Noteworthy Articles Re: Condo Ownership


Q. I recently entered into a contract to buy a house, but the deal went bad because the house did not appraise for the negotiated price.
 
 Upgrades to the common areas over the years can affect the amount of tax you owe when you sell. It's a tax break that many people overlook.
 
 
 
A legal brawl is breaking out over how homes are appraised, at what cost and by whom. The outcome could directly affect how much you pay for your next piece of real estate and how much money you can borrow.

 
If you own or plan to buy a condominium, an ominous new phase of the mortgage-credit squeeze could be looming for you.
 
 
Standard Form Would Provide Details on Terms and Costs to Borrowers

Pressures Grow for Good Appraisals and Bad

Real Estate Mailbag

In a mortgage refund, the bank holding the loan reimburses all interest, closing costs and broker fees to the borrower. The borrower pays the balance of the loan, usually with a new mortgage.
 
At Builders Show, a Quest for The Ultimate Gadget
I have been spending time recently kicking the tires of a new Web site, http://www.mortgagegrader.com, which has excellent credentials.

Forms of Ownership

Foreclosure Isn't a Foregone Conclusion

Bankruptcy: a Drastic Step but Sometimes the Wisest One

Finding the Silver Lining in Foreclosures

Ailing Economy's Lower Rates Provide Opportunity to Refinance

How much is it worth for your condo or homeowners association to keep its money safe?
 
A month ago, I had never heard of a wireless digital readout monitor for home electricity use, but now that I have used one for several days, I would recommend it for every household.
 
Q: I am a tenant, and the owner of my apartment complex recently sent notification to the residents that as a condition of our lease, we are required to have $100,000 in renter's insurance coverage in case of damage to the apartment.
 
Condo Owners, Renters Often Don't Know Limits of Insurance
 
Make a record of the contents of your home with a written list of items backed up by photos or a video.
The Insurance Information Institute has free downloadable software at http:/ / www.knowyourstuff.org
that it says can help owners tally the value of personal property. 

 

When Walls Get in the Way

Condo Kitchen Conundrum

Lease, sell or fix

Contracting? Cover Your Bases

Reverse Mortgages: The Choices Expand

Loan Servicers, the Lesser-Known Predators

There's No Debating This Policy: Everyone Needs Renter's Insurance

Condo Board Must Juggle Privacy, Openness

Architectural Committee Has No Right to Remain Silent

The New Jersey Supreme Court recently dealt a serious blow to dissident community association homeowners there, ruling that protections for free speech and freedom of assembly don't apply to a private community association.

Happy With Homeowners Groups
About 57 million people live in communities governed by associations, including homeowners associations, condominiums and cooperatives. A 2005 survey of association members by Zogby Research found:
What is a point? What is a margin? What does "due on sale" mean? Did you comparison shop and review the APR? What's APR, anyway?


Q: DEAR BOB: About two years ago, I set up a revocable living trust and included my checking, savings and stock brokerage accounts. I recently realized that the title to my condominium is not in my living trust. What must I do to place my condo into my living trust to avoid probate after I die?


Real estate commission rebates are back in the news.

Q: DEAR BOB: As a real estate agent, I want to thank you for your recent item about the drawbacks of cutting home sales commissions below the customary rate.

Subleasing? Protect Your Rights by Making It Official.

Q: I own a condo that I have rented out for 13 years. I'm concerned about my property manager.
Q: DEAR BOB: Which home mortgage fees are proper for a lender to charge borrowers?

Q: We own and live in a small condominium in the District. The tenant who lives below us smokes, and the smoke is entering our unit. We plan to have a baby soon and do not want the smoke to create health problems for us. What can we do?

Setting ground rules is a critical part of managing a remodeling project. David Lupberger, author of "Managing the Emotional Homeowner," suggests some issues homeowners should discuss with their builders before a project begins:

What happens when the owners of a two-story house can't manage the stairs any longer?