. I would like to buy a small two-flat to live in for the rest of my days. I am able to...
Homeowner set up a living trust and signed a quitclaim deed; but now he wants to sell his home
Q: In 2012, I set up a living trust and signed a quitclaim deed to my house and property over to my daughter. If I now decide to sell my...
Insurance coverage limits vary between carriers, policies
Q: I read your recent column on insurance coverage. In the past, I had three house fires that I had to deal with. None of these fires were my fault....
Reader questions if a family member should charge for selling mother’s house
Q: Should my brother-in-law charge commission for selling my mother’s house? A: Real estate agent, plumber, attorney, electrician, gardener, personal caretaker, chef — the job itself isn’t the issue. The...
What to do when association won’t address condo’s lack of water
Q: Our condo has no cold (or potable) water in the kitchen. The condo fee covers water. From my conversations with the condo’s management company, fixing the problem entails replacing...
Selling a house after spouse dies may be easier than expected
Q: I’m a recent widower living and I’m planning to sell my single family home in the near future. The property is mortgage-free, and I have a clear title with...
What to do when you bought too much house and hate where you live
Q: Four years ago, as a first-time homeowner, I bought a single family home in the D.C. metro area. I hate to admit this, but I failed at the due...
Why insurance policy calls for more coverage than your home is worth
Q: Every year, I get a renewal notice from my homeowners insurance company and it indicates the value of my home is over $700,000. I understand that this is what...