Month: September 2015

  • Eight tips for rent-to-own homebuyers

      Reader Question: My mother-in-law would like to do a rent-to-own agreement on a house she currently owns with my husband and me. The house is free and clear, and she wants to help us out. We would like to buy the house in about two years. What are both parties’ legal obligations in a…

  • Staging a successful real estate proposal

    Reader Question: I want to create a successful real estate proposal for a property owner. These are modest houses in a decent neighborhood where we own other rentals. One is vacant. We have a rental right next to the homes I would like to purchase. I have become somewhat of a friend of the homeowner to…

  • Home seller agrees to pre-closing occupancy

      Reader Question: Pre-closing occupancy is okay with me. I am selling my home myself. The buyer wants to move furniture in before closing? I want to do it legally. Help! Thanks, Mary T. Monty’s Answer: Your question is one of the thorniest situations in real estate transactions. The potential of alienating the buyer by saying…

  • Property owner questions eminent domain offer

    Reader Question: We are in the middle of an eminent domain offer. Our rental house is being taken for a new highway. We have 101,685 square foot property with a 1466 square foot 3 bedroom, two bath house. The Department of Transportation (DOT) offer came in at two hundred thousand dollars. Based on other sales…

  • Neighbors look to sue a sloppy neighbor

    Reader Question: Can you tell me if a homeowner can sue a sloppy neighbor or the city for not taking action on a neglected property? We have owned our home for fourteen years now. The neighbors take good care of their property. But, three years ago the pristine property across the street was sold. The…