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What to Ask the Broker
Dear Edith: As a retired associate real estate broker, I was interested in the item about what questions homeowners should ask when interviewing prospective brokers.
Asking how many homes an agent sold last year might reveal important information, …Read more.
96-Year-Old With Mortgage
Dear Ms. Lank: When my 96-year-old dad dies, will we heirs have to pay on his mortgage until the property sells? What happens if we don't make payments? — M. L. via askedith.com
Answer: Your dad's estate would be responsible for mortgage …Read more.
Can't Take it Back
Dear Edith: Twelve years ago, my dad, then 80, purchased a condo in Florida for himself and his live-in girlfriend. He paid $30,000 for it. His girlfriend contributed nothing. He has paid all the maintenance fees. The deed states that in the event …Read more.
What to Ask
What to Ask
Dear Edith: We are going to sell our condo this spring and intend to follow your advice and interview three realtors. We are not sure what probing questions to ask. Can you please advise us? — L. R.
…Read more.
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It All DependsIt All Depends Dear Edith: My husband and I are both in our 70s and we would like to know if it is a good idea to have the names of our four children put on the deed to our house. It is all paid for, and we want to stay in the house as long as we can. — via askedith.com Answer: The answer is a firm "It all depends." I know your ages, that you don't plan to retire elsewhere, and that the house is free and clear. All that is relevant, but a few more things should be considered: Would there be a large profit if the house were sold? How solid are your kids' credit ratings? How good are their marriages? How much auto liability insurance do they carry? Do any of them live with you? Do you have long-term care insurance? What is the size of your estate? How's your health? Would you keep some co-ownership or turn over entire title? Would you retain life estate? Do you have wills, and what do they say? Who would pay the property taxes and how do your income tax brackets compare? Does your state offer seniors a break on property taxes? How do your kids feel about becoming co-owners? How do they all get along? Might you want to tap equity with a reverse mortgage some day? And most important: What are you trying to accomplish? I've been taking a scolding from some readers lately because I keep saying, "See a lawyer." But you need advice from someone who can consider factors like those I've listed above, someone who knows the ins and outs of capital gains taxes, health insurance and estate taxes. Clotheslines and Rooster Dear Mrs. Lank: My neighbor has strung multiple clotheslines across his grape arbor, which is across my back wall. My view of this is from every back window of my house and of course my back yard. I asked if he could please lower his lines due to its unsightliness but he just raised them instead. A few months later he purchased a giant rooster from a game show and put it next to the grape arbor. Any advice? — via askedith.com Answer: You are suffering from what appraisers call "external obsolescence," which is defined as the loss of value due to conditions beyond the property line.
About the rooster, you can contact your city or town hall to see if it's allowed. And about the view, while you're talking with the authorities, ask whether you could legally build that back wall higher. Paid Off, What Next Dear Edith: We have paid off our mortgage loan. The mortgage company sent a letter stating that they would file papers with the county or to whomever it legally needed to go to. What is the procedure when someone pays off his or her loan? How do we get copies of our deed? — Z. M. S. Answer: Your county's public records office shows the debt out against your property. Now your lender will file another document that shows the loan has been repaid. In most states, the document is called a certificate of satisfaction. In some states it takes the form of a reconveyance deed, but you don't need to worry about the technical difference. After the document has been entered in the public records, it should be sent on for you to keep. You're all right, though, as long as it's on file with the county. If you want any of the documents there, you can always order a copy. Renting Inherited Home Dear Ms. Lank: I am an only child who has inherited a home with no mortgage from my dad. I have not probated fully his estate, and I tried to sell the home but it didn't so I am now going to rent it. Is it better to close the estate and put it in my name or stall the estate closing and rent it in my father's name? What are the tax implications of this situation? - via askedith.com Answer: First off, let me warn you that being a landlord is no job for an amateur. It's easy to get into trouble, especially if you're the kind of person who does things without the help of an attorney and an accountant. Without knowing any of the details, I'd strongly advise you to keep that house on the market. Drop the asking price until you and your real estate agent find a level that brings buyers. The lawyer who is helping you handle your father's estate will have advice about whether it's necessary to make any change in title at this point. And whether or not you go through with a rental, you should certainly consult an accountant about tax matters. Edith Lank will respond personally to any question sent to www.askedith.com, or mail at 240 Hemingway Drive, Rochester NY 14620 COPYRIGHT 2013 CREATORS.COM 
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