Navigate

Ask Monty A Question

Buy Monty’s Book

Home Buying

Home Selling

Home Owning

Month: June 2015

  • Repercussions of the real estate meltdown still with us

      Reader Question: We recently submitted an offer on a home. The seller’s agent wanted a forty-eight-hour extension to allow the seller’s agent time to discuss our loan with our loan officer before extending a counter offer. Even though we have our pre-qualification letter for the specified amount. Is this common? Our agent assures us…

  • Does a gaggle of hobos affect property values?

      Reader Question: I just purchased a home and, after spending my first few nights there; realize that a gaggle of hobos are living in the driveway of the house next door. The Realtor had told me the heirs of the prior owners inherited the house, and it would quickly be renovated and sold. As…

  • Ten tips to find and keep a good handyman

    Reader Question: We cannot seem to find and keep a good handyman. We are at a loss to understand why they come two or maybe three times, but after that they are booked for months or have some other excuse. We need help. Do you have any advice for us? Don and Betty J. Monty’s…

  • Is shadow inventory a problem for investors?

    Reader Question: Where is one to invest in this market inclusive of the banks shadow inventory. A good example is Clarksville Tn. which appears to be an excellent opportunity, however if you consider Housing and Urban Development (HUD) unoccupied housing information, it paints a very different picture. Monty’s Answer: Unoccupied housing is a serious problem…

  • Help a family conflict with mediation and data

    Reader Question: My sister and I have been in our home since the mid 90’s and only have a $40K mortgage. She is the only one on the mortgage, and we are BOTH on the deed. The problem is we don’t get along, she has cancer and hasn’t worked but is getting treatment and now…