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Robert Bruss
Reverse mortgages can be good tools--for some
August 19, 2006.
Q. I began getting Social Security last February. Then in May this year I lost my job.
Don't let bad credit stop you from buying a home
August 18, 2006.
`What is your credit score?" That was the question one of my best friends asked me at lunch a few weeks ago.
Buyers' market requires aggressive approach to listings
August 12, 2006.
Q. My wife and I are thinking about listing our $425,000 home for sale with a real estate agency, which charges a $1,995 commission.
10 things to ask agents before listing your home
August 11, 2006.
If you plan to sell your home in 2006, now is the time to get busy. That's because September, October and early November traditionally are when the second-largest numbers of homes are sold (April, May and June are the top months in most cities.)
When a neighbor is a real nuisance
August 4, 2006.
"Do I have to disclose to my buyer the real reason I am selling my house is the noisy neighbors?"
Don't allow trust to overlook title to home or condo
July 29, 2006.
Q. About two years ago, I set up a revocable living trust and placed my checking, savings and stock brokerage accounts in it.
Going on the record about old, unrecorded deeds
July 28, 2006.
`Is my 18-year-old, unrecorded deed any good?" That was the question asked in a letter I received recently.
Some clues that a so-so house is great investment
July 14, 2006.
`I can't believe the mortgage company approved me to buy a condo in such bad shape."
Reverse mortgage likely a better option for an elderly homeowner
July 8, 2006.
Q. My mother, 78, owns her home free and clear, is alert and in quite good health.
The secrets to profiting from a probate property
July 7, 2006.
Are you a real estate agent looking for listings with little or no competition? Are you a home buyer searching for a below-market-price residence few other buyers know about? Can you keep a secret?
Pros and cons of joint tenancy
June 30, 2006.
`How would you like to take title to your new home, Mr. and Mrs. Buyer?" the attorney or title closing settlement officer asks.
Check your property easement lately?
June 23, 2006.
Not long ago, a neighbor asked if I knew where our sewer and storm drains are located.
Stealing neighbor's property sometimes is perfectly legal
June 16, 2006.
`Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's property" is part of the Ten Commandments. But real estate law in every state says it is OK to steal your neighbor's land if you comply with state law.
Can't completely avoid IRS bite out of sale profit
June 10, 2006.
Q. Due to a job promotion and transfer we must sell our house of 21 years. Our nice problem is the net profit will be about $625,000. My wife and I are aware $500,000 of that amount for a married couple will be tax-free, thanks to Internal Revenue Code 121. However, my insurance agent told me that if we buy a replacement principal residence of equal or greater cost, we could also avoid paying tax on the additional $125,000 capital gain.
Lots of lookers, no takers could signal 1 of 5 red flags
June 9, 2006.
Although 2005 was a record home sales volume year, the number of residence sales has slowed this year.
The commission conundrum
June 2, 2006.
A few days ago I received an e-mail from a reader who asked if real estate listing agents would reduce their customary sales commission rate for expensive homes.
First-time buyers need to know who's on their side
May 26, 2006.
During this peak season when more houses and condos sell than during any other time of this year, buyers in the market for the first time often wonder how to go about purchasing their homes.
Damage stemming from neighbor's tree
March 21, 2004.
Q. My neighbor has a "monster tree," which has a trunk at least a yard wide.
Copyright © 2006, Chicago Tribune
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