1. Why are there still poor real estate appraisals?

      Reader Question: Today, we have fantastic technology. We have companies using algorithms that evaluate homes without even walking through the house. Yet we still have poor real estate appraisers. I want to refinance my home with the low-interest rates. I am working with one of the big players that lend across the country. I […]

  2. We contracted to buy a home and discovered major undisclosed issues. We backed out, and now the seller will not release our deposit. What should we do?

    Reader Question: We signed a contract on a home. In reviewing disclosures, everything seemed ok. We found out a week later that the city water and sewer was confirmed to run under the house and through the middle of the back yard and also services three properties to the south. We also learned the water […]

  3. Understanding the importance of home buying contingencies

    What are home buying contingencies? Home buying contingencies are contractual requirements regarding fundamental aspects of the transaction upon which settling the contract is dependent. Because a home is an expensive and complex structure, it is often difficult or costly to address all issues prior to agreeing on the terms of a purchase or sale. The real […]